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

The TR-8S jam and project discussed in this video is available for download on my Patreon, as is my constantly expanding book of synth and electronic music ideas, tips and tricks:
► Patreon: / 40333491
Check out prices (affiliate links help the channel):
► TR-8S on Amazon: amzn.to/2PIpz9g
► TR-8S on Thomann: www.thomann.de/roland_tr_8s.h...
► TR-6S on Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/7A2Y5
► TR-8S on Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/rvZ5D
Scopes used:
► Scopes by Melda: www.meldaproduction.com/
Here's a link to the firmware 2.0 update:
► bit.ly/TR-8Sv2
Here's a link to the site I mentioned that lets you convert Tune values to notes:
► bit.ly/Tune-to-Chromatic
Other places I hang out:
► Instagram: / loopopmusic
► Facebook: / loopopmusic
► Twitter: / loopopmusic
► Web: loopopmusic.com
My music:
► Bandcamp: loopop.bandcamp.com
► Spotify: bit.ly/LoopopOnSpotify
► Apple Music:bit.ly/LoopopOnAppleMusic
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:15 What’s new?
1:30 FM synths
2:50 How Morph works
4:20 Sound demos of FM drum synths and synths
10:40 Cowbell...
11:05 New effects
12:45 New shortcuts
14:25 OVERVIEW
17:50 Connectivity
18:40 Key features
19:50 Sequencing
20:20 Automation
21:25 Sample controls
23:15 IDEAS & TIPS
23:25 Mixer view
23:50 Gain vs faders
24:20 Send defaults
24:45 Weak & accent
24:55 Compressor
25:15 Tune melodies
25:50 FM sweet spots
26:10 Filter harsh FM
26:40 S&H LFO
27:40 Easy polyphony
28:35 Pros & cons
32:10 FM Jam
Want to email me personally?
► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@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

[@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!!

[@didierambact3978]

I really love this drums machine with acb for 3 classics drum kits and samples of 707, 727, 626 plus our own samples banks! This new FM project is exactly why I bought a Roland gear. They continue to innovate and create. They not only "ear us", they surprise us. Thank you Loopop for your amazing work. Always instructive and professional, never boring.

[@kaitsu9608]

Roland is great, but still they have track record of abandoning their digital synths. This is very cool update

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@dmares700]

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

[@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

[@Michelangemusic]

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

[@pentacles__]

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

[@KordTaylor]

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

[@robertescher3082]

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

[@ProfessorSaibertin]

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

[@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.

[@mrCharlesG]

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

[@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.

[@KitCatStudio]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@tl81tl81]

Loving your videos dude. Massive thanks!!

[@ConwayBob]

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

[@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.

[@ewetoo]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@joohop]

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

[@SeverityOne]

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

[@groovywalt6037]

Excellent Review, thank you

[@Claidheambmor]

Another great video, thank you Loopop.

[@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.

[@AlanSitar]

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

[@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

[@aikighost]

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

[@nikispaintingsilence3287]

word word word!!!

[@tylerdaigle3266]

That mixer view tip is a life saver

[@isaac.anthony]

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

[@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!!

[@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?

[@AndroLectric]

Great Review 😀👍thank you

[@frankymadrid3724]

thanks for the video and explanations of the TR8S 👍👍

[@FckShtUp2011]

this is awesome! can't wait to try out FM synthesis

[@eldjmasterfreddy3094]

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

[@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

[@Jimbo386000]

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

[@monsterjazzlicks]

Great demo!!!

[@johnpaullovetek1809]

Loopop my HERO! Thank you for the class professor!

[@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

[@vegasroyal920]

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

[@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

[@musiclover-lh2hb]

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

[@lillehammerexperimental]

Great video, thanks so much

[@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!

[@davidkresge4200]

super helpful, thanks!

[@PrimitiveBaroque]

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

[@amour4all]

Thank you so much ++++ Always so well done

[@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

[@hovermotion]

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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@luismp8548]

Great Product management.

[@strangersun7721]

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

[@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

[@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

[@gatorgoforth3097]

This update is amazing! Thanks for the video.

[@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

[@dubz4828]

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

[@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.

[@JustinUrban1]

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

[@RoadhawK66]

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

[@Gainn]

Apparently the only cure is moar cowbell.

[@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.

[@kumble2687]

Amazing stuff and thnx for the comprehensive insight into the current TR-8S - i am wondering though what is that ovelay that you use in all your videos with the frequency spectrum and stuff? cheers a big fan.

[@loopop]

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

[@antoniojuarez7009]

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

[@bonzo230]

This just makes so much synth.

[@marc.lepage]

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

[@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!

[@tlatsegms]

Amazing⚡️

[@alveydoug]

The O-scopes are very helpful for viewing the complex waveforms that vary with the instrument adjustments. Some of these images were cut off, showing knob twisting instead. Both are good to see (perhaps, because I’ve gotten used to this in your reviews).

[@dallas4444]

What is he using for this demo?

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

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

[@gassanovfuad]

Best update from Roland Bo🙏

[@Stadsjaap]

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

[@matthewcody1757]

Love Ur vids so useful and informative , I was wondering if U could do a look at the Sismo Synths Tapbum , small but mighty sounding lil box

[@loopop]

Matthew Cody thanks I’ll take a look!

[@johndead249]

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.

[@johndead249]

devontodetroit ok thanks for that

[@GolabKitsForTR-8s]

A Beast with the new Update.

[@uakadyknow9712]

So you have more and more capabilities than before. I know for sure this is the machine I definitly want next.

[@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.

[@shottskies]

17:10 so according to this, you can free record a sequence unquantized? is this correct or does it sort of snap to quantize?

[@johncaccioppo1142]

That cowbell is fire!!

[@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

[@sebastianandrew9077]

Roland is killing it!

[@franciscodominguezguitar2510]

thanks for this video, i have a question. Can I upload Bass Lines or Keyboard chords to the TR8S? Im imagining to create a solo show but im a guitar player. this could be a great addition to my shows. more upbeat songs

[@Humperdinkle0]

Quick question, I just bought the roland tr-8s and got it home yesterday. I am using this video as a guide. The audio of this video is being played through my TR-8s, which is fine and sounds fine as well. However, the sounds my TR-8S is producing by itself are very and very low volume in contrast to the audio being put through by my PC. And all my volume sliders on the TR-8S are up to a max. What can I do to increase the volume of the sounds of my TR-8S more?

[@work4synths]

Can you please advise what FM model/preset you used for the 3rd instrument (LT)? Sounds dope!

[@shermvn_zts]

Any thoughts about this or the model cycles for fm drum synthesis?

[@cameldiaz]

Being trying to get my hands on one of this ones for months but very dificulte in Bangkok.

[@bruceglebovitz]

Thank you for the detailed overview of the TR-8S. Much appreciated. - Tell me please, could I play 29 sounds from my Zendrum EXP (MIDI percussion controller.) The Zendrum has no sounds but as a controller I've performed using other Alesis and Roland Drum modules. - Thank you.

[@jimlampshady]

Great review as always. You did mention the MC 707 several times, but I would be interested in a direct comparison. It's about 200 bucks cheaper, but is it just a cut down version of the 707, or does it have features that are unique?

[@loopop]

Thanks! It's difficult to sum up all the differences in a comment other than to say that the 707 is a full fledged groovebox with sample based drums, and the 8S is a drum machine that has both drum synths and samples. Just watch my full video about the 707 and you'll be set :)

[@TheSupergan]

Nice video... more ingredients but now with all the new features the screen looks smaller than before... this unit really needs a screen like the one in SP16