Roland AIRA Performance: TR-8, VT-3, TB-3, System-1

Brandon from Roland demos the new Roland gear in a live routine, recorded at NAMM 2014. Learn more about all of the gear in this article: bit.ly/1exY7hx

[@robdevine69]

Honestly one of the best product demos I've seen in quite a long time. Actually enjoyable and inspiring not cheesy and generic as most product demo videos are. Great live performance! Seriously refreshing to hear a product demo of someone using the gear in a similar way as to it will be used in real life rather than some douche playing jazz.

[@WilliamHicks]

thanks for the subtitles. It made it easy to actually see what was going on.

[@Psychlist1972]

I really dig this. The vocodor has a serious 80s breakin' vibe to it. Retro in a very likable way.

[@BCSchmerker]

Thanks for showing off the complete AIRA line for everybody - this gear is optimized for techno and House. I saw the TB-3 and TR-8 previews; got surprised with the System-1 and VT-3. :-D

[@katannamon]

The fact that Roland made these makes me so happy. And it's even better that they're so inexpensive!

[@Nathriel]

Nice demo man, I have the TR-3, VT-3, and TR-8. Your variations and quick transitions have inspired me to improve my technique.

[@Psychlist1972]

Great demo!

[@KNHSynths]

machines are beautiful.

[@philipgahan9649]

WHAT!!!

[@Allseende]

Awesome!

[@TtheMack1]

Ol' school Roland sound.... I kinda miss those days.

[@kemicon]

These all look promising. I already have an acceptable solution in my studio for the 808, 909, and 303, I'm most excited about the VT. Time for some robot raps!

[@MrBoxxed]

Been waiting to see what roland do... Interesting stuff

[@JesseJuup]

Cool session! Featured this in the "Roland TR/TB/VT usergroup" on Facebook. Please drop in!

[@shalomormsby]

Love everything about this epic jam! 👏👏👏

[@GregoryBlankMusic]

Awesome stuffs and great performance!

[@xDIGITONIUMx]

I love this... but I wish it also included CR-78, TR-606, and TR-707 as well.

[@BpmSupreme]

You guys make awesome videos! Keep them coming! -Bpm Supreme Record Pool

[@JohnnoDorber]

Wow! That sounded great!

[@HAXXORAUDIO]

I'm trying really hard to hate these new machines, but in all honesty, they're pretty damn cool... Especially the 303. But why-oh-why didn't Roland at least give the 303 an analog filter? Looks like I'm gonna buy Volcas for now, and wait a few years for the Aira's to drop in price (just like the originals) :)

[@killerdeej]

i keep throwing money at my screen! but nothing is happening!

[@GeekBlogTV]

Take THAT, Teenage Engineering!

[@spencerholmes1047]

Couldn't have said it better.

[@tschakk]

what? this roland stuff is uninspired and seems like an empty reference to the past. OP-1 is less pretending and I never heard something that dull coming out of it.

[@spencerholmes1047]

I think they are both pretty good. I like the build quality of the OP-1. As for a referrence to the past, im really unimpressed at the modern pop electronica. I wish they would pull some of the best bits that was the dance revolution.

[@Aerox90]

So many knobs and flashing lights! :'D that voice tranformer seems really fun!

[@Batman83]

The System-1 and TB-3 sound really great. Maybe Roland can make a comeback.

[@JimJWalker]

***** That virtual accordian was the bomb as well!

[@njorlify]

***** lol "good product" if by good you mean fail, then yes

[@marike1100]

The guy from Freemasons demos how each instrument in the TR8 gets recorded into a separate track in Ableton Live which in itself has me interested. Roland - AIRA TR-8 and TB-3 - Unboxing and demo by James Wiltshire of Freemasons

[@rars0n]

I have to say that I haven't been exactly thrilled by some of Roland's recent stuff, but this demo is pretty good.

[@therealKINDLE]

AH! THIS takes me back! Reminds me of the days in the early 90's before Blue Lines & Dummy! Reminds me of Square Pushers' 1st album. He used a SH-101 & a Drum machine. It's a shame Roland don't make a synth like that again.. the SH-101 was extremely versatile, & sounds much less plastic than this green hornet argos range! Maybe I'll get my 9 year old niece one! lol

[@djflash44]

Great machine!

[@lacherlichcateaster4538]

Particularly enjoying the Scatter section of these machines. Haven't seen any other kits of the TR8 as yet. I have a Tempest which also does a pretty good 808 emulation - and the Korg Volca Bass (of course without Scatter and the cool display) doesn't do a bad job. I just wonder how versatile these things are outside of emulating past glories. Don't get me wrong; I'm enjoying the sound very much and very tempted..but....but...but..anyone can help me out here? And NOT someone from Roland, thanks.

