Review: Roland TR-8S V2.0 // How does it compete? // 10 performance ideas and tricks (Roland TR8S)

[@provence73]

waaaahw - just when you don't expect any more updates, Roland releases this beast! Fantastic overview as always loopop! I will open a beer now, remove the dust from my TR8s, and update it!

[@nikispaintingsilence3287]

I love my tr8s and use it heavily on my live minimal techno jams. this machine plays like an instrument for its many knobs and faders, super intuitive and hands on.. cannot wait for the new update. thank you for this comprehensive review, super appreciated!!

[@atom9249]

I just bought the TR8s last week - this is a nice surprise - had no idea it was coming!

[@ArguZ72]

Every decent shop has a 14 return policy by now..

[@atom9249]

Sascha Haber ?

[@berobujanovi4331]

@@ArguZ72 WTF?

[@vvvictoriav5958]

@@ArguZ72 this is a free firmware update to the tr-8s he just bought :)

[@Neilhoffmann]

Lol same

[@SorchaSublime]

i got this drum machine in april and was disappointed that you didnt have a video out on it. happy to see that has changed now

[@jesset3241]

Well gosh... this might have just pushed me over the edge. I’ve been on the fence for the tr8s since it came out. Thanks for another great review!

[@levin5653]

You have no idea how good this review has been, I have made my decision and will be waiting for the black Friday sale to buy this as my main dawlesss workstation/groovebox device ( primarily for acid and techno ). Hopefully there are no new product releases, but hey, even if there are any, your reviews will surely influence my decision. Thanks loopop.

[@55_kHz]

Awesome. Such a great drum machine. I have lots and this is one of my favourites. Sounds big , solid build, and is a great live unit

[@Mabelrode77]

I am a Hardware Newbie with bad English. I search every TR-8s Video in KZbin. Your is the best one. You help me to understand how the Machine Works and i think, this is the right one for me. I hope :) Stay Healthy and Big Thanks

[@tylerdaigle3266]

That mixer view tip is a life saver

[@ActualKaktus]

I primarily use it as a sound design module, and it gives me the chills. My kit creation workflow involves the TR-8S, Wavelab, Cubase, Backbone, the occasional use of Spectralayers, and Groove Agent 5. I design the samples using the TR-8S, sample them into Wavelab, and export them to Cubase. I then load the samples into Backbone for layering, further editing, and Resynthesis. Finally, I build the kit and sequence in Groove Agent 5. I can also reload them into the TR if I want to go on the road. It's absolute madness.

[@alchemistrpm82]

Sounds fun

[@GeorgeLocke]

Seems like most of these synth engines have very limited sound design flexibility. Might you be happier with a model cycles?

[@gixerags750]

I used to use Wavelab and Recycle SCSSI'd up to my Kurzweil K2500R, was heaps fast transfererring...that was in the mid 90s. ..might have to check out Wavelabs latest version!..it was always easy to import CD tracks. Nice work n8. Peace.

[@neurokinetik64ES]

I picked one of these up as my main drum machine in a new studio setup just for the old 606/707/808/909 sounds alone, and I've seen some of the other possibilities from the presets, but this thing is way more versatile than I thought.

[@Judasz696]

Did you thought about buying analog rytm instead? I have this dillema can't make up my mind but hands on controls with faders are very nice for improvization

[@herpsmaltwatta]

​@@Judasz696what did you go with ?? I just ordered the Tr 8 s after much chun stroking 😂

[@Judasz696]

@herpsmaltwatta went for rytm mk2. Tr8s still on my list tho. Cool ACB roland sounds with faders. In order to work live on elekteon boxes best you buy yourself a midi controller like faderfox mx12

[@jimmybonie1406]

Tak!

[@powermix24]

Love your reviews and you've sold me 5 synths from Hydrasynth to Wavestate, Deepmind 12, etc But It's hard for me to justify a TR- 8s when the MPC one is the same price! Great update though! Edit: Bought a TR-8S and I highly recommend it! It's such a joy to play with, I underestimated it until I tried it in person! The 2.0 update is such a great addition! 10/10 for me, Excuse my comment on top, I didn't know what I was talking about!

