Drum machine roland

The Roland drum machine revolutionized electronic music with synthesized percussion sounds, becoming a cultural icon since the 1980s.

About this subject

Roland Corporation, founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1972, released the TR-808 Rhythm Composer in 1980, one of the most influential drum machines in history. Unlike sampled acoustic drums, the TR-808 generated sounds electronically using analog synthesis to create deep kick drums, snappy snares, and metallic hi-hats. Its distinctive sound quickly found a home in funk, hip-hop, and pop music, as heard in hits by Afrika Bambaataa, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson. Despite an initial commercial failure due to its artificial sound, the machine became a cult classic in subsequent years.

In 1984, Roland introduced the TR-909, which combined analog synthesis with digital samples of cymbals. The 909 featured a more intuitive sequencer and MIDI synchronization, making it easier to integrate with other gear. It was adopted by techno and house producers in Detroit and Chicago, such as Juan Atkins and Frankie Knuckles, defining the sound of those genres. Its popularity exploded in the 1990s rave scene and it remains in use today, both as original hardware and in software emulations.

The design of the Roland TR-808 and TR-909 is iconic: slanted panels, colorful buttons, and a 16-step grid layout for pattern programming. The interface influenced later drum machines and music production software. The company also released models like the TR-707 and TR-505, but the classic 808 and 909 remain the most iconic. In 2013, Roland launched the TR-8, a modern version digitally recreating the original sounds, and in 2021 the TR-808 was honored with a Japanese postage stamp.

Beyond musical impact, Roland drum machines are collector's items and investments, with original units fetching thousands of dollars. Their influence extends to sound design and contemporary music production, being sampled in countless tracks. Roland continues to innovate, but no other drum machine has achieved the same legendary status as these instruments that helped shape global electronic music.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Roland TR-808 and TR-909?

The TR-808 is fully analog, with kick, snare, hi-hat and other sounds generated by circuits. The TR-909 combines analog synthesis for kick, snare and clap with digital samples for cymbals and hi-hat. The 909 also has a sequencer with MIDI synchronization, which the 808 lacks.

Why is the Roland TR-808 so famous?

The TR-808 became famous for its unique sound and influence on genres like hip-hop, funk, and electronic music. It was used in classics such as Afrika Bambaataa's 'Planet Rock' and Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean', and its scarcity after initial commercial failure made it a collector's item.

Are Roland drum machines still used today?

Yes, original TR-808 and TR-909 units are still used in studios, though rare. Roland has released modern versions like the TR-8, TR-8S, and the Boutique series that digitally recreate the classic sounds. Additionally, numerous plugins and sample libraries emulating these machines are widely used in music production.