Roland AIRA Compact T-8 Beat Machine | Tutorial

Link for Roland T-8: amzn.to/3NTsevB (Amazon Affiliate)
Roland T-8 Tutorial. In this video I demonstrate the T8's Drum Sounds, Bass Sounds, FX, How to Sequence Beats with the T-8, How to Record Live into the T-8, How to apply Ratchets and Accents. Also Set Step Length, Clear Patterns, Change Tempo, and the three different ways to make basslines with the Roland T-8.
0:00 - Roland T-8 Overview
0:39 - Roland T-8 Sound Demo
2:47 - Drum Sounds
3:30 - T-8 Sequencer
4:14 - How to Clear Patterns on Roland T-8
4:40 - How to Set Tempo on Roland T-8
5:08 - How to Set Step Length on Roland T-8
5:40 - How to Sequence Beats on Roland T-8
6:46 - Reverb FX on Roland T-8
7:23 - How to Record Beats Live into Roland T-8
8:00 - How to Add Ratchets/Hi Hat Rolls on Roland T-8
8:35 - How to Accent Beats on Roland T-8
8:50 - Programming Bass on Roland T-8
9:30 - Recording Bass Live on Roland T-8
9:08 - Another Way - Basslines on Roland T-8
12:50 - How to Step Loop on Roland T-8
The Roland AIRA Compact T-8 Beat Machine is a brand new portable drum machine perfect for making beats on-the-go. The T-8 has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 4.5 hours for long sessions of beat-making. It's equipped with an array of Vintage Roland Drum Sounds from the TR-909, TR-909, TR-606, and even has a Bass Track using the TB-303 Bassline sounds.
The T-8 has ACB technology, which means Analog Circuit Behavior and it faithfully recreates the tonality and behavior of vintage Roland instruments. It’s equipped with a classic TR Sequencer that gives you 64 patterns and each pattern can have up to 32 steps each. Both the rhythm track and bass track can be programmed independently. You also get real-time recording, step loop which I used in my performance just now, mute, fill, reload, and pattern shift.
There’s an insane about of customization within the T-8's menu settings to change the attack of the kick, snappiness of the snare, and you can switch out the clap for a noise tom or hi tom based on the TR-606. Not to mention all the coloring and fx options with Overdrive, Delay, Reverb and Sidechain Compression.

[@WaveBits]

Link for Roland T-8: amzn.to/3NTsevB (Amazon Affiliate)

[@KevinBeacham21]

This is probably the most useful tutorial I've watched in while, it helped me understand several things I've been curious about but hadn't dug thru the instructions to figure it out. Definitely will look for more videos on the channel, going to check the J-6 and E-4 ones later today. Those Aira Compacts are amazing little devices!

[@OneAndOnlyMe]

Just got mine. Thanks for this, needed a quick intro to it. Also hadn't realized the audio can be sent out via USB! That's awesome.

[@Tydence]

That's a really well put together video. Im watching this waiting for the one I ordered to show up! I cant wait!

[@johnbaines4908]

Great tutorial. Got me up and going with my new T8. Thank you.

[@StrillLife]

Thanks for sharing. This was very helpful. Nice lil groove too.

[@neilskiii6936]

great introduction video! well paced and simple to understand! many thanks

[@expensivenotes]

That sounds so good. Nice work! Thanks for the explanation

[@Droid_Behaviour]

Thank you so much, very usefum! I just receive mine and the S1 version, they're so coool 😊

[@teenagesound]

Thanks so much for this tutorial, it’s really helped me use that little dream (or drum) machine better and I’ll experiment further! Favorite drum machine so far to bring on holidays 🎉

[@jameycollins725]

This is the best drum machine tutorial that I have seen yet! I am a newbie on drum machines (but have been using Ableton for years) and it has been really frustrating trying to see what my first drum machine I should get-I've even tried a few at home. Most tutorials do not explain in depth because they already assume the viewers are all seasoned drum machine pros. This video has answered what I needed to know in order to buy it. Thank you for the great video and clear and easy explanations!

[@GarethMarlow72]

Thank you! This tutorial is great - just at the right level for me, you explained things from first principles like showing how to clear patterns and set pattern lengths. If you fancied doing one for the other two Aira Compacts, that would be amazing!