[@powermix24]

@@andreimclive I did buy the MPC and the TR-8s, they different in their own way, MPC can do many things but the TR-8S has faders and now an editor on PC or Mac, with it you can do everything you ever need to and then save it to the TR-8s then jam away.

[@finspire8632]

@@powermix24 Didn't know that, that's cool! Can you send samples directly to Tr8S as well?

[@hovermotion]

Totally agree..I personally love the sliders and the way you can easily tweet the sounds...stunning machine.. (My first drum machine which I bought my mistake , I would never sell this on again its so much fun to use).

[@russcontact]

Great comment - thank you

[@dmares700]

I just bought one yesterday! This was god sent🤯 thank you loopop!

[@saoirsepup]

Just got this last week and it already has an awesome new update? Nice!

[@ProfessorSaibertin]

Thank you for the awesome video. Bravos to Roland for developing the machine. I hope they gonna continue following this path.

[@RoneySmithseedoflife]

Thank you very much for this video! Now I better understand what the TR-8S really has even though I needed the release of the TR-6S to finally wonder and get it lol! Thank God that I finally got it though thanks to you and this video!

[@mrCharlesG]

Great review. Was on the fence but the in-depth look at the controls won me over.

[@darumabeats]

man this is epic, ultra good video and the jam at the end after ur explanation was so satisfying

[@EdgyNumber1]

That cowbell was just so sublime.

[@strangersun7721]

Great update and a fantastic, in depth video. Thanks, loopop! I thought they were done updating this device and had given up on any further firmware changes, but now I'll renew my call for unquantized recording and editing. Please, oh please, Roland!

[@Fuzzfooger]

Being able to turn off quantisation is my dream, especially with the assignable and dedicated trigger outs

[@robertescher3082]

I've had one of these for a bit... I've barely scratched the surface... videos like yours inspire me quite a bit. :)

[@gavinpeters9531]

Glad I checked back on this, thought I had learnt everything after owning a tr8s for a while, realised I'd forgotten completely about mixer view, which is awesome

[@aikighost]

It was already THE techno live jam drum machine, this update cements that.

[@nikispaintingsilence3287]

word word word!!!

[@manne3d]

Great to see Roland is still working on refining current products! I hope some of this will trickle down to the MC707 coz this is high on my 2buy list.

[@musiclover-lh2hb]

Mad cow bell, good one LP! Thx for the great review, Im gettin one. :)

[@SeverityOne]

"Mad cow bell". That made me chuckle. 🙂 The TR-8S recently got on my attention radar, so thank you for this video.

[@DennisKaneSound]

Any addition to this is nice. Hopefully they add some more features also. Big fan of the TR8S. Nice breakdown of the stuff thx!

[@JamesBermingham]

There’s a major bug with the Roland TR8s regarding Program Change over midi. Although it may not be important to most single users of the TR8s, if you plan on syncing it up as either master or slave, the following bug is Still present on the machine. The BUG is When either sending or receiving a Program change message via a midi clock, the TR8S slightly lags behind when the program change is executed. Yet when a program change is made manually on the TR8s, there is no problem. It’s been a real pain for me, because the machine itself is amazing

[@orlandoprueland826]

Amazing reveiw as always. You are by far the best hardware reviewer on KZbin. One question about this gear...can you assign portamento between notes?

[@isaac.anthony]

WOW, FM drums from Roland, can't wait to load the new OS!

[@torbentitze1096]

Wow - really excited. I have to admit I bought mine only because of the 808/909 etc-emulations and only recently learned how powerful it is in terms of effects. The Soundmorphing really hits it out of the park!

[@va941]

Must be Rolling in cash...buying expensive gear without looking in to them first 😁

[@alchemistrpm82]

@@va941 I did the same thing. Found a tr8s unused in the box for $400 on Offer Up. Hard to resist

[@va941]

@@alchemistrpm82 well duh...you can easily flip that and make bank.

[@alchemistrpm82]

@@va941 Might sell it. May not.

[@RealityShiftUK]

I was thinking about buying a circuit rythem for live stuff and sampling but I think this is worth saving up for

[@ewetoo]

fantastic, this is on my list now that i've got the modx i think they'll work well together.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

So happy I didn't sell it when I switched from hardware (keyboards) to eurorack. It's never going to be legendary like the TR-808, but it's as close as you can get to a real one and much more affordable. But more important, it's sounding like a TR-2020 now.

