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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 DJ Muggs uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

DJ Muggs

Music Producer, DJ

Soul Assassins

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, "A Day in the life of DJ Muggs", Dj Muggs can be seen programming the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, at 1:05 into the video.

See how David Silveria uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

David Silveria

Drummer

Korn

...
Verified

This website states that David Silveria, former drummer of Korn, used a Roland TR808 with the band.

See how Jorge González uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Jorge González

Singer, Guitarist

Los Prisioneros

...
Verified via Photo

In a Facebook photo posted by Jorge González, the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer is visible in the background, indicating his use of this iconic drum machine.

See how Kebu uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Kebu

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:00 You get a close up of the TR-808.

See how Ric Ocasek uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Ric Ocasek

Keyboardist, Composer

The Cars

...
Verified via Dailyeventsbookpagethree

These days Ocasek busies himself while at home with a TEAC 88 8-track tape machine connected to a Sound Workshop 1280 B board in turn hooked up with two Orban 622B equalizers (the board is also equipped with its own parametric equalizers. For keyboards he swears by his Prophets and Roland Jupiter 8. using a Korg Lambda for orchestral coloring and often calling in an assortment of little Casiotones for reinforcement. He probably has more drum machines than anything else-both the old Linn LM-1 Drum Computer and the new LinnDrum. a Korg KR 55, five Roland units (including a TR808. CR8000 and a Dr. Rhythm), some old Univox rhythm gizmos and a drum machine yanked out of a Hammond organ "that has the Liverpool beat." the kind of insect clicking you hear in organ shops in suburban shopping malls.

See how Fjaak uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Fjaak

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Fjaak, a Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer is visible at the bottom right, showcasing its presence among their gear.

See how Leftfield uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Leftfield

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo posted on Leftfield's official Facebook page, the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer is visibly part of their setup, highlighting its role in their music production.

See how clipping. uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

clipping.

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Among the gear in this picture, Jonathan Snipes of clipping. has a TR-909, a TR-808, a LinnDrum, an Oberheim SEM, and an MPC 60.

See how Skee Mask uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Skee Mask

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

On April 25, 2022 Skee Mask tweeted "plz sell me your 808". On May 5, 2022 they retweeted the previous tweet with an image of a Roland TR-808 in their studio accompanied by the comment "done" and a crying emoji.

Original Post: https://twitter.com/sk33mask/status/1522372556652691456

See how Andrew Eldritch uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Andrew Eldritch

Singer, Drummer

The Sisters of Mercy

...
Verified via The-sisters-of-mercy

"In the early nineties, as acid house was developing a cult around this drum machine, it was suddenly very fashionable to riff along to TR808 sounds. We did that almost ten years earlier, when the cocktail drinking classes and the NME thought it was a bloody stupid idea. (One wet afternoon in the early eighties, we switched the Doktor to play the usual stuff but twice as fast. Hey presto! Drum'n'bass! This was interesting for about ten minutes. Even Cabaret Voltaire couldn't manage to make it interesting for much longer. Please don't tell us it's interesting now.)

The TR808 was really the first serious drum machine. The kick and snare still needed savage eq (and they didn't take kindly to it), the tom-toms were a complete waste of time, but otherwise it was a decent machine. Individual outputs, tunable drums, enough memory. Ben Gunn once managed to press the TR808's dangerous red button as we were about to go onstage in Brussels, so Andrew had to reprogram the whole damn machine while everybody else was tuning their guitars up (slowly). "

See how Biosphere uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Biosphere

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Harmonycentral

Gathering dust: Novation BassStation Roland Juno 106 Roland JX-3P Roland TR-808

See how Scooter uses Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer

Scooter

Music Producer

Dance United

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 2:13 minutes see Roland TR-808

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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similar sound cheaper alternative

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