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Average Price: $4,699
High-end/Boutique
$150
$601+
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Description
The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer encapsulates the essence of beat creation. Synonymous with the evolution of music, this drum machine boasts a distinctive warm tone and colorful sequencing buttons that have made it a cornerstone in the music industry. While initially designed to emulate session drummers, it instead carved out its own niche, inspiring generations of artists and producers with its unique electronic tones. Its booming kick, sharp snare, tunable toms, and a myriad of percussion elements offer the capability to create and sequence complete rhythm tracks, making the Roland TR-808 a game-changer in rhythm composition.
Key Features: - Iconic drum machine with a warm tone and colorful sequencing buttons. - Booming kick, sharp snare, tunable toms, and a variety of percussion elements. - Can create and sequence complete rhythm tracks. - Inspired generations of artists and producers with unique electronic tones. - Repurposed from an initial design to emulate session drummers, contributing to its unique sound.
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | TR-808 Rhythm Composer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1982 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Drum Machines |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 12 Voices |
FAQs
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What sound characteristics can I expect from the Roland TR-808?
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The Roland TR-808 is renowned for its deep, punchy bass drum, crisp snare, and distinctive hi-hats, offering a warm, analog sound that has defined numerous music genres, especially hip-hop and electronic music.
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Is the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer easy to program for beginners?
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Yes, the TR-808 features a straightforward step-sequencer interface, making it relatively easy for beginners to program beats and explore its iconic sounds.
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Does the Roland TR-808 support MIDI connectivity?
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The TR-808 includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing it to be integrated with other MIDI-compatible equipment for synchronized performance and recording.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Roland TR-808 have?
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The Roland TR-808 offers 12 voices of polyphony, enabling it to produce complex rhythmic patterns with multiple simultaneous sounds.
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What genres of music is the Roland TR-808 best suited for?
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The TR-808 is particularly suited for hip-hop, electronic, and dance music due to its unique analog sounds that have become staples in these genres.
Videos
RetroSound
Roland TR-808 🟥🟧🟨⬜ Famous Drum Beats
Roland TR-808 🟥🟧🟨⬜ Famous Drum Beats
RetroSound
The Roland TR-808 In Action
Doctor Mix
How to use a Roland TR808 Drum Machine Tutorial
TONELAB
Roland TR-808 rhythm composer drum machine teardown MF#73
markusfuller
Funky Vintage: Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer | Reverb Gear Demo
Reverb
Roland TR808 TV Commercial
The Death Beats
TR-808 and 909: Is it time to move on?
mylarmelodies
Roland TR-1000 compared to OG TR-808 TR-909
Antony Fewster
Why Is The Roland TR-808 So Essential To Trap Music? - Hip Hop Gurus
Hip Hop Gurus
Reviews
PROS
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Iconic and timeless sound that defines pop and dance music genres
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Unique low and high-frequency sounds leave space in the midrange
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Analog sound provides an organic and rich audio experience
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Historical significance in early hip hop and techno music
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Flexible integration with modern equipment via Roland sync box
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Individual outputs and trigger options for versatile setups
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Unpredictable sound variations add a dynamic, "alive" feel
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High resale value due to its collectible status
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Unique cowbell sound praised for its beauty
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Continues to set the benchmark for analog drum machines
CONS
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Difficult to switch patterns without stopping playback
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Song sequencer may not appeal to everyone
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Volume and decay inconsistencies may require more effort to manage
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer.
Setup and maintenance
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Replacing old EL panel displays and batteries, and verifying or replacing PS caps, can enhance the reliability of vintage units, but servicing remains costly.
Source
User experience
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Owners appreciate the TR-08 for being fun and intuitive, with its official replica status adding to its appeal.
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The tactile experience of the original TR-808 and TR-909, particularly the satisfying "clack" of the 909 buttons, is highlighted as a unique, fun aspect of ownership.
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The TR-808 is cherished for its simplicity and character, with its limitations fostering creativity in sound design.
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Value and pricing
Build quality
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The TR-08’s built-in speakers are highlighted as an underrated feature, adding convenience for portable use.
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Comparisons
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The Tempest is praised for its overall performance but lacks the analog-style hi-hats characteristic of the TR-08.
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Users suggest the TR-8S as a better instrument than the TR-08 for those looking for more features and flexibility.
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The TR-8S is praised for emulating the TR-808 and TR-909, including unique features like the third hi-hat sound from playing open and closed hi-hats together.
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Features and functionality
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The TR-08 includes built-in common 808 mods, enhancing its versatility without needing additional modifications.
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The TR-08's sequencer is uniquely distinct from emulations, offering a different user experience compared to other models.
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The Jomox versions of the TR-808 and TR-909 are noted for their "guts and magic," offering a compelling alternative with additional features.
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The TR-808 has a built-in 16-step sequencer, allowing users to program unique drum patterns for its analog sounds.
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The TR-808 drum machine generates sounds through analog synthesis, not digital sampling, making it distinctive in its output.
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The hardware version of the TR-808 cannot load external samples, focusing instead on manipulating its stock sounds.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners suggest using Behringer RD8mk2 and RD9 as reliable clones for live performances, offering features like beat repeat and mutes not found on vintage units.
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Producers often sample the TR-808 sounds for convenience, using them in digital samplers or libraries rather than the original hardware.
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The TR-808's analog sounds are iconic in hip-hop and electronic music, often used in pop, RnB, and trap music for their unique quality.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 8 Reviews and 73 Ratings
257
A legend in metal and circuits.
