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Average Price: $4,699

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$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

What sound characteristics can I expect from the Roland TR-808?

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.

Is the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer easy to program for beginners?

Yes, the TR-808 features a straightforward step-sequencer interface, making it relatively easy for beginners to program beats and explore its iconic sounds.

Does the Roland TR-808 support MIDI connectivity?

The TR-808 includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing it to be integrated with other MIDI-compatible equipment for synchronized performance and recording.

How many voices of polyphony does the Roland TR-808 have?

The Roland TR-808 offers 12 voices of polyphony, enabling it to produce complex rhythmic patterns with multiple simultaneous sounds.

What genres of music is the Roland TR-808 best suited for?

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.

RetroSound

RetroSound

Roland TR-808 🟥🟧🟨⬜ Famous Drum Beats

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-808 🟥🟧🟨⬜ Famous Drum Beats by RetroSound

Roland TR-808 🟥🟧🟨⬜ Famous Drum Beats

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for The Roland TR-808 In Action by Doctor Mix

The Roland TR-808 In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for How to use a Roland TR808 Drum Machine Tutorial by TONELAB

How to use a Roland TR808 Drum Machine Tutorial

TONELAB

TONELAB

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-808 rhythm composer drum machine teardown MF#73 by markusfuller

Roland TR-808 rhythm composer drum machine teardown MF#73

markusfuller

markusfuller

Video thumbnail for Funky Vintage: Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer | Reverb Gear Demo by Reverb

Funky Vintage: Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer | Reverb Gear Demo

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Roland TR808 TV Commercial by The Death Beats

Roland TR808 TV Commercial

The Death Beats

The Death Beats

Video thumbnail for TR-808 and 909: Is it time to move on? by mylarmelodies

TR-808 and 909: Is it time to move on?

mylarmelodies

mylarmelodies

Video thumbnail for Roland TR-1000 compared to OG TR-808 TR-909 by Antony Fewster

Roland TR-1000 compared to OG TR-808 TR-909

Antony Fewster

Antony Fewster

Video thumbnail for Why Is The Roland TR-808 So Essential To Trap Music? - Hip Hop Gurus by Hip Hop Gurus

Why Is The Roland TR-808 So Essential To Trap Music? - Hip Hop Gurus

Hip Hop Gurus

Hip Hop Gurus

Reviews

PROS

  • Iconic and timeless sound that defines pop and dance music genres

  • Unique low and high-frequency sounds leave space in the midrange

  • Analog sound provides an organic and rich audio experience

  • Historical significance in early hip hop and techno music

  • Flexible integration with modern equipment via Roland sync box

  • Individual outputs and trigger options for versatile setups

  • Unpredictable sound variations add a dynamic, "alive" feel

  • High resale value due to its collectible status

  • Unique cowbell sound praised for its beauty

  • Continues to set the benchmark for analog drum machines

CONS

  • Difficult to switch patterns without stopping playback

  • Song sequencer may not appeal to everyone

  • 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

  • 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

  • Owners appreciate the TR-08 for being fun and intuitive, with its official replica status adding to its appeal.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The TR-808 is cherished for its simplicity and character, with its limitations fostering creativity in sound design.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Anticipated price increase of the TR-08 due to potential discontinuation, similar to the TR-09's past price surge.

    Source
  • The RE-909 and RE-808 clones are noted to be significantly cheaper than the originals, costing around a grand to build, while professional builds can reach two grand.

    Source

Build quality

  • The TR-08’s built-in speakers are highlighted as an underrated feature, adding convenience for portable use.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Tempest is praised for its overall performance but lacks the analog-style hi-hats characteristic of the TR-08.

    Source
  • Users suggest the TR-8S as a better instrument than the TR-08 for those looking for more features and flexibility.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The TR-08 includes built-in common 808 mods, enhancing its versatility without needing additional modifications.

    Source
  • The TR-08's sequencer is uniquely distinct from emulations, offering a different user experience compared to other models.

    Source
  • The Jomox versions of the TR-808 and TR-909 are noted for their "guts and magic," offering a compelling alternative with additional features.

    Source
  • The TR-808 has a built-in 16-step sequencer, allowing users to program unique drum patterns for its analog sounds.

    Source
  • The TR-808 drum machine generates sounds through analog synthesis, not digital sampling, making it distinctive in its output.

    Source
  • The hardware version of the TR-808 cannot load external samples, focusing instead on manipulating its stock sounds.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source
  • Producers often sample the TR-808 sounds for convenience, using them in digital samplers or libraries rather than the original hardware.

