How is the TR-6S so underrated? // Here's why it's great

How is the TR-6S so underrated? // Here's why it's great
Interested in purchasing the TR-6S/8S? Help keep this channel going while you're at it with the affiliate links listed below! I make a small commission at no additional cost to you:
USA (Perfect Circuit):
►TR-8S: bit.ly/3itO8G3
►TR-6S: bit.ly/33f9EG9
UK / EUROPE (Gear4Music):
►TR-8S: tidd.ly/44MYINn
►TR-6S: tidd.ly/48t37rV
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CONTENT OF THE VIDEO:
0:00 What's up
0:47 About this video
2:12 Analog Circuitry Behaviour
7:17 Sample per step
8:00 TR-6S as a Groovebox Design + Workflow
9:38 Parameter Control
10:25 Step control
12:13 Stock Patterns
14:21 Master FX
16:00 Design and Versatility
17:25 Use DistroKid to Distribute your music
18:22 Ways of supporting me // Thanks for being here
And if you're GASsing REAL hard right now- here's a link to my top gear artist pick:
►bit.ly/3AHVbCp
Roland TR-808 famous patterns:
►bit.ly/3CvIqvm
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Shoutout to (at) alliebrowniest (Instagram) for the animations!
#tr6s #groovebox #drummachine

[@LiamKillen]

Interested in purchasing the TR-6S/8S? Help keep this channel going while you're at it with the Perfect Circuit affiliate links listed below! I make a small commission at no additional cost to you: ►TR-6S: bit.ly/33f9EG9 ►TR-8S: bit.ly/3itO8G3

[@mcstando]

isn't Novation Circuit better groovbox, especially if you are fine with using samples of 808/707/606?

[@olivierjumarie9366]

can you export the sound from TR6-s into QAW for better tweaking while working on a track ...?

[@333_Tarot]

Can you generate sounds with 5 tracks and midi control another synth with programmed 6th track at the same time? Thanks

[@mihajlosinka277]

@@333_Tarot yes, that is possible. all you need is some midi cables and how to set it up

[@chk_yt3345]

Thanks for the great breakdown of this sweet machine. I discovered a couple of options I did not notice yet in your video, as a total newbie. I have great fun with it and value its immediacy and the sounds on offer. Hope to see the TR-6S again on your channel :)

[@LiamKillen]

It’ll be back 😏 thx for watching!!

[@krazywabbit]

With all the hype of the new products, no knock on them as they sound great too, it’s nice to see love for this device. I have this and the MC-101 yet get caught in the watch time of the more pricier gear when I should be working with what I have. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@LiamKillen]

New gear is intriguing + shiny but it’s not always the best.

[@kuanjian]

Great timing on this review with all the new gadgets coming out. I picked one up a couple weeks ago and super impressed with its straight-forwardness.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah sometimes it’s good to put things in perspective

[@jimmurphy9904]

Thank you for the solid content as always! Due to the less menu diving I’ll be getting the bigger model but it’s refreshing to see this get some love as it’s really a GREAT little machine. I also like the way it looks more than the big one but as mentioned I struggle with menu diving. My ADD really makes it extra painful… Thanks for all you do for the community!

[@LiamKillen]

It’s really my pleasure! Cheers

[@christophervincent77]

I have the bigger one and I'm thinking about getting this instead. I like the TR8s but it takes up so much more room - especially for any kind of portable/live setup.

[@kloudtunes]

Great video, thank you! I started with the TR6s and then upgraded to the TR8s which is a monster. However I keep coming back to the little TR6s. It is so cute, the menu diving can be annoying but once you‘ve learned all the tricks it is super satisfying to play with them. The limitation to six voices can help you focus on your performance and also you can do things on the TR6s with only one hand that you can‘t on its bigger brother. So overall this little drum buddy is a total winner. I also found Roland‘s update support for the AIRA products quite good. I hope there is more to come.

[@LiamKillen]

I’m sure there will be! Thx for watching 😊

[@Sequencer_JY]

Love the video. Totally agree. As a beginning music dabbler this piece of equipment is awesome and intuitive, and not expensive..

[@LiamKillen]

Lots of bang for your buck

[@totalSLACK]

Hey man! Just wanting to drop a THANKYOU for your efforts in making videos. Ive been using the BEST sounding groovebox ever, a dr202, for decades, and through your videos, i realized that the tr6s is the SAME EXACT groove box, except updated... so i just bought one! thanks again!

[@LiamKillen]

Thanks as always for watching ! :-)

[@treschlet]

The one thing that's really driving me nuts about this is the lack of audio in, because there's so much functionality that would be opened up, but the only way to get audio in is through the USB, but then that monopolizes your DAW or MPC or whatever, and overrides the audio inputs, so then you have NO audio inputs, unless you use USB audio merging, and if like me, you're not an Apple user, that's just a big pain

[@zoolook3264]

I have the TR-8s and it's by far my favourite hardware drum machine I own. Something about the Roland sound that I've always loved.