I had a mint one i bought from a greek guy back in the early 2000's it was an absolutely beautiful instrument but i sampled it and sold it to a house producer in chicago because of the high resale value, i do miss it though. A piece of dance music history bar none, never used it on my releases but have used the samples i made from it on many.
182
Of course it is amazing.
I don't take any solace in echoing what most have to say about the 808, but it is undeniable that the TR-808 is a phenomenal piece of equipment. It cannot sound bad. It is fun to use, though I personally am not a huge fan of the song sequencer in it.
167
My First Drum Machine I buy in 95
What I can say: THE BEST!!! I use everyday on every track I recorded....my love piece in my studio.
195
classic analog drum machine
pre midi, din-sync, individual outs, 3 trigger outputs
464
What could there possibly be left unsaid?
The original and still the king for good reason
424
Classic Famous Analog Drum Machine
The original one! Big analog organic sound. I've upgraded with MIDI in the '90ties. Sounds terrific!
Artist usage
Add artist
In the N.W.A song "Gangsta, Gangsta", the signature sounds of the Roland TR-808 can be heard several times. At about 0:19 through 0:22, you can hear the TR-808 Open Hi-Hat, Closed Hi-Hat and Snare Drum in the left speaker. At about 0:22, you can hear the TR-808 cowbell in the left speaker. At about 0:26, you can hear the closed Hi-Hat and the clave sounds from the 808 in the right speaker. Also, the kick drum from the 808 can be heard several times throughout the song.
Most of the heat comes from Williams' longtime weapon of choice — a vintage Korg 01\/W synth, which he used to sequence the one-bar acoustic bass loop that drives the main rhythm. On top is a Roland TR-808 snare and hi-hat, both programmed with an extremely light and syncopated touch. “All those are synthetic sounds, but the snare ends up sounding like live brushes,” Williams explains. “I'm very proud of that. I wanted to make it sound like it's being played from the aural cavity of a whale , so I added a little '80s synthetic snare from the 808. It sounds chopped because it's not an actual snare strike — it's just a grace note from the drum machine.”
Near the Ms20, the mixer and the JU 06, you can se the tr808 on the desk.
In this interview, Martin lists the percussion sources for Depeche Mode: "There are a couple of drum machines in the studio - a Roland TR808, a Korg KR55 and a new Linn is on the way — but those usually contribute only snares or hi hats. The bass drum, responsible for a lot of the feel, comes from the doughty ARP 2600." Along with this, there is a photo with an 808 on top of Martin's PPG Wave in the link.
The Roland TR-808 can be seen in this photo of Richie Hawtin performing live as Plastikman. Also pictured are two Roland TB-303's, a Roland TR-909, and a Roland MC-202.
"What I did with the 808 is that I took out the trigger signal from the clap drum into the SH-101, which is also has an extra distortion and filter. What I love is when you add just a little bit of desk distortion on the 808. I really love the sound of an 808 being distorted just a little bit. The clap drum triggers the notes of the SH-101. So you can just go on load and play any notes, and then it will play the pattern of the thing which is the same thing - it's pretty cool."
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On this image shared by The xx on their instagram, Jamie xx is shown playing a Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, on his left side next to an MPC 2000.
I like do youtube videos and tutorials. And I see a music using the plugin vst but i don't remenber he name
"Basically from my first trip to Japan I bought myself a 303, 909 and 808."
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On this picture, Jarre talk about "My [*his] 808" and seems to use it on his studio.
In the user-uploaded photo, Hayley Williams is pictured with a Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, suggesting its use in her "Petals for Armor" project.
Album Usage
The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer has been featured on the following albums:
Akon (Rhythm Is A Dancer Remix)
Snap! (2025)
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
Whitney Houston & Calum Scott (2025)
Arseholes, Liars, and Electronic Pioneers
Paranoid London (2024)
Player, Piano
Daniel Lanois (2022)
Petals For Armor
Hayley Williams (2020)
Living on Video
Trans-X (2019)
3L3C7RO COMMANDO
Anthony Rother (2018)
El Mal Querer
Rosalía (2018)
Metamatic
John Foxx (2018)
Strange Directions
DMX Krew (2017)
Music Components
Arnaud Rebotini (2013)
Random Access Memories
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2013)
Passion
Para One (2012)
4everevolution
Roots Manuva (2011)
808s & Heartbreak
Kanye West (2008)
Reverted Collection
Cari Lekebusch (2007)
Instrumental - Charanjit Singh
Charanjit Singh (2006)
Human After All
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2005)
Thrills
Ellen Allien (2005)
Discovery
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)
Alive 1997
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)
Generation Starwars
Alec Empire (2000)
Intonarumori
Material (1999)
Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?
Moby (1999)
Homework
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (1997)
3 'N The Mornin’ Part Two (Screwed)
DJ Screw (1996)
Emancipation
Prince & Prince (1996)
Selected Ambient Works Volume II
Aphex Twin (1994)
Sheet One (Remastered)
Richie Hawtin & Richie Hawtin & Plastikman (1993)
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin (1992)
Born To Mack
Too $hort (1989)
Paul's Boutique (20th Anniversary Edition / Remastered)
Beastie Boys (1989)
Faith
George Michael (1987)
Hello America (2019 Remaster)
The Cassandra Complex (1986)
Beat Boy
Visage (1984)
War Baby - Hope & Glory
Tom Robinson (1984)
Terapia Intensiva
Charly García (1984)
It's My Life
Talk Talk (1984)
Upstairs At Eric's
Yazoo (1982)
Garlands
Cocteau Twins (1982)
The Party's Over
Talk Talk (1982)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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