    Source
  • 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

Software and compatibility

  • TR-808 VSTs mimic the sounds of the hardware but do not offer the same analog warmth and noise characteristics.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland TR808

soundonsound.com

The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer is iconic, revered for its unique sound and cultural impact. Its distinctive bass drum and snappy snare have left a lasting legacy on countless genres. While some may find its lack of realistic drum sound a downside, its character and playability offer a charm unmatched by modern counterparts. Used 808s can be pricey, but they’re generally reliable. Sampling an 808 won't fully capture its essence, especially its bass drum. Despite some quirks, like warming up time and potential maintenance issues, the TR-808 remains a beloved tool for those seeking authentic, hands-on rhythm creation.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 8 Reviews and 73 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
atonalmeasure

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.

jordansynth

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.

sinapsya

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.

alfa_trax

classic analog drum machine

pre midi, din-sync, individual outs, 3 trigger outputs

nicholas_evans

A Classic

Sounds so good. There's nothing like it.

spaker

What could there possibly be left unsaid?

The original and still the king for good reason

federicovaona

Classic Famous Analog Drum Machine

The original one! Big analog organic sound. I've upgraded with MIDI in the '90ties. Sounds terrific!

D

Awesome

Ronald always suprises me. This thing can produce awesome beats that somehow seem different everytime

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Minilogue uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Minilogue

Music Producer

Minilogue

...
Verified via YouTube

Sebastian uses his 808 at 7:20 in this video.

See how Gui Boratto uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Gui Boratto

Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

You can see a Roland TR-808 on the desk next to 909.

See how Tale Of Us uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Tale Of Us

Tale of Us

...
Verified via Google

Tale Of Us can be seen using the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer in their studio, as evidenced by images found through a Google search.

See how Todd Terje uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Todd Terje

Music Producer

Terje, Todd & Prins Thomas

...
Verified via Groove

:Well, I mostly use the sounds of a Linn Drum. It is not a very sexy drum machine! It provides EPROM-based sampling and replicates the same sound every time, which is completely opposite to what I like most about the Roland TR-808. The thought that every bass drum of a 808 is unique makes it more valuable in this way, especially when you put it in a musical context. There are no two 808 bass drums which are the same, they are all unique. Whereas a Linn Drum is exactly the same thing all the time".

See how Digitalism uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Digitalism

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from June 25, 2021

See how Gold Panda uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Gold Panda

Music Producer

...
Verified via Stereogum

"...And I wanted to use the 808 drum machine because I’d always wanted one, but they became very expensive and I was never able to afford it. I finally got one and I use it as much as possible..."

See how Edgar Froese uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Edgar Froese

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Muzines

"We get hardware mainly from America and Japan and the instruments are adapted by our engineers to our specifications. I have a number of keyboards including the OB-X, PPG Wave Computer 1 & 2, various Arp equipment, and four custom built sequencers made in Germany. I also play guitar and I use various instruments including Fender and Gibson. I don't really need to use guitar synthesisers as we have the keyboards. I like to work with the Roland MC-8 Micro Composer and TR808 drum machine. These are some of the instruments I use regularly, although we do have links with most of the synthesiser producing companies who supply us with new equipment from time to time."

See how Daedelus uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Daedelus

Music Producer

The Long Lost

...
Verified via YouTube

At around 3:21, Daedelus explains how, "So many ideas have come from one machine", and "How this is the revolving point of many genres". He then makes a hip-hop beat and transitions into a house beat with just the instrument.

See how Hi-Tek uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Hi-Tek

Rapper, Music Producer

G-Unit

...
Verified via Archive

Mentioned in this June 1, 2001 Remix article.

Although DJ Hi-Tek samples his drums primarily from vinyl or from live drum performances, he's fond of laying Roland TR-808 kicks behind his sampled bass drums “just to keep it thumping,” he says. Hi-Tek samples his drum hits with a classic Akai MPC 60 sampling workstation.

(...)

  • Akai MPC 60
  • Alesis ADAT digital multitracks
  • Digidesign Pro Tools
  • Fender Rhodes electric piano
  • Korg Trinity
  • Harrison MR3 mixing board
  • Moog keyboards
  • Røde NP2 mic
  • Roland TR-808
  • SSL mixing board
  • Tascam DA-88 digital multitracks
  • Wurlitzer electric pian
See how Luke Vibert uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Luke Vibert

Music Producer

Smooth Helmet

...
Verified via Photo

Per Resident Advisor, May 15, 2019:

The new LP from the well-established UK artist is the 20th release on Posthuman's I Love Acid label. Naturally, Vibert used the Roland TB-303—along with the TR-808 and the JX-3P—to craft Valvable's ten tracks. In keeping with the theme, I Love Acid will release 303 copies on coloured vinyl, with a black version released in an edition of 808.

note: EB is rejecting the source url, so I linked it here in the notes instead.

See how Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock) uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock)

Singer, Guitarist

Beastie Boys

...
Verified via uDiscoverMusic

In the Beastie Boy Book, Ad-Rock tells the story of how he went to a music store with $250 in his pocket, intent on purchasing a new guitar, but saw, fell in love with, and bought the TR-808 instead.

See how Mathew Jonson uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Mathew Jonson

Music Producer

Cobblestone Jazz

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, in which Mathew Jonson highlights his live performance setup, his Roland TR-808 is visible throughout, and there is a good shot of it at 7:57, on the right.