[@LiamKillen]

Me too I’m so down with those classic Roland drum sounds

[@technodrone313]

i love mine. mostly for the portability but it just sounds good too. and now that they have that companion software, writing beats is so much better.

[@LiamKillen]

A major lvl up

[@74goldenjet]

Thanks for putting out this video. Informative and usefull. 👍🏻

[@LiamKillen]

Always glad to help

[@pinkbuddha_samplepackreviews]

love this review, thank you!

[@LiamKillen]

🍻

[@eteline_music]

Thanks so much for explaining chaining variations! I was trying to figure out how to trigger variations automatically for ages. This is first drum machine so maybe this is a common feature, but there was no mention of this feature in the manual

[@LiamKillen]

🍻

[@Code_Unknown_Music]

Ah, that’s where the velocity shortcut is! Fully agree about it being underrated.

[@LiamKillen]

Super useful short cut! 🍻

[@kathleencoveny3860]

Fantastic coverage .. thanks for breaking it all down into one easy morsel to chew on and swallow .. cheers !

[@LiamKillen]

🍻

[@City2x]

I got a TR6s a week ago. I love it!

[@LiamKillen]

yes!! Underrated! Especially with all the updates they keep dropping on it.

[@Gooden_Eye]

I really want the 808 bass, but there's so many good sounds in the TR6s -- it seems like fun working with all of them

[@LiamKillen]

Tr-6S is so dope for so many reasons!!!

[@nunomollc]

I'm thinking to get TR-6S, it looks great features packed in the small package.

[@LiamKillen]

Highly highly recommended

[@nunomollc]

@@LiamKillen I went your link to Perfect circuit but it is out of stock! Maybe people purchased already 🤣

[@jonrichards333]

As a second hand buy, this is a no brainer. ACB, Samples and FM all in a battery power box; the more I explore this, the more I like it.

[@LiamKillen]

One of the best on the market for the price ESPECIALLY second hand!

[@AcidAlex]

Thanks for the video. I have a TR-8S but need to downgrade due to lack of space so might pick this up, although I’m not sure I’ll be happy with 6 drum parts. I tried making some beats on the 8S with only 6 tracks but I always ended up wanted more 😂

[@LiamKillen]

If you have the 8s just keep that!

[@paradockz]

the 6s is my first drum machine and i'm in love with it, i could see this selling higher used than retail eventually depending on how many get made

[@LiamKillen]

When it’s discontinued this thing’ll sky rocket

[@robinr22]

A year later - see these all the time secondhand for less than half the new price and they still don't sell.

[@isocarboxazid]

@@robinr22Wow, a whole year!!! What an insightful comment. 🙄

[@OttosTheName]

I feel the same way about my MC-101. That thing is like a micro workstation with a 4 track limit (however 1 track can have 16 different drum sounds and for my purpose 4 tracks is enough). I don't know if they weren't marketed all that well or it was just that there's so much interesting gear out there that some are kind of overlooked. It could also be that it's so crammed full of features that it does take some menu-diving and it can look daunting. This TR-6S looks way more hands-on though. Definitely pretty tempted...

[@LiamKillen]

I haven’t messed with the Mc 101 yet. Would love to- sounds like a grass is always greener type situation between us lol

[@OttosTheName]

Haha I'm 90% happy with my MC-101, it has every feature I want, I just wish they made it at least twice as big for more hands-on controls, but as I don't use it live I can live with it and I'm planning to stick with it for a very long time. The size does make it extremely portable. If you can ever play with one for at least an entire afternoon I would highly recommend it, I think more people would get it if they knew what a tiny powerhouse it was. (And if they could get along with the workflow ofc.)

[@madelinehoyle1059]

They're not samples, it's a drum synthesizer. ACB also means that the synthesis is happening at an electronic component emulation level. It's insanely complicated. The fact that they were able to miniaturize it and run it on a battery for the price point they're offering the 6S for is amazing.

[@LiamKillen]

I love that- yeah it’s wild

They're samples.

[@madelinehoyle1059]

@do you know what a drum synthesizer is or what ACB is? The majority of the sounds on the TR-8S are synthesized using ACB technology. While some drum machine sounds are at their source PCM audio waveforms such as the TR-909 hihats, they are actually still running through an ACB emulation of the hardware to accurately model the legacy devices. You can load your own PCM-based samples which is why it's called TR-8S, but fundamentally this is a drum synthesizer just like it's predecessor the TR-8.