[@WaveBits]

Here’s one on E-4: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3iUqqiLj9usfq8

[@davidmacdonald6611]

I found this video very helpful, thank you.

[@jasonflanagan9264]

Awesome tutorial!

[@Cracktune]

great tutorial

[@delmeteor717]

Pulled the T8 out after quite a while to midi connect to my 303 Bassline clone. I’d clear a pattern and start to lay a track but kept hearing beats I hadn’t programmed. Thanks to your video pointing out the 1-16 and 17-32 sequence blocks and being able to designate last beat as 16 that did the job. I must have viewed that pencil sketch they call a manual more than a few times but once again the clarity of your tutorial came through. Thank You.

[@faihu]

Im going to Connect TB 303 with T-8 , 😀

[@geirmariusleinaas2202]

Thank you! This was very useful. 🙂

[@TPsynth]

This is how you do a clear, concise tutorial.

[@71collective]

Nice video …this is a little monster love my t8👌

[@dannyharpermusic]

Thanks for the great video.. Been trying to look at this one to do just regular drums without all the other noise.. Just drums

[@stickfeed3288]

Same, I just wanna play guitar behind a beat I can program with

[@Octopus757]

really useful thanksssss

[@Rafix-drummer]

Thanks a lot dear brother You are a champion. I'll try.

[@josephcrudo8723]

Getting strong loopop vibes here. Great tutorial, mate!

[@WaveBits]

Thanks for that!

[@davidsomething4867]

Great Vid, looking forward to more content on these little things as jus ordered a T-8. Bac in the late 80s my cousin had a TR-606, TB-303, TR-909 and a couple of SH-101s. Primarily I use a DAW with VSTs and a few MIDI keyboards but looking at a way I can jus quickly have a play without starting up the DAW. Got an original Yamaha CS01 and Korg Volca Keys so hoping this T-8 will complement them both. Not sure will get the J-6 yet.

[@christophelc6476]

only tutorial I found on KZbin thank you :) others are planned? Being a beginner, I don't understand anything without help...

[@brid4738]

Huge like!

[@S_e_a_n]

Another great video! I just picked one up from Zzounds - it should be in tomorrow.

[@WaveBits]

Awesome, enjoy! 👊🏻

[@Rafix-drummer]

Well done for the video. A clear and important explanation. We would be happy if you upload more explanatory videos about Roland on J-6 as well. Thanks

[@WaveBits]

Definitely! I’m waiting for a J-6, currently on Backorder but reserved my spot so as soon as it’s available it will ship out 👍🏻

[@Rafix-drummer]

@@WaveBits thank you for the quick reply . Well done .

[@Rafix-drummer]

thank you for the quick reply . Well done .

[@gapster77]

Nice vid. I haven’t found many other tutorial vids on the T-8. If you can find the time it would be cool if you make another where you show the other aspects of the Bassline, like slide etc. Copying and pasting between memory locations etc. Also covering anything useful you’ve found with the MIDI in & out would be nice. Looks like a lot of fun, seriously considering picking one up, but I am a novice. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@wyldbylli4047]

Seriously I have found like 3 and one is in German. And looks really good. I still have to watch it with English subs. It's early. In time there will be a slew of videos when people learn this machine more. Highly recommend picking one up.

[@MrAntikirill]

Do you have any information about MIDI in&out? My t-8 working only thru usb port now(

[@wyldbylli4047]

@@MrAntikirill Check the manual. It has to be a midi sync cable. It can't be a audio cable. That's all I know myself. Still learning. I just remember the manual being specific about cables. I have patch cables I synced the t8 and j6 with.

[@myofficeonline5680]

On one of your other videos you showed what microphone to buy. That was very helpful. Can you please share what speakers, headphones, & cable to buy for the T-8. Anything is helpful.

[@neilskiii6936]

Would love to see a S-1 tutorial in a similar vain! Great job!

[@wunzer0music596]

Thanks!

[@WaveBits]

🙌🏻 THANK YOU!!

[@wpsam52]

Great tutorial. Thanks for doing it. Is the in-depth T-8 video coming soon? Also, will you be covering the S-1?

[@sweeneyTodd-de4by]

What a fantastic video, I'm totally new to these. Do you need a amp to play them through please?

[@stanslavov]

Thank you, very useful examples.