[@messolini6479]

yeah because eurocrack aint hardware right? xD. jk m8.

[@CinematicLaboratory]

@@messolini6479 Yes, you're right!

[@mintpillow]

Holy Moly, I didn't even know Firmware 2.0 existed before yesterday - this view (as always) helped explain what's new perfectly - feels like I just got a new synth actually - but man, I never knew about Mixer View before somehow and it's a complete game changer - it's going to save me soooooo much time when composing instead of playing the shift + instrument game all the time - seeing all tracks at once with the CTRL knob is brilliant - so thanks for the quick tips too - cheers man!

[@truelionofjudah4097]

there is another new update! :P

[@mintpillow]

​@@truelionofjudah4097 big ups man! appreciate the heads up, a million thx :)

[@KordTaylor]

Another fine video to help us decide what to buy. I never knew this machine was so versatile! Thank you!

[@ConwayBob]

Ha! Great!!! Thank you, loopop, for the V2.0 rundown. Wonderful!!!

[@boedye]

Rewatching this to pick up some tips that might of missed, and I suddenly realized why yours looks so much cooler than mine. You have the waveform screens imposed over the drum machine! I wish I had two screens up there, showing me what was going on! @8:33

[@Jimbo386000]

You know I really wasn’t all that excited by this thing before, but now with that FM update it’s pretty cool.

[@SynthAddict]

nice demo, always look forward to your stuff and I just got a TR-8s to go with my TR-8 so this is perfect since I love FM synths too :-)

[@alchemistrpm82]

If I were you I’d sell the original tr8 and get a 404 mkII. The 404 / 8s combo is delicious 🤤

[@SynthAddict]

@@alchemistrpm82 I have 2 versions of the original 404 (SD and CF cards) and I'm thinking about the new one already - I still like the TR-8 as well

[@alchemistrpm82]

@@SynthAddict Ah, very nice 👍 You know what I mean then

[@MicroAddict1]

@@alchemistrpm82 yeah 404s rule, great for Halloween sound FX too

[@JustinUrban1]

Sold my 8-S a long time ago, but just reordered one because of these updates.

[@joohop]

Nice Unit , WoW Your Channel Is Growing Fast Bless Up Earthling

[@yotrakzproductions7324]

Woooohoooo, yeahhhhhh. I love it. It's also given me a new perspective to approach my current gear with (MIDI Mix + FLS). Thumbs up mate.

[@303otto]

Reminds me at my elektron mashinedrum - just simpler to modify the sounds: nice Roland, good job! 👍😻💗

[@colinmackay1516]

I have this machine and I was considering getting a mashinedrum too, but now I’m thinking I might not need to.

[@scottarmstrong8585]

@303otto Is that because they are both drum machines with step sequencers? Other than that i don't see or hear many other similarities.

[@stevebuchan6642]

@@scottarmstrong8585 the EFM machines on machinedrum are really similar to the new FM sounds from what I can tell.

[@scottarmstrong8585]

@@stevebuchan6642 All FM drum sounds will be audibly similar at some point... The programming of the sound as well as the general machine architecture of the Elektron Machine Drum is a completely different beast to this TR8s

[@messolini6479]

@@colinmackay1516 dude comparing this to a machinedrum is comparing a lada to a ferarri... this trash doesn't even come close, please never compare again..

[@eyesintheskies]

Thanks for letting me know about the update it has finally affirmed my decision that this is a must.👍 It’s the sheer playability of this thing that is it highlight for me.

[@DamianDodd]

Having so much fun with my Tr-6s I want to upgrade lol

[@eyesintheskies]

@DamianDodd its a year later & ive still not picked up a tr8s got sidetracked wondering if i could justify an erica synths perkons that things crazy! If i you already have trs6s maybe consider a digitakt 1 the are now going on ebay for about the same price as an tr8s. Variety is the spice of life!

[@DamianDodd]

@@eyesintheskiesif I get the 8s my buddy wants my 6s hehe

[@eyesintheskies]

@DamianDodd ahh good plan!! They look very fun to play lots of hands on control. Love elektron but i often get lost in the screen!

