I Returned My Roland T-8 After 1 Month | Here's Why

Here is my 1 month review of the ‪@rolandglobal‬ Aira Compact T-8 Beat Machine.
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Perfect Circuit
Roland AIRA T-8 Beat Machine link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
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Roland AIRA T-8 Beat Machine amzn.to/3J4gyTN
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[@teamphil]

A software update that allows you to change drum sounds would be awesome and make this thing much better

[@suga4all]

Fair enough! I love my T-8 as a portable drum machine. I admit, I use it mostly for playing the same patterns for comping when I am jamming on synths. My main critizism is that the sidechain is not applied to the line-in. This would have made it perfect for me!

[@brianwilliams3621]

I have had my T-8 about a month. Probably one of the easiest music making machines I have ever used. I haven't even downloaded the instructions manual, just read the bit about saving new patterns. Easy to do 'live' bass lines. I actually love the compact size. I also have Roland TR-8, TR-06 , TB-03, Behringer TD-3, but the T-8 is my go to machine when I fancy making a tune. I sometimes then transfer the rhythm and bass lines to these machines. I will probably enjoy the T-8 even more when I do download the instructions.

[@Klintebjarnen]

Thank you for an good and honest review! 👍

[@cresshead]

had it quite a while - it's pretty impressive overall .. done a few tracks with it now. also got the S-1 recently.. i'd lie to see a firmware update for the t-8 to bring it inline with the s-1 hopes: 64 step sequencer - same as S-1 probability steps for the bass section like the s-1 has. automation lanes for the bass section - would be fantastic

[@TheNimasan]

Despite being a modular junkie with a monster system, i love the t8 and s1. They cost nothing and I Play with them on the go and enjoy them. Couple of days ago I had a dj gig and added the t8 and it was lots of fun. I synced the t8 to minifreack and that alone was enough to get some fat tunes. I agree that the tuning knobs are doing not that much, but what to expect from a 166 euro device? I really enjoy these series more than the volcas. And let’s not forget these are new devices, there will be tons of updates and improvements.

[@rorz999]

T8 and S1 are a great combo 😎 I didn't like the J6 though

[@davidcassidy602]

As an absolute synth beginner, it’s much different for me. The value proposition of a drum machine and a 303 in one little, mobile box, with minimal controls, and jacks for wires that I already have, is a helluva gateway drug. And due to my inexperience, the sound flaws and missing instruments don’t bother me as much. I call VCV Rack “my Time Machine” because I can open it and suddenly I’m three hours into the future. The same thing happens when I turn the T-8 on… so from my perspective even the anemic battery life is a net positive 😅

[@thepcgamer2169]

I fixed the humming issue with my MC 101. I did have the MC 101 coneected this way ....L&R stereo outputs to Mixer with USB powering it is where i had the humming issues. After disconnecting the L&R outputs to my mixer & just using the USB audio from the MC 101 & certain settings in Windows fixed this.

[@ryanmoran2403]

I would have kept it just for the 303 alone! The fact that its ALSO a hybrid TR drum machine makes this thing a no brainer! Go get one! (just my humble opinion of course)

[@BD-zg7is]

great video, thank you! earned my sub :)

[@Tiger.Arcade]

Thank you so much! ✌️

[@StephenMcLeod]

I say this with kindness. You look a tad like the lovechild of me and Jorb here. Haha.

[@Tiger.Arcade]

👀

[@williamvine6887]

Good review very honest

[@Tiger.Arcade]

Appreciate that!

[@leelayz]

Hi …So nice of you to have made this video! My question around comparing T8 with volcas for a guitarist. So I recently got the T8 as my first drum machine. I am a guitarist trying to create a lofi jazz music (where previously I will take drums samples from splice and then compose jazz chords and solo on top of it). I wanted to get away from the DAW and got this box. I also have the SP404MK2. I played around with the T8 for a day learning and creating and within 24 hours I felt I could not use this for my regular music production because the sounds felt very acid/techno focussed. I was trying to create jazz and bossanova drum patterns. Also, I felt I can’t time-stretch the same note say over the (e,&,a) like I could on a DAW. I was struggling to understand how to do this and could not find a way. It felt like each beat tightly snaps to the pads and they can’t be extended or clubbed. If I want the same best on both 1 and e, and I place them on both then they are separate best and not the same beat over both of them. Which makes the beats very rigid. I tried decay and ascent on the notes but they are not able to solve the problem. Was there something I missed here? Anyway, I have now scheduled a return for the T8 because I felt limited with the sound. Instead I ordered, the volca drums and the volca sample 2, because I did not know which one will solve my problem (I will return one of them) I basically want to create rock/blues/jazz type on drums on this. Or even if that’s not fully possible, create beats which are not fully acid like the T8, but something where I can play ambient, post rock/indie rock type of guitar on top of it. Will you have any recommendations on how I should approach this ? And also among the T8, drum and sample2, which one will be the ideal one for me to pair with my sp404mk2 ? BTW, I had a lot of fun with the T8 for the 24 hours it was with me. I was pretty productive and also did a acid/techno ish live set :) So returning it felt bad in way. But I felt it was not going to help me create the type of sound I was chasing.