[@elementz0r]

Exactly

[@djkontagious247]

really resonates! thanks.

[@Synthematix]

W o W freakin awsome bits of kit these, go on roland you show korg how its done!

[@bdubflow]

I like this but, wish they made an ipad version. All these devices together would make a nice app.( like the Korg Gadget) Probably wouldn't use it in the studio only live, but it seems limited. It would be a lot of set up, and hard to use JUST these devices live. After a few songs people would get bored. Even in this short demo a computer and traktor controller is needed to keep the flow going in between songs.....sorry Roland, still one of my favorite companies!

[@Synthematix]

would be nice now if they made an aira sampler

[@Digiphex]

What is that nicely styled box on the far right with the cool colors of LED? Not the christmas tree green and red but sane design on the far right.

[@SanFieldsMusic]

Those are 2 Native instruments controllers , Kontrol X1 and Kontrol F1 ! they are desined for Traktor but you can MIDI map them for any other software that you might use .

[@hardspank]

very cool!!!!

[@leewightman8619]

Iv got the t8 getting the s1 soon would love the system 1 synth but out of my price range

[@madmuffinz]

Hooray

[@michanowacki9152]

this toys 80 and 90 years

[@tristangieler]

ooooh pretty lights I want this now

[@aikighost]

The 303 emulation sounds pretty good. And with extra remixing tools. How much?

[@hardspank]

UK pricing TB3 299 pounds VT3 199 TR8 499 Sys 1 599

[@ericld11]

do we need another 808 and 303 emulator?

[@Kaitain]

So, is acid music popular again? From all the acid-era hardware being remade these days you'd think it was a massive trend in music, but I'm not sure it is...

[@Kaitain]

***** Fair enough, I guess I'm out of touch. I went to so many (...too many) pure acid techno nights in the mid 90s that the thought of it coming back in completely unaltered form sort of makes me shudder. Fun for a laugh I suppose.

[@Anatomiedusens]

***** Who told you it was in "completely unaltered form" ? There isn't an "acid scene" anymore nor acid house etc , the 303 is just a synth like any other nowadays , it adds a bit of oldschool in modern techno and house wich is defined by merging old school and "new" school i guess.

[@1nt3rl1nk9]

Altered or unaltered acid, sounds the same to me: boring, heared already 3 bio. times. What a pity the synth-1 doesn't look too promising either.

[@Anatomiedusens]

What the hell are you talkin about , 303 is boring , damn son go educate yourself a bit , common , if there is a FUN synth sound it's the 303's. Maybe you just don't like the 303's sound , if so ,get the hell outta here :D

[@Kaitain]

haigna Nobody told me it was "completely unaltered form", that was my own conclusion from this demo. I have records that sound identical to this, and they're 20 years old. But perhaps it's just a case of uninspired demos. I look forwards to more innovation coming from the retro equipment in the future.

[@datasoluble]

Work station with knobs and sampler, you mean the mc 909?

[@JonMichaelDeShazer]

Does the TR-8 have a TR-909 patch inside it as well?

[@EddioPinaR]

Siempre soñé con un equipo así...

[@EchoSoundsystem]

Yessir.

[@Towly263]

aargh! already getting sick of that acidlike stuff in the demos! really want to hear other stuff of this units.

[@devonhughes3805]

keep waiting...or search "Elektron Analog Rytm Leaked!" by Dataline.

[@Towly263]

Devon Hughes yeah :) the rytm is a beast of a machine!

[@manuvre7999]

All sounds really fine. Except the fake 303. Good work...

[@robertandarson5669]

GREAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bskdopeboy]

Chaos in a box! :D

[@cyraxmyers]

cool

[@trbrtsn]

So, what's the workstation controlling patterns and samples on the right?

[@todbadman]

native instruments Kontrol F1 times 2 with another traktor control i think

[@sisterzzbro4215]

You rock! 👍

[@beastieboy3455]

fuck wish i had that kind of coin

[@Original_Renegade]

Wasn't the TB303 dismissed as a pile of shite when it first come out by all the so called experts....

[@missdchamps6059]

Hi, i just have a quick question im going to order all the in sweet water by next week and tr 8, system 1, vt 3 , juno and micro brute, audio car is scarce focus , can you please help me witch cables exactly ill need to buy to connect this perfectly to the audio car, thank you so much in advance

[@awkwardsquadproject]

Pretty clear Roland are trying to add to what they've done in the past rather than straight forward replication.

[@SeanJohnsonMTS_MUSIC_GROUP]

What is that 16 pad machine on the right side of the gear?