[@MDGeardotcom]

@@eyesintheskies I have a music desk back in my office for the bigger equipment and in my living room I keep a few "hand held" things for evening relaxation... OP-1, OP-Z. Thie Roland TR-6s is so fun. Not sure I like the Digitakt sounds as much from what I've heard. I'm thinking I may do some open mic performances in my local community center so I've been thinking that a Keystep Pro would go nicely with the Roland.

[@user-rj8hn1cb1w]

wooooow you nailed it! i was struggling with the tr8s, because it could just play mono samples. otherwise there was just noise coming out of it... gonna check if it works with v2 now! would be a true game changer for me... thanks you mentioned this!!

[@Michelangemusic]

Amazing !! Can't wait to update my TR8S, this is the new feature i've been waiting for ! 😍

[@KitCatStudio]

wow I need to see this video 10 more times! tnx this is very useful and inspiring! downloading the upgrade now!

[@marc.lepage]

Been trying to decide on a drum machine for years, think I'm gonna pull the trigger on this one.

[@Bod8998]

Love the outros and intros always look forward to them

[@Bod8998]

Do you have way to contact privately atall interested in some music from your videos

[@loopop]

You can email me but I put all my music on patreon and do want to release more on streaming services soon

[@AlanSitar]

man thanks so much for this video!! really nice explanations

[@grayshadowglade]

FYI, I just noticed in a Roland demo video on Sweetwater that you can reset a Kit to last load using Utility + Kit to reset the whole kit. Not sure why that isn't working for you there.

[@Stadsjaap]

@2:35 thats really useful programming. Nice one, Roland.

[@tehedx]

Thanks for the video. I sometimes forget a couple of features and read the manual again. It doesn't cover the new features, which is where your video comes in handy!

[@kwaping]

Thanks for the excellent demo! I am a proud TR-8S owner but haven't yet had time to update. Keep up the good work!

[@frankymadrid3724]

thanks for the video and explanations of the TR8S 👍👍

[@tl81tl81]

Loving your videos dude. Massive thanks!!

[@josephfelice601]

People are complaining about this UI, but how is it so very different from Elektron? At least there is some history to grab on to. If you are brand new to music making then get an Elektron and forgo the rite of passage that the rest of us have to go through to grasp their methodology. I like both, and would like to see the Tr-8s paired with the Digitakt. I would like a company address sequencing flow and song sections w/o turning the machine into a light factory waiting to seduce you into an epileptic fit.

[@zerix01]

Elektron has a lot more data on a larger screen. For the synthesis parts they have quick access pages but not really any deep menus. Sample selection is way easier on Elektron gear too.

[@johncaccioppo1142]

Hey, what's with the antiepileticism? Some of us enjoy a good light-bath-shiver sesh every now and then. And it amuses the plebs when your studio looks like a cave infested with electric fireflies.

[@sebastianandrew9077]

Roland is killing it!

[@pnwajs3532]

Uhh... really was not expecting this, or any new major update for this model. I love FM synths! This may have just become the best machine in my arsenal. Wow, getting that firmware update now! I do wish they added TB-303 to this model, since the MC-707 has it.

[@Electronicmassacre]

The tb303 on the 707 is just samples really. It doesn’t sound that great. Really hope they add a better modelling synth to it but then it might be a better option than their overpriced ‘jupiter x’ synths. But the fm engine in this is giving me hope.

[@RoadhawK66]

Mad cowbell disease 🤪 wow, what a great update from Roland, incredible!

[@Gainn]

Apparently the only cure is moar cowbell.

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

Superb Roland ! This is the way , I have spoken.

[@johnpaullovetek1809]

Loopop my HERO! Thank you for the class professor!

[@GolabKitsForTR-8s]

A Beast with the new Update.

[@eldjmasterfreddy3094]

Thank you for a great review. This drum machine sounds great

[@Claidheambmor]

Another great video, thank you Loopop.