[@Mad4400]

When you left it connected after charging and experienced noise, was it connected to a computer or to an AC adapter? Where was the noise heard from, the MIX OUT or USB Audio?

[@brianwilliams3621]

Hi, it's now almost two months since I bought my T-8 and I still haven't bothered to print out the manual. I just watch KZbin videos or randomly press buttons and go "Wow" when something wonderful happens. Still the easiest sequencer I have ever used. So much easier and instant compared to my TB-03. Yes, it is limited as to what it can do with regards to sounds, but those sounds are pretty good. I still mostly use it for the bass synth and sequencer. Sync it with my other machines, Roland TR-8 and Korg Volca Drum. I just wish Roland would bring out an Aira bass machine (not the T-3 touchscreen) with more knobs to adjust the sounds and with exactly the same simple sequencer function.

[@deejannemeiurffnicht1791]

I don't understand whythey took away the live record option on tb-03 which was on, the now sadly out of production tb-3.

[@brianwilliams3621]

🎉 it's now almost a year since I bought my Roland T-8. It is undoubtedly my favourite music making machine. I still haven't read the instructions manual, I've just watched the occasional KZbin tutorial. So easy to use, surprisingly good sounds. I recently sold my Roland TB-3 ( a nice machine) as well as a few of my other bits of music equipment. I will probably buy another Roland T-8, one for bass lead one for deep bass plus lots of percussion. It just does what I want it to do and does it so well. And the internal batteries are still going fine.

[@DrRSPMD2010]

Thanks for letting us know.

[@BubbaSatori]

Ground loop isolator when powering from mains might eliminate the noise.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

I use a GLI between every single USB powered device, and my mixer, even if I do not hear a ground loop.

[@DavidJFulde]

Been looking into the T-8 I really love my E4 (more than my VT-4 - and cheaper) thanks for the review/overview!

[@DavidJFulde]

I got noise from USBC as well on the E4

[@Tiger.Arcade]

Thanks for watching!

[@softpornmusic7744]

Why the E4 is better than the VT-4 in your opinion?

[@DavidJFulde]

@@softpornmusic7744 it's smaller, battery powered, with all the same features + scatter. That said - vt4 does phantom power and has a soft 'click' at the 0 point for formant/pitch

[@vaiman7777]

I had fun with the keys one, but ultimately got rid of it for the same reasons. I think paired up they would work great though.

[@biggrime]

Interesting review. Im about to get one soon (tomorrow). I love to give it a spin. Run it with a mobile setup.

[@Tiger.Arcade]

I still think this would be great for many people. Just not for me. Hope you enjoy 😊

[@mindsurf13]

Dank U 4 opinion

[@thepcgamer2169]

I have the J-6 CHORD SYNTH & cant say i have any probs with noise humming from it, however i have a MC 101 which does cause humming over USB ..this seems to be a grounding issue.

[@RYKYvonRYKY]

Damn I just ordered it before seeing this. I have a PO-33 and J-6 and I wanted some drum machine under 200 usd and I hate changing batteries so I pick T-8 and not Volca. I am little scared about the T-8 having only one kick. Will I be able to connect it as a midi controller to FL Studio and use drum sounds from my PC ? I know I can easily controll synths with my J-6 but could I do somethin similiar with T-8 ? (J-6 is controlling only one instrument in FL Studio, so my question is if I can controll multiple sounds (drum/hat/snare etc.) sounds with my T-8 as a midi)

[@Tiger.Arcade]

It does have midi channels to control them individually. I’d say try it out first. You may like it! 👍

[@Individual_two]

If you are looking for a nice, portable drum machine, look at the Roland TR6S. It has most of the sounds and functionality of the TR8S (one of the best drum machines on the market), but is more compact and considerably cheaper. Also, while it is USB powered, Roland has apparently licked the ground loop problems that plague other USB powered devices. As a bonus, in a pinch it can run on a set of AA batteries (but not for long).

