Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer [In-Depth Demo]

Dustin Good from Roland Canada gives an in-depth demonstration of the Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer. For more information, please visit www.long-mcquade.com/101979
The TR-8 is a performance rhythm machine that melds the legendary sound and vibe of the TR-808 and TR-909 with features and functions for the modern age. Genre-defining sounds, classic effects, unprecedented live pattern manipulation, and solid, intuitive performance controls.

[@SheenylHassan]

KZbin does a really good job showing me thing I want but can't afford.

[@2008LethalMelody]

Вторичный рынок, что тут еще можно посоветовать... Я коплю деньги, кредиты не беру принципиально.

[@SheenylHassan]

@@2008LethalMelody я согласен

[@djdeemz7651]

Hope you own now

[@daemeonation3018]

I ordered one yesterday. I teach physics in Shanghai. I am supposed to be SAVING money but... Oh well. I have to wait for it to arrive from Japan, though. Out of stock in China.

[@thomashoffend4299]

Wow this thing sounds really good. I am not a live performer but am addicted to groove boxes. The design is though out pretty well.

[@MC-kp1hw]

Superb tutorial and demo. I found it very useful how you don’t just talk for most of the video and only play one beat when I just want to hear the damn machine play… Instead you actually guide us through it whilst playing some fantastic drum compositions and tricks. Bravo 🙌

[@sunilsolanki]

Excellent demo... Really beautiful machine... Want!

[@DennisdeWeerd]

I love it when he totally owns it at about 20:14. Great video!

[@mrlawilliamsukwarmachine4904]

I really feel this video needs the meme of the dark glasses 😎 and gold chain!!

[@timetimetimey]

Terrific demo. Thank you Dustin. Smoooooth !

[@robertescher3082]

Just got one of these super cool machines... I am really digging learning how to use it. I messed around with an 808 back in the day, but music has only ever been a hobby... Thanks for the video... I was just about to dive into the manual to find out how to 'have the same sample make different notes in the pattern'... and dang - you just showed me! :D

[@6stringks]

best demo!! Cool machine!! I am gonna get it. All the other reviews do not show such a structure and such a smart workflow as yours - and thus the real concept of this amazing machine. Its always put against other boxes (e.g. Digitakt) while for me its a different beast! I will run it through my analog console and I think the possibilities are endless. Thanks again, cheers!

[@rodrigolaporte274]

Awesome demonstration!

[@hazysativa3045]

FUcking amazing

[@ArturoSaenzSoto]

Loved this demo! Getting one very soon to pair with my TR8

[@sjcongo]

Sounds dope, cool presentation :) one of the coolest drum maschines

[@stephenbarrette610]

Superb demo and brilliant presenter - a gold standard benchmark for a product demonstration - of course it helps that the TR8-S is an amazing piece of kit …

[@Amatteus]

best explanation i have seen. good job.

[@acsola3909]

I like this direction of upgrading old TR8 ... and presentation Roland Boards Of Canada to .

[@borisgeorgiev8201]

Absolutely amazing tool! I love it! Thanks for your video!

[@longandmcquade]

You're welcome!

[@andyredshaw3574]

Got to say that was really professionally presented! Good work my man 👍

[@longandmcquade]

One of the best presenters we've worked with... that's why we asked him!

[@krisdubus1631]

Very good demo!! Thanks a lot!!

[@tekis0]

Great! I love my TR8. but this an amazing upgrade.

[@hovermotion]

What a stunning machine... Looks so well designed too...

[@longandmcquade]

It really is!

[@saadayad6897]

What a great demo and walkthrough of this machine. Well done Dustin....We see you jammin' too 😎

[@scottgentile3830]

You are a class act Dustin. Great demonstration. You manage to get deep into the machine without losing the viewer. You're video just sold one more TR-8s :)

[@drohrrn5597]

I I'm happy I notice this video It was awsome thanks for sharing

[@djmumma]

I'm a total beginner, but this is helping to make sense of things! Such a powerful machine and great addition for dj sets / entry to production (whilst not being an entry level machine at all!) Thanks for sharing

[@MatusFinchus]

Excellent stuff. Bought an MC707 this time last year and your video manuals for that were great. I have a TR-8s arriving tomorrow, so very pleased to have found this. :-)

[@longandmcquade]

Amazing. Who likes reading manuals anyways?