[@VoltageCntrl]

ROLAND! You guys/gals are On Point! This is how you win repeat business! I’m proud to say I have a TR-8S and a brand new Jupiter -X! Increased functionality for Free! Better show than Akai! Have one and is nightmare of no response and promises broken

[@AveMcree]

Keep in mind this machine been around for over 5 years and got 1 update. Meanwhile, the latest MPC series been around for 3 years and received 5 updates. Apples meet oranges.😂

[@claycowartisamazing]

this man is super hyped about roland o.O

[@VoltageCntrl]

Oh no man I’m more peeved about Akai Force... but in general any manufacturer that keeps adding value to products years afterwards... Novation is another one... wins my purchases

[@AveMcree]

@@VoltageCntrl Well I can totally understand being pissed at the AKAI Force since I only paid $700 with a 5 year warranty. Don't count that machine out though... There's a gang of updates coming but yeah... That was released waaaay too early.. I just got my first Novation product but it was a MIDI controller and I'm happy with it.

[@claycowartisamazing]

@@VoltageCntrl those companies are all very straight forward and basic... no need to bust a nut.

[@D.Z.A.-kp8lf]

I think I want one now.. I'm glad they updated this machine.. they had to do something to make people want to buy it

[@BDKabrini]

I just brought a TR8S two days ago... My wife doesn't know it YET. LOL. I told her I was done buying new gear after I snuck in the SP404MKII. I PLAYED THIS ONCE after sampling a Drum Brute Impact. Same feel ,but more Options with the Roland. I even THOUGHT about the RD8 Or RD9. Smh. ( made me nervous) In really looking forward to Connecting this TR8S to my other QUIPS. I gotta feeling this WILL be my Ultimate Game Changer. Shhhhh Everyone Hush. The Wife Coming home. Act Natural ... And remember the Plan. " I ran down a Looter , annnd he gave me one of his TR8S to let him go" Ok. Boom. Solid Plan

[@BENWORKIN89]

Still alive?

[@tattooguy413]

@@BENWORKIN89lol it’s looking grim 😂😂

[@wakinglife7065]

Husband keeps buying drum machines is not grounds for divorce, it’s grounds for another drum machine ❤😂 this should be reflected in the law

[@aquamarine99911]

That's plausible. My wife went on vacation with her sister last week. So I finally unboxed the TR8S which I'd been hiding in the closet for months, and started to learn it. Created an Acid House beat and sent her a video clip showing all the blinking lights. Her immediate response - "How much did that cost?" Wives, man. They just don't understand.

[@realjohndead]

I have the M:S synced to it running thru the ext in. And all that synced to the octatrack so it’s like 16 extra tracks of drums thru one OT track.

[@realjohndead]

devontodetroit ok thanks for that

[@strangersun7721]

Thank you for the Cowbell timestamp. Didn't notice it on my first viewing. Needed the laugh.

[@kygustafson-sn3fg]

not sure if this has come up already, but from what i can tell reloading a kit can be done with two shortcuts, utility+kit for the controllers (knob positions) and utility+sample+inst for the instruments in the kit. would be nice for a one step but at least no menu dive. im new to tr8s so i might also be missing something

[@groovywalt6037]

Excellent Review, thank you

[@hovermotion]

superb machine....great info vid...

[@AndroLectric]

Great Review 😀👍thank you

[@antoniojuarez7009]

A very good demo of this machine, in my opinion the best!,...

[@beesting6135]

Legendary drum beats enough said

[@tobyb8511]

Drum machines never seemed that important when I'd got the two Elektron Digi's (and a very old but working SR16) ... but FM synthesis changes all that ... fascinating possibilities

[@messolini6479]

Try the Airbase 99 from Jomox if you want a real one ;).

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

Hey Loop………………love your tutorials/reviews. But I think you missed out on one very important feature with the TR8S……………….That is the editor. You can change sooooooo many parameters in the editor (for example the FX’s). Take the reverb…………there are something like 20 elements that you can change to supercharge you drum sounds. You can upload synth samples which take the TR8S into so much unchartered territory. It’s a piece of kit that can do a LOT more than just what is available on the surface. Can you do a supplementary review on the Roland editor. It’s very hands on and easy to use. Making the TR8S……………..even better than at first may seem. I have watched loads of reviews on YT and nobody has picked up or dug into the editor software. I think it makes the TR8S an astounding ‘drum machine’.