[@hrhcrab]

I wish there was a way to know if the marketing department is really being honest about how this stuff works - I will say that my TR-606 sounds nothing like the 606 sounds in my TR8s though.... I feel like the 808 and 909 sounds are accurate but as I'll never own 'em, I guess I'll never know for sure!

[@madelinehoyle1059]

​@@hrhcrab I've heard direct comparison demos between the TR-8 and TR-8S 606 ACB emulation against the original TR-606 and they sound nearly identical.

[@Daffy-Deck]

I have an MC-101, I almost gave it to my daughter but decided to keep it as a scratchpad. What intrigues me is it's potential as a portable instrument that's attached to a stick pc. Personally I don't feel the need for a TR-6 as a 101 owner. However, I love drum synths, I adore the LXR, and very interested in the Volca Drum, basically harmonic, glitch drums Drum synths have infinite potential (to a degree). What I am trying to say is the TR-6S can appear limited, but as a drum synth it's amazing, yet more to the point, attached to stick pc (or smartphone) you still have a portable device that's comprehensive, and something you can take back into the main studio and transpose all the midi files or audio tracks into a full fledged song.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah it’s just a different thing- I’m realizing more and more that the 6S/8s is a great one shot machine, more so than a melodic machine

[@blkrbbt]

Love your aesthetic. I subscribed... I love my TR8s, but the only limit that I hate, unless you know of a work around, is that if you course tune, you can't change other parameters with out losing the course tune. I know holding in the step and adjusting the tuning is a good way around. Also, maybe I'm greedy, but sometimes 11 tracks are sometimes not enough, so I know th 6s isn't for meeeeee. Luv ya, man.

[@blkrbbt]

I also appreciate the love you show for the stock patterns and sound engines. These are little beasts.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah the 8s is just better all around except for portability IMO

[@fatkev1983]

I bought one second hand a month or two ago... and I agree that it is underrated. I had a TR8 already and didn't want to fork out for the TR8S, then found a TR6S was a happy compromise. That turned out to be better than a compromise. Obviously, the TR8S is "better" but I like the form factor and the it still brings a lot to the table... without taking up the table space.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah I agree with you 100% I got a tr 8s thing coming out too soon

[@micy80]

I’m at the point where I am looking at buying a tr8. Would you suggest getting the tr6s instead? I specify that I need the portability.

[@fatkev1983]

@@micy80 if you can live with fewer hands on controls (TR8 is easier for tweaking in live jams), fewer "instruments" (6 vs 11) you can sequence at once, and really want something compact and portable, then the TR6S is definitely what you want. Added benefit, you can load in your own samples into the TR6S. TR8 youre stuck with the sounds it has, which aren't that many even if you have a unit with the expansions. However, you can sequence an external sampler with the TR8, like an sp404. Takes a bit of setting up to achieve. Oh and make sure to get the software meant for the TR6/8S - does open up these device a fair bit. Not sure what price secondhand TR8Ss are going for right now and the TR8 has jumped up recently as people appreciate its simplicity and live jamming ability... but when I was looking, you could get both a fully loaded TR8 and a TR6S for the price of just a TR8S on its own. But some might argue you should save up and just get the TR8S if you can live with the size of the bigger unit and have the budget.

[@markkilley2683]

It has more sounds in that than I thought. Goes well with either mc101, mc707 or MV-1. So I bought one.

[@LiamKillen]

absolutely! Glad you are now one of us.

[@miamha]

I love my tr-6s, pair it with another small backpack fitting synth and you can have hours of fun.

[@LiamKillen]

Full outdoor set up ready to go right there 😏

[@zrobertez]

I mainly play guitar and bass. This thing is great if you import some rock samples. Reverb has a ton of free drum sample packs and you can get some better drum sounds for guitar music if that's your style. Also you can hold shift while turning the value knob to turn it way faster

[@LiamKillen]

Thanks for your additions here ! Cheers.

[@mooseyard]

I got myself one for Xmas and was having fun making patterns and sounds, but got burned by the fact that “kits” are shared between patterns - so when I made changes to the sounds and effects in one pattern it messed up the others. Didn’t realize this for a while until I went back to an earlier pattern and it was broken. Losing work has a way of killing enthusiasm, so I haven’t used it much since. :( I guess now that I know, I need to be careful to make a copy of the kit before touching anything to do with the kit settings. Still seems like a bad design: I’d rather the kit changes were local to the pattern unless I saved them back to the kit.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah it’s all about understanding the ins/outs! 😊

[@aidanduffy5443]

Same thing happened to me. In fairness, you don't have to copy the kit before working. Just before overwriting! So you can make your best and all that, the. Copy the kit to an available slot later, the. Overwrite with that kit and it'll work

[@mikemeengs5720]

It's a great machine! Do I wish I had an 8S? Of course! But I just don't have the room, and if I can't get a great groove going with six sounds, I shouldn't be programming beats. Lol. One thing to keep in mind is when adjusting parameters on a per-step basis...if you want to have, say, a higher pitch for one step, the next step after that needs to be told to go back to the original pitch. Otherwise all steps after that will have the tweak too. Kind of a hassle. Sample import is a bit clumsy, but is a very powerful addition to the unit...almost my favorite part! I just wish the USB audio function worked on Win7...notta.