[@eug3nz698]

@@longandmcquade count me in

[@jjhcw]

Awesome Demo!

[@greymodoy2126]

Top notch demo

[@trevormcintosh5564]

this is amazing

[@aigoprovata]

great demonstration!!

[@ultravice191]

that is one beautiful instrument

[@CO5MA]

Perfect demo

[@ryanmoran8366]

Very nice demo!

[@MsrAlaindeFerrier]

Love it getting one

[@JamesBermingham]

Mines in the post so I’m binge watching TR8s vids and educating 🎓

[@timokobe]

Looks amazing

[@CRUSHMACHINES]

thanks for coming out with this a week after i bought the tr8...

[@scottfindley1345]

CRUSHMACHINES dude you should be happy, your tr8 is miles better (and authentic) than this thing.

[@scottfindley1345]

Who cares if its got all the blinkys and features arpegiators and (ooh) the ability to sample? I can do all that, miles better with a GUI'd tool with infinitely more robust control and tools for manipulation, which I use day in and day out to very satisfying effect. We live in a world where (I, at least) dont want EVERY box to do EVERY thing. I want my 808 to be an 808. I want the mode of operation to be rudimentary step sequencer. I dont want it to sound like anything but a real ass 808. I dont care if it's got every single drum machine sample starting from the very first drum machines till present.. Listen to the sound of this thing. Then listen to the TR-08. You can list all the specs, advanced modeling architecture, and whiz bang this or that, Cool! But none of it means ANYTHING. what has meaning is what it sounds like, and how it inspires you to utilize it. everything else is gravy. I already have much better tools for all those functions you mension. But hey, whatever inspires you, cool! But dont insult us dum dummies who are just so dim we cant figure out why an mc-303 isnt 'better' than a tr-808.

[@scottfindley1345]

p.s. I remember when people were throwing away all their jupiter 8s, JX8Ps, and all other analog synths for the the 'better in every way' digital synths, like the DX7, Korg trinities, etc. which were so fantastic, why would anyone want to ever use those old dinosaurs! How did that one pan out? Likes I said, use what makes you creative, and make more music. Its not liie you cant make greatm tunes on it, just like virtually everything else. I just think it dont sound one bit like an OG 808 909 or even the 'botique' emulators that came out recently. not even a little.

[@scottfindley1345]

Pierre Chanceuse hah, join the club! Yes that’s what I’m saying. I feel the boutiques sound miles better because the emulation does one thing and one thing only -,emulates the sound and character of the og units, there are no additional steps in the signal flow (adsr enveloped, different types of filters, etc and in the case of the tr8 it is emulating analog synthesis, not playing back pcm samples and layering stuff upon that, which I’ll bet you this thing is. But let your ears be the judge my man! Ill still keep using my gold baby and driven machine drums library’s which sound better than any of these many times over..l but that’s me

[@cyrussvance8763]

Tanx for your DEMO. Very understandable!!

[@longandmcquade]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sammcdermott9210]

just upgraded to the 8S from the 6S and I’m loving how accessible every parameter is. this was such a great demo!!

[@schmapps1]

Do you find the upgrade is worth losing all that desk space? Is the 8S that much easier to use than the 6S?

[@acidhousetherapy]

Ok.BEST demo of this machine I've seen now after about 20 dry ones. Thanks.

[@longandmcquade]

Thanks!

[@dagoblinn2350]

Great demo

[@geoguy29]

Great demo thanks!

[@longandmcquade]

Glad you liked it!

[@grimcybeats9965]

Guy behind camera: "Okay Dustin I think we got enough video footage we're good to go!" *Dustin still in-depth* : "Huh...what did you say?" Guy behind camera: ". . .Nevermind." TR-8S is a win! cant wait to grab one.