[@Tiger.Arcade]

I’ve been recommended that one before. I just need to save up for it. Thanks for the recommendation John!

[@VJFranzK]

TR6s All Day!

[@greyroom6730]

Will the TR6S work well with the other Aria Compacts?

[@stevedotwood]

@@greyroom6730 I'm going to find out in a few days. I'm thinking of ordering the TR-8s instead and I bought the S-1 a few weeks back, but I need that answer first form Roland.

[@philjass]

Greetings from France.😉 I think that this instrument has its real usefulness when traveling, to associate with the Roland S1 and to make music in unlikely places like on the edge of the Ocean, in the mountains, in a prehistoric cave,where there is no electricity,but where there is inspiration. And maybe also, to go back to the origin of House Music in Detroit, "making music in your kitchen" with the minimum of instruments.......! and also for inventive people who don’t have much money.....! No...?🤔 😉

[@Tiger.Arcade]

Absolutely! Great piece for traveling. For my studio it just didn’t have much of a place and I don’t travel much anymore. Cheers! ✌️

[@rorz999]

Does anybody really make music in a prehistoric cave?

[@martijn_yt]

If it is good for a 'beginner', i'd expect you would like it ;)

[@reverend11-dmeow89]

Ground Loops are a Huge problem interfacing through USB, especially to a laptop with no Earth Ground. Arturia packs Ground Loop Interruptor with their Beatstep Pro.

[@agustinbernal2760]

Hi, which instrument would you recommend instead of the t8? Thanks!

[@Tiger.Arcade]

Tr-8s

[@AlexIsASeraphim]

Thanx TA. I agree about the choice of drum voices. Not a fan of that 606 snare sound. Compared to say the Behringer 606 clone, which is a cheaper, at least the Roland has swing even if it has no individual outs and trs midi. It's all compromise at this price point. If portability (and a bonus bass sequencer) is not an absolute must, then I would advise paying double and getting tr 6s, the RD 9 or even the dbi. If price is the factor, what about a Volca Drum or Sample 2? Keep posting.

[@NathanChisholm041]

Yeah but its Behringer plus they feel cheap and nasty.

[@christopherfarrell-artist3557]

I don't have ( and won't get ) T-8 as I already have a MC-101 which, for the price of 3 compacts, is leagues ahead of the game. I did buy a S-1 and while disappointed at first, it has become useful to my set-up. I think the other compacts have quite a limited use and even a beginner will get bored of it and quickly out grow them. I have always found it best to buy something to allow margin for person growth in sound design. I did this with my Blofeld ( bought around 10 years ago ) and it still amazes and surprises me.

[@Alan_Watkin]

yeah think your more an advanced user than who that's being pitched at but for that beginner trying to work out are synths something they want to get into.... i think it looks pretty good, its like you could get that on its own and already start making simple acid-ish tunes, and thats pretty cool

[@phyzzx]

It's also super easy to hook in other smalls like Pocket Operators. One other way I think of it is, as a way to avoid using tracks for the beat on other machines.

[@matthewcody1757]

Def as a 3faux and drummie I reckon it's a great bit of kit but I think ppl missed that In a way , but ppl hated the rhythm wolf with a vengeance which I get but the idea is great , and nobody seems to equate it's like a sonic foundry acid all in one , which yrs ago I dreamt of such a goodie now...

[@front2427]

where are you returning it to?

[@icollided]

I bought a used one on Reverb. Should be here Thursday. I got it so that I can whip it out on my lunchbreak at work, or maybe the coffee shop.

[@ilovecatsandsynths9702]

You would probably enjoy the S-1 more, or the SH-4d, IMHO. Maybe TR-6S if you want a small drum machine.

[@GullySyde28]

The T8 can be linked up to anything as a side drum and its a lil beast. You might of got a bad battery? never record with them being USB powered its groundloop noise. The 303 is super cool on board FX. You should of sat it on a shelf then pulled it out 6 months later. Look into the TR 6s it does exactly what you described you wished it did, Cheers anyways different strokes for different folks nah mean stay up and keep jamming ✌

[@SonicVibe]

s1 sounds good I'm currently really liking the Roland SH-4D

[@beesting6135]

SH-4d rocks

[@SonicVibe]

@@beesting6135 I really am enjoying it

[@sensorycircuits1338]

I'm looking for a simple drum plus bass synth. This one seems to hit the mark. Can the Volcas run two tracks like this one?