[@paulpeterson394]

How did u get the awesome soft higher pitched bass sound on your demo at the beginning. It’s when u turn to 1-5. Thanks for the vid. Super helpful 🙌

[@cesarcarreno_]

I wish it had tap tempo. Good video!

[@ZerHour]

Great video , was curious how the ful patterns are actually saved and exported etc ,can not find any videos about this part ,or is a separate daw or recording device required for export of full songs etc

[@picklespickles1155]

Thanks

[@WaveBits]

Thank you so much, Pickles Pickles!

[@jaybee813]

Danke!

[@WaveBits]

Thanks JayBee! 🙌🏻

[@rastcheck6037]

Great, thanks :). Is it possible to sequencer only the bass part via midi while using the onboard sequencer for the drums part?

[@GabrielMurrayBC]

Great overview. Can the quantize be turned on/off when recording live?

[@rickr.mortis4821]

I'll be getting mine from Sweetwater in a couple of days and then the fun will begin.

[@WaveBits]

Enjoy!

[@joessatellights8714]

Hi dude..nice video..is it possible to do snare rolls too? Thanx

[@JoseABanon]

Hi, it's possible to rec modulations or reverb,delay individually to each instrument? Thanks.

[@delmeteor717]

I’m trying to program some base lines where close notes are getting clipped. Is there a way to get past the basic quantized 4/4 to do this?

[@leelayz]

Thanks a lot for the tutorial! I had a question - I was trying to create a rock based beat (When the levee breaks - Led zeppelin intro). Is it possible to timestretch notes on the T8? I wanted to stretch the bass note or combine a few adjacent (quarter) notes. Is this possible in anyway?

[@delmeteor717]

Just got my T8 and read manual but still puzzled. Could you explain an easy way to access the sounds alone without playing a pattern. I just want to audition them hitting the associated button.

[@Coldlife565]

Can you import your own library of drum sounds?

[@kunera1]

Is there a way to do 16th note hihats on the T8?

[@dougytechno]

Man, how could I record each instrument on Ableton Live with the Roland Aria T-8 ? I can't record all sounds from T-8 to Ableton, only the midi pattern is displayed on Ableton without music/effects from Roland T-8... please help!

[@ud4458]

Hi WB Can the T8 chain patterns together automatically? Meaning play pattern A the switch to B.

[@ncxtel]

Okay so I bought it and can’t get any noise out of it what do I connect it too? My laptop? Or what cables do I need to connect it to my interface

[@BassGods]

Does this have built in drum patterns? I'm looking for something with built in drum beats as well. But don't want to spend a lot on something like this. And, do you have any suggestions?

[@BassGods]

Can you link this to a guitar multi effects pedal?

[@simonbarrett8628]

Hi there, when it comes to saving your own patterns. Are there any empty banks to save to, or do you override the preset that’s on there?

[@Intraverse909]

The latter

[@willowlagrou2851]

How do you save beats or songs?

[@achillefstoloudis2568]

is it posible to make 5/8 7/8 9/8 11/8 rythms etc?

[@bachiedj]

Hey man. So I actually bought the t8 and j6. but..... i cant make the bass work or any knobs do what they-re supposed to on Ableton. I can only get to the drum kit. And badly. the j6.... that's a whole other problem. any tips?

[@gixerags750]

Loving my t8, especially the side chaining, a Volca Kick is next on the list which should make things really interesting..and fat as f......

[@wasimoto_7540]

First Beat was fire! All sounds just from this machine?? Does it have all the 808 sounds? Can it be powered by a powerbank via usb?

[@WaveBits]

Yep, all sounds were from T-8 👍🏻 Not sure if it can be powered from a bank, but it’s rechargeable has a lithium ion battery - shouldn’t need a bank

[@jonnyspeed8974]

I think it's cool for a bit of a jam and the price. The drumkits are not all the 909, 808 and 707 just some of them and very limited. Most people would be better picking up a TR-6S for another $100 or those wanting to really experiment look at the SH-4d

[@tillorrly1128]

I got it for trips, since it easily fits into cabin luggage...

[@Rafix-drummer]

Is it possible to record directly to the computer? And what should be connected and how? Thank you.