[@longandmcquade]

As the guy behind the camera, I can assure you I was encouraging him to go even further in depth!

[@davidgoodwin3935]

This video was my inspiration to purchase the TR8s appreciation bro

[@christopherperry487]

i bought one too, how do you like it???? I have not really figured it out , how about you????

[@rokagrooveradio8429]

The same:) excellent

[@andrewmunsterman808]

I have one. Love it

[@nachobusiness1425]

Thank you I will be buying one😀

[@Klocaine237]

I love how he tells what he's doing and shows you half of wtf he's talking about

[@MJamesIII]

Will there be an Editor for this similar to the one for the Integra_-7?

[@adibanti]

This is a nice upgrade. Has some useful features actually. But most importantly it sounds good!

[@riccardoantolinipil]

Excellent tutorial

[@starwars007oele]

The tr8 grown up, you really make me want to buy it! Just one question, you mention the trigger outputs for cv but can it also sequence external drummaschine/module....,I believe so, but just to be sure. Good video 👍✌️

[@jjhcw]

Great Video!!!

[@longandmcquade]

Thanks!

[@tlatsegms]

Amazing⚡️

[@aportilla007]

The layout looks very intuitive.

[@GB3770]

This is a tasty unit - absolutely love the physical UI - 11 channels all hands onish.... V tempting to buy...this plus a mc 707 would kill it....

[@FLOODOFSINS]

I was looking at several different role and models. Are these from where regularly updated? Or is there a newer model for 2021? I was also looking at the mx1 and the vt-4. I play with rolling decades ago and would like to get back into learning about the newer models and their differences.

[@jimiphillipsmediaphillips6178]

Got me. Want this beast.

[@antfactor]

So - it kinda does P-Locks (not sure of level/depth - ANY parameter...?), but can also integrate motion sequences on a per-pattern basis?

[@agauerm]

Great machine! Def gonna get one... Hahaha this tune reminded me of the Techno Viking!

[@1Mrbudgood]

Can you layer triplet and 16th note patterns simultaneously on this machine?

[@djjammindave]

HELL YEAH !!!! AM GETTING THIS SHIT .....THANK YOU FOR THE DEMONSTRATION.

[@section23]

Looks great for producing old school 90’s hardcore music!

[@numerar7777]

Tek tek tek tek.

[@6stringks]

you can sample...open world.

[@silveraeroplane532]

Could you connect a micro org to synch with this?

[@retrodakid1]

HI THERE. CAN YOU CONFGURE THIS TO PLAY IN 11 different channels on ableton?

[@djdeemz7651]

Does it have headphone monitoring when youe editing while live ? It really should

[@bib993]

semi-tone tuning, nice

[@BrooseWayniac]

is there a nudge or microtiming function in this wonderfullthang and i missed one point... can i tune the sounds to a specific Key, would it show it to me in what key i tuned the sounds?

[@longandmcquade]

No there is currently no way to tune sounds to a specific key, you can only increase or decrease the pitch of a sample by +/- semitones.

[@mintomax2]

I have never used any kind of production equipment how easy is this to use from a complete beginner point of view plus if I make something am I able to record and export as a wav or mp3 file?

[@marciolimongi]

Amazing video! I’m new to recording. When recording Into a DAW, will the beats/patterns come in as audio, or midi notes? Thank you for the info!

[@lauroestrada2393]

Audio

[@Noise-Conductor]

Where can i find more of ur music?

[@johnparishare6162]

Okay - here's my big question - Can you hit record and play a beat out (between different pads) on the step sequencing pads live? Or are you only limited to playing live rhythms via the single pad next to the tempo knob?

[@kieranoneill1835]

If I understand your question correctly, I believe the answer is yes and this is demo'd at 23:10!

[@johnparis6233]

@@kieranoneill1835 Thank you so much! I feel like it's such an important feature, but is only showcased for such little time. Very helpful!