[@brandonbanks1408]

Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol F1

[@krisbait]

I just see a completely stupid ppl talking about things that you don't have any knowledge of it ... someone talking about a tablet been better than analog , come on or someone talking about he's too many acid midle 90's party ... Roland the real musicians like to thank you So much for the new push .... You guys rock it !

[@freddymarcel-marcum6831]

If you think this guy is shitty, then upload something better, I really doubt you will.

[@atommachine]

Not Bad, Not bad at all.......Although is it not time to move on with new sounds?

[@jacquesmertens3369]

Can the equipment also be used to make music ?

[@HedTroma]

...what...do you mean?

[@peterhencomusic]

u use sounds from Remix Contest ???Respect :)

[@mosai6950]

that 909 kick tho

[@SimpleTrax]

Even the TB emulation sounds kind of thin, like it has holes in it. System-1 sounds horrible. Better get MC 505 or something.

[@sodivoid]

They look nice but to me this is just fluff. Rubber duck used to be able to do this acid sound a long time ago (1994 ?) and with a drum machine apart from the rolls what difference is there. Maybe I'm just ignorant to new tech but it doesn't seem that much of an advance. Rubber duck: d-lusion Rubberduck VST TB-303 Software Synthesizer

[@cherryoxide4959]

New 303 for $300? Dang, son.

[@deanod9]

Hello all, looking into buying a sythn, really impressed with the equipment but can't afford it all, would I be able to combine the TR-8 with say a Novation Bass Station? And would this require a dedicated Audio Interface or could I feed it into my laptop? Thanks!

[@xDIGITONIUMx]

Dean Dallman Connect Line Out of Bass Station to the Audio Input jacks of the TR-8. The External In has a knob to adjust the input level, and the side chain adds some sweet rhythmic attenuation effects that can be set to each step. I currently have the Virus TI connected to the TR-8 input, and then I use the TR-8 as the MIDI master clock source for the Virus keyboard and another drum machine.

[@deanod9]

Thanks for the advice! Just one more question, when you say you are using it as a MIDI, does that mean it is your audio interface can just plug straight into a computer? Or would I need one to connect it to use with a DAW?

[@xDIGITONIUMx]

Dean Dallman The MIDI interface is the 5-pin connector behind the instrument. Don't match the labels when connecting between equipment (e.g., connect cable from OUT jack of one instrument to the IN jack of the other). The MIDI interface lets you sync up or control various instruments. In this case, I use the TR-8 as the clock source for my drum machine and keyboard, so I can sync up the tempo for rhythm and arpeggiators. You can use the USB connection from the TR-8 to your PC and use it as an audio device, but you need to connect the analog output of the TR-8 to your mixer/amp/speakers.

[@deanod9]

Thanks mate much appreciated!

[@ncepshn]

How do you sync the system-1 to the TR-8?

[@aliencall]

Any groovebox can do this and more before reading your manual..(rtfm) this is future? I'm Happy with my past

[@hunnytheurry]

How much million dollars the cost?

[@9mmMetal]

Well it looks cool, fun and flashing-lights-pretty. But I can't say it sounds any good. Sure, it sounds true to the original, but we've had that for over 30 years.

[@IIHOGZBREATHII]

Yes, very true, I don't get it?!... What's the point?...I guess to cash in on this MASSIVE market!!. It's very affordable, so every Tom, Dick and Harry will have one...meself included (cause I buys drum machines, lol). That's all good though, cause, I have my Jomox999 and bringing home the awesome dirty bastard Elektron Rytm machine! Elektron is where it's at.

[@dnolan2000]

that's simple work for a launchpad in ableton if you know what you are doing, it also costs a hellava lot less that way.

[@cresshead]

sound good to me

[@RealMandraque]

Doesnt make me want it at all....

[@cherryoxide4959]

10/10 would invest monies

[@SHUTUPYAFACE]

Despite AIRA being a modern incarnation, VA will never replace real analog because no matter how an emulation is achieved-- whether by computer, iOS or DSP it just ISN'T analog, meaning no sculpting of pure electricity. Why bother wasting effort programming an emulation when a REAL analog circuit will simply be everything they are trying to achieve?

[@SoulFlask]

The tr8 is the dogs bollocks. But the lack of tune function on the tb3 is a HUGE disappointment and I'll be selling mine.

[@lookmomonlycomputer]

Beat repeat, beat repeat everywhere ... Bad idea

[@cerwin23]

sounds like a kids toy besides the Vocoder which is nice!

[@koolstup]

Bloody hell, flashy flashy

[@kb420ps]

Since non of these are TRUE analog, can't they just make the whole system a virtual instrument and call it a day?