[@WaveBits]

Yes, super easy - the cable you got in the box transfers audio and MIDI. To get the audio into your computer you need a digital audio workstation like Garageband/Logic Pro/Ableton Live etc. Then in preferences change audio input to Roland T-8. Then on a free audio track, set it to T-8 and record. 👍🏻

[@WaveBits]

I show how to do it using the Roland E-4 and Ableton Live in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3iUqqiLj9usfq8

[@Rafix-drummer]

Do I need to connect the device to a sound card and then to the computer? Or you can connect with a USB cable straight to the computer and record through Cubase or Ableton. Thank you.

[@WaveBits]

You can connect USB Cable directly to computer. Then on your Audio Track change input to the T-8 after you've set the Audio Input to T-8 while leaving the Output to whatever audio Interface you use. Hope this helps!

[@Rafix-drummer]

@@WaveBits thanks bro. I will try and hope to succeed.

[@Rafix-drummer]

Thanks a lot dear brother You are a champion. I'll try.

[@ryanstevens3822]

am i nuts? trying to use this with an external sequencer and midi channel 10 will only let you play one drum??? you cant externally sequence the other drum sounds?

[@idemditto]

If I understand correctly you do not have, for example, TR-909, TR-909, TR-606 Snares, claps, cowbell ? Every drumkit element is one sound only?

[@livetips2491]

how is it compare to TR-6S, is TR-6S worth twice T8 price?

[@andrewlnguyen]

Anyone have thoughts on purchasing this vs a Volca Drum?

[@sailordave5292]

I've been looking at the Volca Drum and Beats. The beats is more to my preference over the V Drum for the natural analogue sounds. But this T-8 has a much better sequencer than any of the Volcas. Plus a bass line - huge addvantage. (I'm guessing the bass can pitched up for melodic as well?). Much better connection options and capacity. T-8 is a little bit menu diving for some of the sound shaping, not too bad, but just not real time. Delay and reverb effects included here. This seems a clear better option for a stand alone groove box over the Volcas .

[@Javidshah44]

Can somebody please tell me is this better then Roland tr 6 ?

[@82adambear]

Thank you for this tutorial, the official manual is nowhere near as informative as your review ! I've tried recording over usb to Android phone, to maximise portability, do you have any tips on what app to use, and any settings on mobile or the t-8 (whenever I try it ends up being horribly lofi)

[@WaveBits]

Thanks for the comment! I only use Mac/iOS - and haven’t tried on mobile yet. Maybe someone can chime in and reply here if they see your comment.

[@Rafix-drummer]

a question? Is it possible to record the music? If so, what connections are needed?

[@WaveBits]

Yes, the USB cable that comes with it sends audio and midi. So you can hook up the cable to any computer and record the audio straight from any of the AIRA compacts inside a DAW - Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Reaper, etc. You just set the Audio Input in Preferences in your DAW to be whatever AIRA Compact you’re working with. Then Record Enable the Track, Press Record, and Press Play on T-8, J-6, etc.

[@Rafix-drummer]

@@WaveBits Do I need to connect the device to a sound card and then to the computer? Or you can connect with a USB cable straight to the computer and record through Cubase or Ableton. Thank you.

[@Rafix-drummer]

Do I need to connect the device to a sound card and then to the computer? Or you can connect with a USB cable straight to the computer and record through Cubase or Ableton. Thank you.

[@gixerags750]

Where is your USB output going?.to MX1 or a DAW ? Cheers.

[@WaveBits]

DAW

[@clintt5266]

Why oh why did Roland not put a song mode in this? I mean, we have phones in our pockets that are 1/10th the size of these things that can do infinitely more - why neuter such a cool little drum machine when with song mode you have a perfect little jam box you could press play on? So basically this is a fun machine to sit at and noodle on.

[@davidcassidy602]

What is “Song Mode”? Asking as a complete synth noob who bought this box with Christmas money.

[@clintt5266]

@@davidcassidy602 song mode is when you can take say, 8 or 9 related patterns and fills etc, and arrange them into a song. Without song mode you have to trigger the pattern changes manually (which defeats the purpose of having a drum machine imo) or have a DAW (software like Logic or Ableton) trigger the pattern changes which makes me wonder why I need a drum machine at all if I’m going to have to start a DAW every time I want to play.