[@loopop]

Thanks for the kind words about my reviews - my time travelling skills suck though because this video was made over a year before the editor was released, so yes, I missed out on that while making this video. Still hoping I'll get that time machine to work!

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

@@loopop Apologies as I didn’t know it came out a year later. Keep up the fantastic work you do 👍

[@vegasroyal920]

I love my 8s, I had no idea they were updating the firmware. YAY!

[@fredrikw1447]

The new FM engine made me choose the tr-8s instead of the Syntakt. Great demo! (Want a syntakt too) 😊😅

[@the_glove]

Want to trade? I hate my syntakt lol

[@dot.initial]

hey @loopop thanks again for a great video ,now I love my tr8s even more ...u said u wanted to share a sheet of the Tuning possibilities with the tune knob instead of coarse ... just wanted to remind you :)

[@loopop]

Thanks and thank you for the reminder! Added to the description!

[@PrimitiveBaroque]

This drum machine sounds amazing. This is next on my list.

[@MathHammer]

This is currently sold out everywhere. That seems to be true for many desirable pieces of gear. The TR-6S seems to be about to hit stores, though.

[@Anth8787]

There are more TR-6S in stock than TR-8S, for sure. Having knobs for each channel is nice and I hope I can get one!

[@JammyGit]

@Thomas Hoffend - You're right, a lot of websites are sold out, and they're marked up at about £659 when they're back in stock 😮☹ However, I've just picked one up second hand for £237 🥳 The seller advertised it as an older TR8, which as far as I'm concerned is an absolute bargain 🤫

[@wildbird78]

This just makes so much synth.

[@Hegelmusic]

Thanks for another great review! Was wondering what analyzer you use? Looks very clean and no nonsense. Love it :)

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionaly I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@monsterjazzlicks]

Great demo!!!

[@erkydi]

Wonder if theres a possible way to integrate it with DAW and set up each track as their own track in it, so when an idea is created, it can be easily recorded. duno if Im making sense lol

[@luismp8548]

Great Product management.

[@EdgyNumber1]

*I LOVED this mini jam, Loopop!!!* (Oh and Loopop... MORE cowbell!...)

[@GolabKitsForTR-8s]

i like the possibility to import your own samples and customize the machine

[@thaexception3406]

The key I needed to know was off grid methods, but I see that "Nudge" feature is there, but I see only during playback - dang it. Also I would like a save kit with patterns feature and a favorite feature for drum kits, patterns and/or sounds. Comprehensive review of course!

[@SparklesofGold]

I'm surprised they updated the os! Maybe the MC707 is next. And thank you for the COWBELL. ;)

[@isaac.anthony]

1.5 on 707 is less than 2 months old.

[@stosemcls]

Wow! It can do everything that my Volca can!

[@james26695]

The V Drum is a beast

[@lillehammerexperimental]

Great video, thanks so much

[@dubz4828]

getting one today. just stopped by to leave a like and click on the affiliate link. thanks for the content

[@zerix01]

Roland got tired of seeing Digitone's all over KZbin?

[@Rustik1722]

I would trade my Model for this but not my Digitone.......lol

[@MathHammer]

RUSTiK Inc I dunno. I also have both of the Elektron boxes and the Cycles is pure fun and simplicity. I have to say I am tempted by this update to the TR-8S as yet another box to fill my obsession.

[@haroldmcfarlane4160]

Digitone keys

[@nautzero]

Digitone is a great Drum machine

[@DayflightTrok]

Jomox Alpha Base

[@gassanovfuad]

Best update from Roland Bo🙏

[@RizzlinHD]

I thought they'd released an updated model of the TR-8S. Was really hoping for a shift button on the right side lol Glad you finally made a video on this one! 😎

[@atom9249]

Yeah some companies just don't think about 1 handed use. The Machine Jam has the shift button in the corner when they could have put it in the middle of the unit.

[@VJFranzK]

31:15 Yes, the buttons aren't aligned! Someone noticed it. (+ That button style is so unusual compared with other devices.)

[@loopop]

I'm glad I'm not the only one bothered by that. At least my OCD is shared...

[@schtojf]

Yes it is shared! That bothers me as well. 😂

[@gatorgoforth3097]

Maybe draw lines between the two buttons. I’m going to do that with mine.