[@Anatomiedusens]

Are you that stupid ,seriously ?

[@kb420ps]

haigna Stupid? What's so stupid about what I asked? D16 Group already has physical modeled plugins of all of those vintage devices. The only thing special about this system is the fact that it's an all in one device with dedicated control over everything. These sounds have been modeled and sampled soo much that it's ridiculous. When I first heard about this, I just assumed it would be analog. To find out that it's just another sampled/modeled recreation is a big disappointment IMHO.

[@Anatomiedusens]

Sorry for being rude man ...(the internet gets me some time) But what would be the point of selling you a 500$ software , and a separate controller ? This is not simply an emulation like what d16 have done , the sofware inside the box recreates the behaviour of the analogue components + a lot of fine tuning have been done , so it's makes sense selling it as an instrument like the orignals i guess, what you think ?

[@kb420ps]

haigna Originally, I just didn't understand the excitement over this, but now I do. From what I am hearing, these products are special because people want to experience the vintage "workflow" of using hardware. Now that I can understand. What I don't understand is why they would take the time to try to recreate digitally what they could have easily done by just remaking all of the actual true analog circuitry. Don't get me wrong, physical modelling is great. It will definitely give a digital recreation more "life" than just sampling, but it still just isn't the same to me. If you think I'm wrong, then download a few demo's of a Mini Moog plugin, and then go and listen to an actual Mini Moog. There's nothing like REAL voltage controlled oscillators, REAL voltage controlled filters, and REAL voltage controlled amplifiers. That's analog!!!

[@Anatomiedusens]

You are right , they'll never make it sound the same if they don't go full analog , the main reason they don't re build analogue 808 and 909 is Pricing (they would cost some like 600-700$each ...) Secondly , 90%of modern production using 808 or 909 sounds actually use samples or vst etc so people actually got used to those digital sounds ... I love the 909 like jesus , i always wanted one , but they are sooooo expensive i'm glad i'll get a physical recreation of 808-909s for just 500 :D can't wait to jam (oooh and they'l sound great with guitar pedals !)the only thing that actually pisses me of is = NO MULTIPLE OUTS what a bummer :(

[@meldmagic]

Where my devilfish at?

[@memetaillica]

Looks like a very advance musical instrument

[@Gosu85]

na, the tb3 doesnt sound like the 303 at all, sorry

[@AndyBondo]

Rather see an old skool electronic synth player demo the nice goods

[@Kenevl]

А можно на этом оборудовании сыграть БАХА,БЕТХОВИНА или ЛИСТа ?

[@KosmoDeuz]

+Александр Коновалов gfitk yf[eq

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

I hate that your forced to have vibrato as an after touch message when using another board, there isn't even a depth parameter for it? Wtf Roland ???

[@supdub1]

i can hear it on my earbuds that this sounds so digital. i want the real thing. analog.

[@FORANWFS]

jim morrison needs to see dis sheit

[@djnancydru]

want

[@HifiAnalog]

I really hope these machines drive down the prices for the real 808 and 909. I'm gonna own like ten OG 808s and 909s. nothing will ever compare to the originals. the fact that roland had to make a clone of their own products, has to say something.

[@Ekuaciones]

Mandrile drums Demo ,all modules

[@WillyJunior]

kind of fun but nothing particularly inspiring. 808/909 samples and 303 emulator plugins have been available forever, and have already been totally overused.

[@partymonsterTV]

WTF @00.21!! thanks for the fkn heart attack. my monitors did not approve either :/

[@russelblacker2562]

this is like what Korg did with volca only better and mroe expensive.

[@njorlify]

Roland still stubbornly cling to digital when Analog has had a revival everywhere, what a dissapointment, can't say I wasn't expecting it, they're just not as willing to accept change as Korg.

[@VincentsVideoVisions]

These AIRA units will not impact the price of 303/808/909 in any way. I gotta say that the TR-8 and TB-3 are cool, but the System-1 sucks balls and the voice transformer is merely okay.

[@michael7018]

strap on an instrument would you.. nothing warm about the sonic performance of these devices by this dude... but the System 1 looks very interesting perhaps the TR8 filters .... Im interested. But overall this marketing vid is yuk!

[@ifonlyhowie]

Roland will sell shit loads of these AIRA products, especially at the prices advertised. So folk who keep anchoring for real analogue off roland, move on, it's not gonna happen. With the addition of the new rd800 and FA workstations roland are definitely back in the game.

[@ahmuwalde7167]

Not impressed at all and where was this video when NAMM was going on

[@ujnbhyt]

for the love of god somebody give this to *****