[@LiamKillen]

Yesss the step thing is something I was used to coming from Elektron- it’s just a different workflow- a lil more annoying if ya ask me

[@dracul74]

Picked one up a few months back and fell in love. I actually have several “better” options, but it is just so easy and always seems to inspire.

[@LiamKillen]

Exactly

[@schubidubiduuuu]

Awesome video! What are the nice cases for your pocket operator called?

[@LiamKillen]

Those are direct from Teenage Engineering! Check their website!

[@johnlawson3014]

Until a month ago I was under the assumption that it only had the 606 sounds for some reason. After a little research I decided on buying it. My first hardware drum machine since 2017. My iPad will get a little break maybe lol.

[@LiamKillen]

Having knobs is cluuuutch! Haven’t done the I pad thing yet.

[@aquaticborealis4877]

Hard to know what’s the best kid of groove machine to get started with. What would you recommend for a beginner who wants evolving grooves, with enough features to allow room to grow in the future?

[@LiamKillen]

Tr 6S is a GREAT option for all of the above 😊

[@charlesbaranowski8420]

Hold shift when dialing the value knob to coarse tune values

[@LiamKillen]

🍻

[@mikemeengs5720]

You beat me to it. 👍

[@floridahiker1503]

Haven't played the TR6S but I played the TR8S at GC and was really surprised at the punch of the kick drum. I think the TR8S is underrated as well.

[@LiamKillen]

I got a tr 8s video coming soon 😏

[@themainman3900]

Since there is no external input, I wish they would add class compliant drivers so the sidechain feature could be used with iOS apps. It’s a shame that for such a portable device that it has to be used with a computer in order to make use of it. Sidekick + audio/midi interface is a good work around, but I’d strongly consider trading in my TR8s for one if they added class compliant drivers.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah you’re right

[@elsantoproductora]

I had an mc101 and ended up using it as a sample based drum machine because of the clonky user interface. In hindsight, the tr6s would have been a better purchase. I you had to choose between the tr6s and the drumlogue what would you do?

[@LiamKillen]

So far…tr 6s

[@H.Sandro]

Hola, una consulta, puedo conectar a mi TR 6S un foot controller (especificamente un UNI3 Parametric USB MIDI foot controller de Logidy)? gracias.

[@LiamKillen]

I haven’t looked into this but I’m sure you can find something out about it online.

[@deejaychainwallet]

I'm sure someone else commented this but there's a ripcord to power the digitakt from a portable battery

[@LiamKillen]

Myvolts!

[@VJFranzK]

I ended up liking it so much better than the MC101 I had bought first! ; - )

[@LiamKillen]

😏

[@davewebster689]

My issues with the TR6S: - it only has 6 channels. Not really enough for your entire percussion unless you make quite minimal music. Worth spending more on the TR8S with its 11 channels if you need them. -the menu diving sucks. I think the new software Roland released a while back will help with that I'm sure though, but I havent tried. Other than that its a good bit of gear and the ACB is nice enough. Theres so many kits in these, but I would recommend the TR8S over the 6S if you can afford the extra bones. Probably not portable though I'm guessing? Its never been a factor for me so I dont know.

[@LiamKillen]

I 100% agree with everything you just said.

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

Nice blend between MC101 & TR8S, Digitakt sounds different,warmer.

[@LiamKillen]

I agree with ya there

[@Georg89]

Thanks for your videos on the TR6S, I bought it partly because of that. Do you know if the OUT jacks are screwed to the case? Mine seem a bit loose/wobbly and I'm afraid they might break off soon.

[@LiamKillen]

Woaahh really? Sorry to hear that you’re having that issue!!

[@Georg89]

​@@LiamKillen I don't know if this is intentional, but maybe you can tell me how "tight" the jacks are on yours or if they have some "play"?

[@cesarpoggi6584]

Just got a TR-6s few days ago, which brand of USB B cable do you recommend buying for this machine? Most of the 2.0 USB Type-B cables sold on internet are usually called "printer cable" and idk if this cable can work both as power supply and for data transfer

[@LiamKillen]

I’m pretty sure that works!

[@poleladulce383]

Excuse me for be ignorant but I would like to know what machine is the yellow one attached to the tr 6s you were using in the video and what it does?