[@IAmSoMuchBetterThanYou]

But can it do odd time signatures and switch between time signatures whenever I choose?

[@longandmcquade]

Yes.

[@3ertin]

I want a sampler that plays sequences and that can replace a sample by sampling from an input in real-time holding one of the pads and a big orange rec button.

[@strangersun7721]

Dammit now I want one of these.

[@patmygroin]

Stranger Sun same here, I'm searching but not sure which drum machine I need and this with the behringer td-3 would be sick

[@richsaunders3543]

Need some help….thanks to a very understanding wife and Santa- we have a TR8s! However have an issue with sound from channels- certain channels- BD, SD etc are really quiet- barely hear them. Only way to change is going into the Shift/ Inst mode and go to PAN and adjust up- can hear then, but as soon as you change pattern- no sound again……. I am bewildered!!

[@seantchen7918]

Good video !

[@longandmcquade]

Thanks!

[@quackerleet]

I've seen in some shops that it can play 32 steps patterns but never actually saw it in a demo. Is it a real functionality?

[@longandmcquade]

Yes, check out 13:51. 1 bar is 16 steps, and Dustin goes through variations A through D, which results in a 64 step (4 bar) sequence.

[@MJamesIII]

This is a dumb question, but I'n going to ask it anyway. I'm a big fan of the R8 mkII, does the TR-8S contain any of those old samples? If not, is it too early to, as a feature request, to ask for these sounds in any update sample packs? By the way, I'm still patiently waiting on my backordered tr-8s.... i can't wait

[@kyleholman7191]

you can load your own samples

[@808j3]

It’s stunning. Looks like push and this are trying to be the same.

[@numerar7777]

Hey. I know how to chain variations inside a pattern, and pattern insie a pattern bank, but can you chain pattern banks together?

[@longandmcquade]

Unfortunately not. The TR-8S can, however, be controlled via external MIDI Program Change to move through patterns in any bank.

[@alexandredebuchy6273]

Thanks !

[@saintnicholas5507]

Does the input go to a dedicated channel fader?

[@creature2322]

Fancy technology there! I as a guitar player in a metal band would love to experiment with stuff like that. Is(n't) there the oppurtunity to attach some headphones? Would help to create some new stuff on your ears before launching it, or?

[@toby6004]

Thank you for this video. My english is not so good but I have a question. Is it possible to make a melody that is longer than 16 steps? For example: My Kick 1 5 9 13 (Loop) My melody 2 4 11 14 15 21 27 32 (Loop)

[@longandmcquade]

Yes you are able to make patterns up to 128 steps long by chaining variations A-H. If there are any instruments you wish to play a 1 bar loop while your melody is longer, simply copy, for example, your kick pattern from A to any other variation to have the same pattern on each, then you can write the longer melody on another instrument with different programming for each variation.

[@ricardogonzalez-om4gn]

This drum machine is awesome! It looks like you could get so much out of this. Do you think I would be able to connect this to my tascam DP 24; Through quarter inch input And possibly record beats on to my tascam?

[@longandmcquade]

Yes, absolutely!

[@CASADELSOULVIDMIXTV]

That electro beat is nasty son!

[@hojdog]

Here here, nice to get a demonstration with a track I actually enjoy

[@luvlilginger2514]

I've been trying to find a beat machine that's close to or similar to the "E-MU SP-1200 Beat machine" Would you say that the "Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer is that machine? Thanks!

[@longandmcquade]

We wouldn't say that the TR-8S is a direct replacement for the SP-1200, but since you can load in your own samples, you can get it to sound pretty much exactly like one.

[@stephanmobius1380]

Will it have probability for steps?

[@ryanasphaltcowboy5696]

I just bought this with a awesome pa system..cant wait to create some beats to jam ny guitar with

[@dhr.neuteboom4536]

Did you already sell it or is it just catching dust?

[@Ericuf]

Phenomenal demonstration and explanation(s). One question - how do I program a manual fill that is *not* variation A-H??