[@phyzzx]

The Volca Bass is just that, a bass line machine only and limited to 16 steps but 3 separately tunable oscillators each with their own 'track' summed up with the other 2 and each is mutable (group 1) or 2 + solo (group 2) or can group all 3 to do the same (group 3), the T-8 here can do 32 steps but only the 303 sound AND does a rhythm. You can make different sounds with the Volca Bass whereas you cannot get anything but the 303, HOWEVER, the controls on the Volca Bass mean you get little real control between the 3, for example zero simultaneous but different cutoffs for each oscillator (you can group so 3/2/1 are affected simultaneous) and there's no motion sequencing aka automation like on the Volca Sample to get around it.

[@leewightman8619]

If it had more drum kits to choose from it would be awesome

[@leewightman8619]

I love the t8 its not perfect but its pretty handy but extremely easy to use i don't like the hihats really and it sucks theres no pattern chaining but its fun iv got the j6 coming and hopefully the s1 too

[@PaulSpades]

I'm considering buying one just for the 303 sound with the modern sequencer. I need more acid in my breakbeats, and the TB-3 is getting harder to find. The drum sounds are just a bonus to jam with, but won't be used in recording.

[@Tiger.Arcade]

Great fun for just an acid bass. Very simple but effective. The Donner B-1 is a good alternative. Best bang for your buck for a 303.

[@PaulSpades]

@@Tiger.Arcade Yeah, the Donner seems to have an awkward sequencer like most 303 clones, i'd rather go with a behringer td-3 mo in that case. But i'm not really looking for 80s electronics in a big box, just the sound and tweakability :) Thanks for your thoughts.

[@rorz999]

If you can get a TB-3, it's worth it. Incredible machine. Really underrated

[@msid6027]

I almost not bought it because of the noise you experienced! Mine was totally silent... I also dont use the cable in the box. Used a super short c to c on a powerbar with c output, maybe your circuit was noisy? Anyways, the rest of you review convinced me to get it but I would totally returned it if i experienced the same noise! Thanks for the review! 😎

[@jona_KardCiv1]

You would be a better fit for the TR-6s or the TR-8s.

[@mikolasstrajt3874]

I think speakers would be useless. Small speakers typically have bad sound which is case of Volca. External speaker or headphones sounds better and eats less battery.

[@Tiger.Arcade]

Great argument!

[@EnigmaState]

The noise seems to be a thing with Roland. I returned my MC101 for that same reason

[@Pan_Kosmi]

The noise i believe is ground noise..(issues when the building is old and the electrics has leak) i faced this problem a lot of times as a guitarist.

[@ryanstevens3822]

would this preclude you from getting the s-1? people seem to like that one....

[@Tiger.Arcade]

Honestly, that one sounds incredible.

[@williamwallace6508]

sent it after 1 month. the manufacturers are being taken for a ride

[@Tiger.Arcade]

What happened?

[@jammin023]

I was so tempted to buy this when I first heard about it, but having watched a few more reviews I decided it's just too limited to be really useful. I want more of a choice of drum sounds, a bigger pitch range on the samples, and pitchable hats. There's also something off about the acid. Can't quite put my finger on it but it just seems rather flat-sounding and uninspiring. It doesn't quite sing the way it should. Such a shame - the concept of a tiny one-box acid&drums machine is an absolute dream come true, but seems like they cut too many corners to bring the price down. I'd happily pay more for a better one.

[@SamLowryDZ-015]

A lot of music equipment can be seen and is often marketed as one trick ponies. Far enough they want to pitch gear to what ever the current trend in music is, but all too often they fail to demonstrate it can have applications for other styles or genres which leads to the conclusion these devices are limited in what they can do.

[@Tiger.Arcade]

That’s a fair assessment!

[@robosardine303]

There are things missing that wouldn’t be fully apparent until buying it … like being able to tweak the accent

[@deejannemeiurffnicht1791]

i got one a few days ago. 1st. the echo/reverb are HORRID! 2nd. Can you live/real-time record rhythms or bass lines in, for when you don't want step-sequencing to get in the way of an on-the-fly? I'd rather be able to tap notes into it's bass section, live, like playing simple piano basslines. And I can always tweak it later via what's saved on the step srquencer. Is there any romote controller for it? Like a desktop interface? The 303 sound that it hits me with by default seems nice enough. Though I haven't noticed how or if it changes voice. Yet. The case feels a little too toy-like maybe. But it's just not as instinctive (for me) to get into the guts of, like tr-8, and tb-3. Within a week or two, i knew the tb-3's ''on-the-surface'' basics inside out. And didn't take me too long to get into more ''under-the-hood'' techniques with it, or the tr-8, with just the odd glance at their online bumph. So, for me, the t8's ways of being operated look as if they could be a but slow for me. So far. I

[@Tiger.Arcade]

I’m pretty sure you can live record. For me it was just too limiting for its price. Still I thought it was fun just wouldn’t get much use in my studio. As for remote controlling I know it’s midi capable. I don’t think there’s a desktop software to accompany it.