[@LiamKillen]

That’s the SP-404 mk2! It does a lot of things actually but I use it primarily as an FX unit

[@zacharybanister2082]

How do you power your TR-6S or MC-101 ? I seem to get digital noise occasionally on mine.

[@LiamKillen]

That might happen if you’re powering through your computer

[@michaelshea-wright7940]

what happened to the OP-1? also who did you get to repair it? thx 4 all ur vidz

[@LiamKillen]

The input jack was messed this time.

[@RealityShiftUK]

Would you say this worth selling the novation circuit tracks for ? Don’t need sampling anyway and this looks awesome

[@LiamKillen]

I am a bit biased i would say yes - I like Roland better than Novation in general though. If you want some more opinions about it - my Discord is the pace to go: discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP

[@Iggxzy]

I was thinking of getting one, but instead I got a Circuit Tracks. Might still get one tough.

[@LiamKillen]

You’re still in good hands.

[@joseg.54]

Hi Liam! I've recently acquired Roland Tr6s, and the first two days I think I saw an option which was ambient, and then, despite seeking for it thoroughly, i haven't found it. May I have deleted the pattern or whatever is not on purpose? Would you be so kind to let me know where it is located? Another one question, I'm trying to sort out to record in the Sd card. And I have a real mess mixture with the 2 ways on the left side of the machine. And how could I seek for it once recorded in real time or the pattern? The way to save it is variation (letter), pattern or anything more, isn't it? But how can i search for it once recorded? Thank u so much, looking forward to hearing your answer. Kind regards

[@LiamKillen]

Anything you don’t save gets deleted so make sure to save frequently!

[@LiamKillen]

I’m not super clear in your second question but if you hit pattern I believe you’re able to scroll through all of the stock patterns/ patterns that you’ve created.

[@joseg.54]

Hi! Thank you for replying. Forget the 2nd question. My unique question is: does exist a pattern, instrument or sample which is AMBIENT?. I reckon to have seen it, the first days, and once i have deepen into the different styles, I haven't seen it anymore. The question was mainly led to where it is located. Thank u indeed! Greetings

[@Ninzumecha]

I am currently using the Novation Circuit Tracks, Roland S-1, 2xKO33, Tonic and a JP8000. So far I feel like I’m not using all my equipment, however, you cannot go wrong with those sure fire drum sounds. Thinking of buying the TR-6S next to compliment what I have, what do you think?

[@LiamKillen]

I ALWAYS recommend the TR-6S. If it's something that you're interested in, I say go fro it ! Also, here's a link to my Discord if you'd like to join a community of like minded synth users such as yourself :-) discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP

[@Ninzumecha]

@@LiamKillen That is exactly the piece of kit that I was thinking of 😊 I have drums from the Circuit and Tonic, so wondered it would be superfluous, but it’s all about the classic sounds for me! Thank you for the recommendation, I’ll probably get one next. I just bought the Yamaha Reface CP by the way, a great source of retro electric piano sounds, such as Rhodes 👍

[@kristopherdetar4346]

I love my TR6, I hate not having more time to spend with it.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah that’s the thing

[@muthaphukkin_H8]

I recently got a TR6S and I first loved it. Was trying it out for 3 days and carrying it everywhere i went. Than on Friday evening I went to my studio to prepare a live set with the TR6S. For that reason I wanted to upgrade the firmware, because it was still the 1.0 I did the whole process like it’s described in their users Manuel. The update failed while it was running. The TR6S wasn’t able to be recognised from my MacBook, immediately after that happened. I went in the utility menu on the TR6S to check the firmware and it showed me this: -/- Well… that was weird.. because I was scared to shut it off with no firmware version be shown. I tried to get it recognised again from my Mac with a bunch of different cables, even tried a windows pc just to be sure. But nothing. So In that case I had to restart the TR6S. I turned the device off with the power switch. Put the switch back to on… and nothing. No screen light, no pads led.. just nothing. Tried 8 different cables. 6 different pairs of battery’s.. no function at all. The TR8s has a hardware reset button on the unit which the tr6s don’t have.. u can just do a factory reset inside the utility menu. And in my opinion this is a joke for a 400 euro device. And because that happened on Friday evening and the support is closed during the weekend I had to wait till next Monday. Roland told me a replacement would take 1 1/2 weeks. That pissed me of so hard that i send it back completely and preordered a DirtyWave M8 Tracker instead! Best decision I made for a while, when u ask me hahaha

[@LiamKillen]

Oh really! Sorry that happened to you

[@floridahiker1503]

The same thing happened to me on an expensive Nord keyboard shortly after I bought it. Glad you found something you like.