Album Usage

The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer has been featured on the following albums:

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Akon (Rhythm Is A Dancer Remix) by Snap! (2025)

Akon (Rhythm Is A Dancer Remix)

Snap! (2025)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston & Calum Scott (2025)

I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)

Whitney Houston & Calum Scott (2025)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Arseholes, Liars, and Electronic Pioneers by Paranoid London (2024)

Arseholes, Liars, and Electronic Pioneers

Paranoid London (2024)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Player, Piano by Daniel Lanois (2022)

Player, Piano

Daniel Lanois (2022)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Petals For Armor by Hayley Williams (2020)

Petals For Armor

Hayley Williams (2020)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Living on Video by Trans-X (2019)

Living on Video

Trans-X (2019)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on 3L3C7RO COMMANDO by Anthony Rother (2018)

3L3C7RO COMMANDO

Anthony Rother (2018)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on El Mal Querer by Rosalía (2018)

El Mal Querer

Rosalía (2018)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Metamatic by John Foxx (2018)

Metamatic

John Foxx (2018)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Strange Directions by DMX Krew (2017)

Strange Directions

DMX Krew (2017)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Music Components by Arnaud Rebotini (2013)

Music Components

Arnaud Rebotini (2013)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Random Access Memories by Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2013)

Random Access Memories

Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2013)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Passion by Para One (2012)

Passion

Para One (2012)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on 4everevolution by Roots Manuva (2011)

4everevolution

Roots Manuva (2011)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on 808s & Heartbreak by Kanye West (2008)

808s & Heartbreak

Kanye West (2008)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Reverted Collection by Cari Lekebusch (2007)

Reverted Collection

Cari Lekebusch (2007)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Instrumental - Charanjit Singh by Charanjit Singh (2006)

Instrumental - Charanjit Singh

Charanjit Singh (2006)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Human After All by Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2005)

Human After All

Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2005)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Thrills by Ellen Allien (2005)

Thrills

Ellen Allien (2005)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Discovery by Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)

Discovery

Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Alive 1997 by Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)

Alive 1997

Daft Punk & Daft Punk (2001)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Generation Starwars by Alec Empire (2000)

Generation Starwars

Alec Empire (2000)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Intonarumori by Material (1999)

Intonarumori

Material (1999)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? by Moby (1999)

Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?

Moby (1999)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Homework by Daft Punk & Daft Punk (1997)

Homework

Daft Punk & Daft Punk (1997)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on 3 'N The Mornin’ Part Two (Screwed) by DJ Screw (1996)

3 'N The Mornin’ Part Two (Screwed)

DJ Screw (1996)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Emancipation by Prince & Prince (1996)

Emancipation

Prince & Prince (1996)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Selected Ambient Works Volume II by Aphex Twin (1994)

Selected Ambient Works Volume II

Aphex Twin (1994)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Sheet One (Remastered) by Richie Hawtin & Richie Hawtin & Plastikman (1993)

Sheet One (Remastered)

Richie Hawtin & Richie Hawtin & Plastikman (1993)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Selected Ambient Works 85-92 by Aphex Twin (1992)

Selected Ambient Works 85-92

Aphex Twin (1992)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Born To Mack by Too $hort (1989)

Born To Mack

Too $hort (1989)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Paul's Boutique (20th Anniversary Edition / Remastered) by Beastie Boys (1989)

Paul's Boutique (20th Anniversary Edition / Remastered)

Beastie Boys (1989)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Faith by George Michael (1987)

Faith

George Michael (1987)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Hello America (2019 Remaster) by The Cassandra Complex (1986)

Hello America (2019 Remaster)

The Cassandra Complex (1986)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Beat Boy by Visage (1984)

Beat Boy

Visage (1984)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on War Baby - Hope & Glory by Tom Robinson (1984)

War Baby - Hope & Glory

Tom Robinson (1984)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Terapia Intensiva by Charly García (1984)

Terapia Intensiva

Charly García (1984)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on It's My Life by Talk Talk (1984)

It's My Life

Talk Talk (1984)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Upstairs At Eric's by Yazoo (1982)

Upstairs At Eric's

Yazoo (1982)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on Garlands by Cocteau Twins (1982)

Garlands

Cocteau Twins (1982)

Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer as heard on The Party's Over by Talk Talk (1982)

The Party's Over

Talk Talk (1982)

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
nutritiouspig

nutritiouspig

Gear IQ 785

x0d

x0d

Gear IQ 161

xipac

xipac

Gear IQ 135

resonancestudios

resonancestudios

Gear IQ 214

mirko_bostic

mirko_bostic

Gear IQ 94

kinzo_chrome

kinzo_chrome

Gear IQ 73

global_wave

global_wave

Gear IQ 402

robert_pierson

robert_pierson

Gear IQ 435

architecturemusic

architecturemusic

Gear IQ 79

A

alex1234

Gear IQ 65

ultraworld

ultraworld

Gear IQ 85

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