[@davidcassidy602]

Oh. That’s okay, because I’m just playing with it, and won’t record anything. I’m beginning to suspect that this device is aimed more towards people who want to have fun, than people who want to make music.

[@brianwilliams4686]

I plug this into my iPhone 15 usb-c to usb-c and I get midi back and forth as well as audio back in forth… so I use Drambo to make my “song mode” and can record the audio to my phone as well. USB-audio on this thing is a godsend.

[@almarbanmusic]

@@brianwilliams4686 thanks for that tip! i’m also missing that song mode too much. Roland should have put it on OR add in a future firmware update (which i do think won’t be the case).

[@musetux]

🔥🔥🔥🤘🤘🤘💜 🤘🤘🤘🔥🔥🔥

[@sofnaji]

Isn't it better to use an 808 kick and 909 snare as opposed to 909 kick and 606 snare? Seems like a weird choice

[@Rafix-drummer]

AIRA COMPACT T--8 AND J--6 How to synchronize between the devices?

[@WaveBits]

I haven’t tried it, but I think you need a Boss BCC-1-3535 MIDI Cable to synchronize them, this one: bit.ly/BossMIDICable

[@Rafix-drummer]

@@WaveBits thank you for the quick reply . Well done .

[@Rafix-drummer]

thank you for the quick reply . Well done .

[@ianmorton1799]

Something I haven't seen anyone experiment with that I'm really curious about, couldn't you use a 3.5mm midi adapter to write your bass line with, say, a keystep (or use it to build longer sequences)?

[@ShelbyWatson]

I just tested it with the T-8 and my key step pro. You can control it via the midi port. The bass is on midi channel 2 and the drums are on midi channel 10. Hope this helps.

[@wyldbylli4047]

How did you connect the midi?

[@ShelbyWatson]

@@wyldbylli4047 I was using a CME uhost on the T8 and a WIDI master from the key step pro. A standard midi 5pin to yrs 3.5mm should work the same.

[@wyldbylli4047]

@@ShelbyWatson thanks I'm new to all this. Wasn't sure if there was a midi to 3.5 out there. Can't wait to see what else people figure out about these over the next year.

[@ShelbyWatson]

@@wyldbylli4047 No worries. I’m relatively new to this as well. I have bought a lot of gear over the years, but I’m just now finding the time to really dive into it. Glad I could help.

[@Gorpisnorb]

Are you able to choose other kits?

[@WaveBits]

No, each piece is tweak-able but the kit in the drum machine uses different parts for its kit from classic drum machines like talked about in the video

[@Gorpisnorb]

@@WaveBits OK. It wasn't clear if you could use an entire 808 kit or thus random one.

[@WaveBits]

@@Gorpisnorb No worries! It’s a mix of kit pieces from the 808, 909, and 606. More about it under the Standard Features pop-up on Roland’s site: www.roland.com/us/products/t-8/

[@mirkomontaldo]

Awesome machine. Unfortunately the sounds (both Drum and Bass) are awful... bass especially. It's ok only for Early House and Acid tracks. Is it possible to change the bass sound in some way?

[@DP-hw9uq]

Only for old school house acid tracks? Well… I don’t see what else should be useful for! 😅

[@mirkomontaldo]

@@DP-hw9uq ambient, EDM, synthpop, prog, trance, everything but Acid…

[@DP-hw9uq]

@@mirkomontaldo for those genres there's the S-1 😁

[@mirkomontaldo]

@@DP-hw9uq yeah sure. But the form factor of T8 (drum and bass) is really interesting, unfortunately voicing is not very good.

[@nahumprince8665]

when i heard 107bpm i was like :/

[@stephenshort2564]

Either you have massive hands or.. that thing is tiny..

[@WaveBits]

Haha 😂 The J-6 is very compact

[@r.mattcoker4184]

Wow, five sounds? Geez.

[@WaveBits]

There’s 100 tweakable sound presets with the J-6 👍🏻

[@ghostdogintheshell5697]

sounds you need a simpler hobby like maybe knitting.

[@97warlock]

cool toy, but I dont know of any band that has drums that sound like that.

[@googlepigs7027]

Great tutorial ! But I was wondering if this has swing control ?

[@WaveBits]

Yep!

[@googlepigs7027]

@@WaveBits Thanks. Thats the clincher. Appreciate the help !