[@Johnnyhaag79]

I've been seeing a lot of people point to the corner and say"here's this video if you wanna see it" and then nothing is there

[@LiamKillen]

Oh shite did that happen in this video? If the card doesn’t show up it should be in the description

[@JeremyForTheWin]

What do you think of this vs the new t-8

[@LiamKillen]

This is better in every way…EXCEPT for the side chain option the t-8 has

[@saintsteve]

I’m new to music making and considering making a purchase. What would be a better choice for a beginner, this or one of the new aira compact t8 devices?

[@LiamKillen]

I’d go with tr 6S personally

[@LiamKillen]

I encourage you to use the purchase link in this video!

[@saintsteve]

@@LiamKillen thanks for your reply. Does the link work for UK purchases?

[@jeandoyon7532]

The velocity modulation of parameters (for more dynamic and playable drum sound design) and an Elektron style sequencer are some of the key modern features that are missing in the Roland TR-6S for me, not you !?

[@LiamKillen]

I’m not sure what you mean! There is velocity/step!

[@jeandoyon7532]

​@@LiamKillen Yes, its sequencer includes velocity data, but this velocity data cannot (as of yet) modulate other sound parameters (like an LFO does). It is something you can do, however, on the Model:Sample or Model:Cycle for instance (or in Ableton Live). The advantage of this approach to the design of drum sounds is that you can sequence, play and records (with velocity-sensitive pads for instance or via the steps sequencer) velocity data that will modulate parameters such as the pitch, the decay (e.g., on the hi-hat), overdrive, etc. In short, velocity modulation(s) on a drum machine/synth allow(s) the creation of more subtle and dynamic drums sound design, like an acoustic drum or percussion responds to different velocities (albeit subtle at times), to much wilder and creative drum sounds (for instance by adding LFOs to those sounds on top of the velocity modulations). Personally, as a drummer, I think this is a very cool feature, one that I want in a more modern drum machine (or drum synth) and that is missing to my knowledge in the Roland TR-6s and Tr-8s (as well as missing in the SP-404 mk2). :( The TR-6s remains a very cool drum machine (for all the reasons that you very well demonstrate in your excellent video), but depending on one’s needs and interests (e.g., in exploring and designing dynamic drum sounds) this machine may or may not be for you. Whether or not you agree with me, I hope this makes more sense to you know !? I apologize for the long response ! :)

[@Roses_R_redeR]

Hey Liam... Could you make a video where you mix this with your Daw..

[@LiamKillen]

To be considered

[@mh22xv]

Great vid Liam. What cans are those?

[@LiamKillen]

Aiaiai! You can go wireless with them

[@mh22xv]

@@LiamKillen awesome, thank you. Just ordered a pair 😊

[@bingobaz6402]

Love this video you are Killen it. 😄 🤣 I am sorry I am very easily amused ;)

[@LiamKillen]

Haha all good thx for being here! 🍻

[@bingobaz6402]

@@LiamKillen :) it was a good video btw, helfpful as I am thinking of buying one of these as I always wanted to buy a jd 800 and price is good. Only thing that’s stopping me is I bought so much stuff recently and got a mountain of sounds to go through on the stuff I already got. But the jd 800 was a Georgous machine.

[@sullycliftona]

I think those front panels online with the short cuts on are v good. A tad pricey tho . I’ve recently got me an original 606 now to . /

[@LiamKillen]

I feel you.

[@viktorplevnes9958]

great video. The TR6s is super fun. I have one little issue and I can't figure out how I got in it. So when I am in TR REC mode from scratch my thing goes to 8 bars, how do I make it all into 1 bar, like a 1 bar sequence? If I try to make something then I do all in the 1st bar and then there is nothing for 7 bars and then the sound is back for bar 1...any help will be appreciated, thanks

[@LiamKillen]

It's because you have all of your variations activated. hit "variations" and make sure that only one of the steps is lit up - then it'll be one bar.

[@viktorplevnes9958]

@@LiamKillen thank you kind sir...subsribed

[@neonpop80]

wait, at 15mins you said you can apply to one instr but you ended up using master and applied it to the track??

[@LiamKillen]

I don’t know exactly what you’re referring to

[@gilm677]

What about samples management? Heard it's pretty bad. What about battery life?

[@LiamKillen]

It’s a “one shot sampling machine” imo. Because there’s not a lot of memory for longer samples.

[@hotdawgg101]

What is the pedal you were using around 7 min

[@LiamKillen]

That my friend, is the Microcosm. Here's a video where i've used it a little more extensively: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5y2k5-oo9iWl6c

[@sullycliftona888]

I actually quite like the house melody sound in back ground ... but it seems roland out this in the composing ... can u ever get just plain snares and drums ..!I'm still not put off I will buy one soon i reckon... I just bought three master c and j liz toress records quite expensive.. and this is my sound .. I have to be sure .. waited money on behringer stuff etc

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah you can upload any drums that you want! :-)

[@unclemick-synths]

Looks like a good companion to the MPC One.