[@yeahright73]

I bought the J-6 as soon as it came out, quickly added a T-8, and when the S-1 dropped I was quick to get that as well. After spending some time playing with them, I began to get irritated with their shortcomings. I recently got a TD-3, TD-3-MO and RD-6 and find the sounds to be much beefier and more satisfying. Things I didn't like about the Aira Compacts include the labeling being insanely hard to read, the 303 sounding thin and weak, the sequencer not being able to chain patterns, the self-noise and the TRS MIDI being the opposite standard of just about every other TRS MIDI device on the market. I may hold on to the S-1 just as a synth engine, but the T-8 and J-6 are going away for sure.

[@rorz999]

It's TRS Midi type A though, which is now the agreed standard, so it makes sense they went with that. Arturia and some others are still using type B, for unknown reasons

[@thegerman3480]

USB noise is the scourge of current music tech

[@OMNI_INFINITY]

If it costs less than 100 US DOLLARS, then it seems worth getting. Wish it had a silver case though.

[@stevenvandevelde3700]

it may be usefull if you take the bus & you try to make some marks, inspired by the vieuw of a city or nature, it's like a small paper notebook to write an idea, but to finish something on 2 hours with a lot of limits, i could be better the you let yourselfs inspire on those short trips by people, the vieuw & use those things when you are at home a tr8s is small & has it all; I think the t8 would end up in a drwawer after you used it. Same thing with the mini versions of the gear they have. If you are sitting on the beach with overear headphone sweating like hell. A batterie that last for very small time, it should be better to enjoy the beach, go swimming & put the emotions of the day in music at home.

[@longlostrobots8146]

I hear ya friend . It still amazes me that someone can’t just come up with something cool and new

[@NathanChisholm041]

Mines as quite as a door mouse!

[@mattcero1]

I have a problem with people returning things that work as advertised and are not defective. You used it for a month and thought, meh, not for me. People like this cause the price to go up for the rest of us. Sell your meh items second hand from now on.

[@Tiger.Arcade]

“People like this” 🙄This was purchased used. Returned used to Amazon for only used item shoppers. Completely separate. Thanks for your concern though. 👍

[@mcgritty8842]

Return policies are put in place for a reason Matt. It’s not like he bought a steak, froze it then a month later returned it because he can’t cook it. “People like this” are your everyday people who work in everyday jobs… might want to be less condescending when I’m sure you have skeletons hiding in your closet

[@gru_day]

If the return policy is like that - why not take advantege if it? Music gear is expensive u know... right? Over all, simple drum machine with 303 synth is a good deal tho.

[@Cyndaqueer]

°tiny violin plays in the background°

[@doghouse010]

Lol I laughed at this comment

[@user-rk2xj8gr3h]

I don't know exactly why but I dislike that pard too. It sound not good.

[@stephane406]

Seems like you didn't really knew what you've bought, don't understand what you're complaining about, not talking about the price ....(around 100€ used).

[@Tiger.Arcade]

Mine was more around $180 used. Watched demos when first launched just didn’t suit my needs. Was too simple. Was lots of fun though.

[@PAAmsterdam]

I wish Volcas had lithium batteries and they get rid of their speaker because it is shit. Richer sounds yes.

[@MrSeedi76]

Interesting. I bought the Volca Bass exactly because it has no internal battery. An internal battery will lose capacity over time. I'd much prefer standard AA-cells. Already got a ton of rechargeable AAs anyway. And so far I love the Korg Volca Bass. But I'm really tempted to get one of the Aira series.

[@BubbaSatori]

Volcas>Rolcas, imo.

[@michael7018]

Stop putting gear down if you’re not going to use it and waste everyone time. Is your life so empty. This little machine fits in so many different workflows including my modular. These YT characters like you are disappearing slowly… but not fast enough.

[@Tiger.Arcade]

That’s just it. It’s not for everyone. If you don’t like the vid move on. People are allowed to have differing opinions.

[@promethiousb1489]

Absolutely hate gear using batteries,,,always feel the battery on way out from the start! lol...much prefer mains power.