Exploring the Roland TR-505 Drum Machine

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We are focusing on the small brother from the TR series: the Roland TR-505 drum machine. Made in 1986, this drum machine offered an affordable entry into the iconic Roland drum sounds. It was not as powerful as the TR-808 or TR-909, but its unpolished quality became a signature sound of the 80s.
The TR-505 has some good features that can be used today, like a Built-in Sequencer, Multiple Play Modes, and MIDI Capabilities that allow you to connect with other instruments and sequencers, and with ROM expansion kits you can add new sounds. Let's see why the TR-505 is a reliable tool packed with sonic potential.
#RolandTR505 #80sMusicProduction #drummachines
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HKA Tr-505 Mod Kit
hkadesign.org.uk/tr505expansi...
Circuit Benders Mod Kit
www.circuitbenders.co.uk/drum...
Where to buy the HKA Kit
www.ebay.com/itm/335454002085...
00:00 Intro to the TR-505 Drum Machine
00:09 A Brief History of the Roland TR-505 - The Unassuming Beat Maker
00:38 Exploring the TR-505's Sonic Palette
1:19 Key Features of the Roland TR-505
1:53 Pros and Cons of the Roland TR-505
2:14 Famous Artists Who Used the Roland TR-505
2:36 Enhancing the TR-505 with ROM Kit Expansions
2:52 Why the TR-505 Remains Relevant Today
3:04 TR-505 and Digitakt Integration (DEMO)

[@FLH3official]

I still have mine, bought new in 86, on a shelf in my studio. It was my drum horkworse up until the late 80s but I've to admit I've never used it since.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Well, maybe it’s time to dust it off. I found myself doing that with other machines I hadn't used in a while and have been having some fun with them.

[@FLH3official]

@@NostalgicExplorer Maybe I'll do that one of these days, at least sample it in order to acces it in a convenient and quick way in my DAW.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

@@FLH3official yes, sampling makes it easier and can use the sounds at anytime, but also having the machine with you is fun as well.

[@larryfinke6133]

I bought one when they came out and got a mod kit for individual outs. Fun machine!

[@NostalgicExplorer]

I bet that's a lot of fun with the mod. I am thinking to mod mine.

[@_P_M_]

My first drum machine. I remember how thrilled I was to buy it. I also remember the AC power cord was an extra $25.00, Which was alot in 1986.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

I bet, why it was extra? It didn't include it?

[@_P_M_]

@@NostalgicExplorer It came with batteries. I'm guessing they didn't include the power so they could hit the price point. As I recall it was $250. They were backordered. I was on a waiting list to get one.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

@@_P_M_ Wow, I thought that was an apple thing. Didn't know it was also happening in the 80s.

[@Gerald_Daniel]

The animations were even more hilarious than the possible connection to the univox belly dancers last week. I got so well entertained you little prankster.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Hey Gerald! Thank you for your support and I am glad you like a little bit of comedy on this video.

[@Gerald_Daniel]

@@NostalgicExplorer P.S.: The VX600 totally unexpectedly survived its 8 years off state - no leakage, no memory loss (though the battery has never been replaced) & pressure still responds. I hardly trusted my ears because purchase was in 1992, but the thing is from '88.

[@FattSunny]

I stumbled upon a circuit bent 505 6 years ago. Has 3 additional kits switchable on the fly. Pitch all the to digital artifacts. 11 point patch bay for glitching the sounds and sequencer. It's a beast for percussion . Wouldn't sell it for the world

[@NostalgicExplorer]

With modifications, this machine is a great tool for producing music. It's definitely a keeper.

[@FattSunny]

@@NostalgicExplorer Mine is definitely worthy of the TR name and legacy.

[@TheBroDotTV]

Great demo you did a great job. Brilliant for house music.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

@@TheBroDotTV Thanks! I love those percussions that actually inspired me to make a house track.

[@Pastryarchy]

Sick

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Thanks!

[@bushmann9272]

i used it more as a midi sequencer for my Basstation MK1 than i did as a drum machine back in the late 90's

[@NostalgicExplorer]

@@bushmann9272 not bad as a sequencer also.

[@ahans6548]

Great video man and awesome jam with the 505!!!

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@lqr824]

Actually a good video, really liked the music.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Thank you so much for the support!

[@nicholasbalette6354]

Not use to TR 505, but familliar to 808 great review though👍

[@NostalgicExplorer]

Thank you so much watching and well, the 808 is the Godfather of this little machine, you are not missing much with an 808, but if you are on a budget, this one does the job.

[@TheBroDotTV]

2 TR505 together and you can eq and effect one section and do whatever you want with the other.

[@coyote-wang]

I had one all through the 90s, it was boring but rock solid.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

I thought the same back in the day, today I find it more fun because of the possibilities of syncing with new devices like the digitakt.

[@coyote-wang]

Boring in a good way cause it was able to be the brains of my 90s DAWless system with an incredibly tight midi sync clock within.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

@@coyote-wang right on!

[@totallypixelated]

Sounds good circuit bent. Much smoother than bent Yamaha PCM drums.

[@NostalgicExplorer]

@@totallypixelated this is a great machine for that.and makes it more fun

[@os4mike]

Drum ma-what?

[@NostalgicExplorer]

😂

[@Gerald_Daniel]

....after watchijg a 2nd time I've detected a question: My only experience with TR505 was thru mid 80s window shopping but Roland had several white comparably small but to me way better sounding rhythmers than their overrated TR!707/727. What do you think?

[@gioescalera]

Well the 707 is a good one because of the control of each individual sound outputs. I like the sound of it but the 505 and 626 are also great machines with lots of possibilities.

[@Gerald_Daniel]

@@gioescalera Is the 626 the one with the E-Toms?

[@NostalgicExplorer]

@@Gerald_Daniel Yes, it has a set of e-toms as well as acoustic toms.

[@Gerald_Daniel]

@@NostalgicExplorer Giovanni!!! I would like to play a guessing game with you! What is the crappiest sounding drum machine? I got it for a Christian ceremony called confirmation as a 12-year-old. I only can say it's no Roland.

[@Gerald_Daniel]

@@NostalgicExplorer Alright! I limit it to digital. Now the answer should be as simple as it can be.