[@valley_robot]

The mpc one has a drum synth , it’s very good

[@unclemick-synths]

@@valley_robot I like the MPCs internal synths for recording but I don't find them so good for jamming - I'm not dexterous enough for swapping screens in a live situation and I always end up on the wrong screen or tweaking the wrong setting! 😀 So when I'm jamming I mostly use the MPC for triggering samples.

[@LiamKillen]

You got that right

[@LiamKillen]

I haven’t even touched it 😅

[@valley_robot]

@@LiamKillen I use the MPC one for everything, my hardware synths and drum machines just sit there looking cool. Once you get good at MPC you don't look back, I have a maschine mk2 that's cool as well but it's not as useful and immediate as the MPC one or live

[@ud4458]

Did you notice that the headphone volume is really low even when turned up ? I just got mine yesterday and this is bothering me.

[@LiamKillen]

Hmmm i wasn't having that issue

[@ud4458]

@@LiamKillen I think it’s crappy headphones, and I learned that system gain can be adjusted. Love your videos!! ❤️

[@linusorri]

I've got the TR-6s and I've never rereally connected with it. The presets really put me off because they are just cheesy and therer's something about the process of choosing sounds that justt really doesn't work for me. I've had it for a couple of years, just hoping that one day it will click cause I really like the faders.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah I guess it’s not for everyone

[@livinproof718]

I use the tr 6s and it is very underrated

[@LiamKillen]

Glad you agree 😊

[@eug3nz698]

I wanted a drum machine and I have only one chance to buy due to my tight budget. I choose 8s instead of 6s.

[@LiamKillen]

Good choice

[@sullycliftona]

8.44 or their abouts it sounded just like Tears. Mr knuckles.. Frankie, got to say the boutique tro6. Is amazingly good tho .. to

[@LiamKillen]

Oh cool! Haha- thanks for watching! :-)

[@Studio_4to1]

As per use : mandatory watch !

[@LiamKillen]

Thank you! 😊

[@marcuunk8564]

Can it also be unquantized?

[@LiamKillen]

Unfortunately no

[@mattcero1]

Can you sample over the USB live from your computer? I.E. can this be an audio interface? I WISH these h/w mfg's would add XLR combo ports as well as the ability to be an audio interface to their products. If there's a USB port, WHY NOT!?

[@LiamKillen]

Yes, the TR-6S can be an audio interface. I actually recently did a video on this topic for the TR-8S- and the 6S functions in the exact same way but with less space / channels / faders. Here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4PImox7a5WberMsi=Ex5Dxf_y35duZpz3

[@mattcero1]

Thanks for the link Liam. @@LiamKillen

[@mattcero1]

Oh, and please mention industry wide, they should all come with Microphone/instrument XLR combo jacks and all be audio interfaces over their USB connections. People would buy more of these if they could make Zoom/Teams calls with them. Why aren't these companies figuring this out???!!! @@LiamKillen

[@sean808080]

sold!

[@LiamKillen]

🍻 Thx for watching!

[@simonsmith2642]

Why would you say someone would prefer this over the mc101? They seem like they can both do what the 6S can do but the 6S cant do what the 101 can do.

[@LiamKillen]

I wouldn’t be able to compare myself!

[@LiamKillen]

Don’t own the 101

[@sullycliftona]

😮what’s up old chap .. I bought it ( after 10% your recommendations…. It will be in my flat in a few days I’m low in cash … please 🙏 is their any thing I should not do or and/ also any new stuff for a synth new bei .. not a music new bei .. like might of mentioned I’m at a certain age but have been around block with house music vinyl and free party’s /. Y don’t I ask anyone else ..!! Most of my homez are either married and bringing up their children or just not like. Me ../(I will give anyone tips on records /skating etc( I’m eating cabbage 🥬 potatoes for two weeks now. All for my music 🎵 skills

[@LiamKillen]

I'm not super clear on what you're asking lol Biut awesome that you picked up the TR-6S- have fun ! :-)

[@SonicVibe]

You really are making me want this machine lately I think Roland owes you for their best promotion on the TR6s lol , sound with the acb nice 👍 and I kinda like the patterns it can chain or variations, but I really really wish it sampled with line in cause then portability over a mpc might be more justified for me if it had that It would be so lit 🔥 but at the price still think is cool 😎 for all the 808 908 classics alone .

[@LiamKillen]

It’s totes worth it!

[@SonicVibe]

@@LiamKillen if I break down and get it I’ll use your link lol

[@spiderfingers2005]

Shame this thing doesn't have a Song Mode.. I image that it would be a simple thing to add.. I bought one of these, and i love everything about it.. The size, it has great sounds, and you can throw samples into it too.. but i write songs, so i want to programme this machine accordingly.. damn.. i may have to move it on.....