[@longandmcquade]

Thanks Eric! There are no options to manually sequence a fill unless it is using a variation slot. If you don't want to use a slot A-H for a fill, you will have to use the auto fills or the scatter effect.

[@Ericuf]

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments thank you so much for your reply. So in that case, how does the device “decide” what the pattern is for fill 1 and fill 2?

[@longandmcquade]

Sorry Eric, we misunderstood your question! We thought you were referring to 18:47 when Dustin shows how to use a variation as a fill - we didn't realize you meant Fill 1 and Fill 2 under buttons 14-15. Each pattern has 8 variations A-H, PLUS two fill-ins. To sequence Fill 1 and Fill 2 under buttons 14-15, Hold Shift + AUTO FILL IN, there you will be able to select Fill 1 or 2 to compose/edit. You program them in the same way you would program a variation A-H. On that note, Scatter type and depth are settings found under PTN SETTING. Hold Shift + PTN SELECT.

[@Ericuf]

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments omg thank you!! This isn’t listed in the manual and was driving me crazy.

[@ironspade]

I have a tr-8 and I just now have the tr-8s in front of me. The tr-8 sounds slightly better, however, the tr-8 is much easier to play. Firstly the tr-8 slopes downward where as the tr-8 is completely flat, which means you will need to tilt it, unless standing. And the whole point of playing live is to be able to change the kits quickly and easily, to something similar but different. With the tr-8s I am having to turn a knob for kit change as opposed to doing it more simply and quickly on a tr-8 pad, and you might change genres if you aren't careful. Also the tr-8s pads/knobs are much heavier, and this may be personal preference, but I like the lighter tr-8 pads. All in all though, all things considered, the tr-8s is a better value. Haven't tried the custom samples yet but I am crossing my fingers.

[@victorvargas49]

How do I set up 3/4 or 5/4 beat ? Thank’s

[@ElektroHaus]

Love tr8s! Anyone know how to set up the individual outs globally? Ie, setting it up so all kits and patterns go out thru the individual outs? Currently I can only figure out how to do that for each kit, but would love to set up so the individual outs is the master default as opposed to the outs defaulting to the “mix” stereo outs. Thanks!

[@longandmcquade]

There is no global option. The channel outputs are assigned per kit to allow more versatility. You can set up the outputs in a blank kit the way you would like and quickly save it across as many kit locations as you want, creating your own initial template. System output settings are used to set the behavior of each assignable output - Normal, Boost, or Trigger.

[@SanderRueck]

Can I sync the TR8s with my Pioneer XZ?

[@kyleholman7191]

is there no attack control?

[@Andy-se4sl]

So can you headphone monitor pattern b and c while you play A?

[@tracyyy99]

NO

[@area352recs]

Torn between this and the mc707. More tempted by this to be honest

[@nakosikasukasena3390]

Roland TR-8S or Elektron Model:Samples or Novation Circuit Tracks?

[@hurricanecarter6408]

love machine

[@numerar7777]

Can you use a midi keyboard as a way to change the note of the sounds, or play your own chords?

[@longandmcquade]

Unfortunately not.

[@aslegu]

Hi! Thanks for a brilliant demo. Have you figured out how to get the STEP REVERB to work? I select an instrument, press down a step and turn the REVERB LEVEL knob, but it changes the reverb for the whole kit! Clearly this is not meant to work this way?

[@longandmcquade]

To achieve this you have to set the CTRL knob for the desired track to “REVERB SEND”, then you can control the level of reverb send for that track per step. You can access the CTRL knob settings through the KIT edit menu.

[@christopherperry487]

i bought one of these .... can you make more video's like this ?????

[@aslegu]

Thank you.

[@WorshipMaranatha]

is it possible to like create Rhythm and make them as Styles for the Yamaha keyboards? I own a PSR-280 and a YPG-235. I read that with Genos and SX900? You will have to make the beats by hands and I am terrible with it. This Device I'm watching seems pretty cool!