[@LiamKillen]

Honestly I find that song mode is pretty meh all around because it just locks you into a pattern which i'm not down with.

[@spiderfingers2005]

@@LiamKillen I'm a bit old school! I had an electribe back in the day and I used it alot with songs and structuring.. I have a Digitakt so I think I will use that for song mode and keep the Tr-6s after all to have a bit off unstructured fun!!!

[@fluim0102]

It's always a bit frustrating when people do these comparisons with og gear... Yes in a mix or especially trough KZbin algoritms and AD/DA conversion a OG DX7 and a reface DX or even a Arturia software emulation is will sound almost the same... But in a room using it live an OG dx7 will rattle the windows and be very warm huge sounding and sounds much fatter than the software emulation

[@LiamKillen]

There are very few people who tour with vintage analog gear at this point because of the price + wear/tear. But you’re right. I toured in a band where the lead singer used the Juno 60. Sound guy didn’t touch that shit.

[@jcchaconjr]

For “GrooveBox” functionality, I would just let the 6S do what it does best (without wasting channels), and pair it up with a MC-101 to handle all of the melodic goodness. As for the 808, without getting an actual unit, I find the Roland Cloud versions of their Legendary boxes to be pretty darn good. I used to have an actual TR-707 years ago,and the Roland Cloud version is pretty spot on when my memory compares it to the hours and hours I used to spend with headphones trying to come up with beats.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah it works really well as a piece of the puzzle

[@jdikoder]

Digitakt actually can be powered using a batt bank

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah but that’s a whole other piece to bring

[@rickytenaglia]

People doesn't like small things... It's like the iPhone mini, you have a powerful smartphone and you can keep it easily in your pocket, but no, people want it big, same here, doesn't look serious... Imaging Jeff Mills performing on this rather than his 909, could sound better maybe and do more stuff, than he does with the 909, but this little thing it's not as "scenic" as the other big drum machine... For me is the only reason... Same for the volcas series...

[@saoirsepup]

TR-6S gang RISE UP

[@LiamKillen]

📈📈📈📈📈

[@beesting6135]

Portability like the Sh-4d

[@LiamKillen]

😏

[@carlosmeloribeiro7588]

TR-Success ;)

[@LiamKillen]

lol exactly.

[@slonktonkster9680]

We can make that Digitakt battery powered

[@LiamKillen]

That would be so good if they did that

[@beaticulous]

There's success in TR-6S.

[@LiamKillen]

We are successful because of the tr 6S

[@geofff6671]

The 6S is a bit more specialised and the MC101 is a bit more versatile. I guess many are going for the MC101 or 707 or TR8S. Probably not much room for a groove box that is fairly specialised and small, when there are both bigger more pro versions and the broader MC101 for those that want something small.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah the 6S is better for one shots + such.

[@briancoyne6700]

Behringer RD-8 is the closets thing to the real 808. Once I heard it with my own ears, I could never tolerate any other 808 wanna be.

[@LiamKillen]

Any Roland units that use analog circuit behaviour are pretty much identical. I did a blindfold test and people couldn’t even tell the diff: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zny3haOEgN6CntE

[@briancoyne6700]

@@LiamKillen I believe it that most people can't tell the difference between analog and digital samples but--most people don't write songs like Sexual Healing or In the Air Tonight or Africa Bombataa or Brass Monkey, etc...Those hits were born out of the magical sound that real analog machines makes. Maybe in 10 years we will look back at all the great hit's of the 2020s that were made on the TR-6S and the TR-8S but I seriously doubt it. Most people can't tell the difference between analog and digital because most people are not specially gifted to write hits like the ones I mentioned. Thank you for your channel and your good work.

[@wildbird78]

6S sounds like "SUCCESS"

[@LiamKillen]

Mmhmm!!

[@XanarchistBlogspot]

Today on Bad Gear... Oh wait...

[@LiamKillen]

😢

[@jpsynth1411]

How is the TR-6S so underrated? Menu diving. And knowing for a fact that Roland will not add any features in the future.

[@LiamKillen]

I wouldn’t be so sure about that

[@kylekeller7577]

You know why it isn’t underrated? No trigger out. Even $150 behringer clones have that. The fact that I can’t use this with my 303 is mind-boggling.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah that is a bummer

[@AcidAlex]

Just connect them by MIDI.

[@kylekeller7577]

@@AcidAlex that helps with tempo syncing, but you can’t leverage the step programming though.

[@JAO911PLIST]

All you need is a cheap power bank and a usb printer cable and you're good.

[@LiamKillen]

Yup

[@patrickbeckschafer6876]

Is the Spelling "TR Success" coincidential..?? Mmmhh....

[@LiamKillen]

I’m assuming that’s in the auto captions haha