Roland TR-6S: Walkthrough and Demos!

Today we look at the TR-6S, Rolands little baby drum machine, synth, and sample playback box.
00:00 into
00:57 sequencing
05:14 variations, chaining, fills
09:12 motion recording
10:47 performance demo
12:15 making a kit
15:08 kit controls
17:40 performance demo
19:34 sound controls
26:17 samples
30:19 outro
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Thank you for watching. My name is Jeremy, and this is Red Means Recording. I've been making music for a few decades now, and this channel is a place to make music and to talk about the tools and techniques to make music with. We'll use synths, drum machines, modular gear, and software.
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[@synth-studio]

I know this video's a little long in the tooth, but I just picked up a TR-6S and this was an invaluable walkthrough. Thanks for putting this together, Jeremy. Very comprehensive and comprehensible : )

[@splushone]

This is the video that sold me on the TR6S, and was just the first video I watched once I had it in front of me! I really appreciate your instructional style.

[@fullyard-art]

Awesome stuff to discover, as always. Love it!! Thank you, Jeremy.

[@corican]

I REALLY like how this looks and sounds. Thanks for the great walkthrough!

[@trevormalcolm4328]

One of the better TR-6S videos! Nice work!

[@TheHallucinati]

You are absolutely awesome. I was looking for a drum machine that is capable of sampling and sequencing, and your video was incredibly informative on all of the capabilities of this machine.

[@vektorsonix9381]

Great walk through, rapid paced but concise, cool demo tracks too!

[@PPYTAO]

Wow, that’s a sweet piece of equipment in form and function. Nice watching someone who knows how to use/play it.

[@OlivierPetit74]

Finally an understandable video about this baby !! Thank you so much, the help is priceless, you rock 🤘

[@MrKashmir2394]

just got it in the mail this last week. your video has been helping me out a lot. whether you know it or not, you seem to be the only "tutorial" video on the tr-6s right now lol

[@noiseappreciationcrew134]

Best demos I’ve heard on this

[@andrewstanworth529]

Great video! Just bought one, watched most of the videos & this is one of the best. Thanks! 🥁🔊💥

[@jszack]

I found this was a pretty good intro for the TR-8S as well--though some of the controls are different, the functionality is basically the same. You're great at demonstrating features in a way that is (or builds toward something) musical rather than simply going through each function. That way, by following along, we have a road map for how to create our own stuff. Thanks!

[@Alkatross]

Your performance demos are legendary.

[@Luis-il5nb]

Loving the video transition clips like the battery & performance ones

[@mooseyard]

I went into this thinking “i dig the colors and the x0x sounds, but I already have a model:samples.” A few minutes later, I found myself on Reverb buying a used one. I had no idea this thing was so versatile!

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Same here. Have one on the way now 😻

[@Darwinist]

I just played with one at a friend's studio, not reading the manual or anything - just trying to figure it out on the fly. Thought it sounded pretty good and punched above it's weight. Then I read up on it a bit. Watched some videos. Found out about the software editor and multichannel out recording via USB. Mother of god. He only uses it DAWless. Let's just say I´m really looking forward to visiting my friend again and really digging into it hooked up to a computer.

[@drKrollspell]

You are sooo good! Love the performances!! Too ⭐️

[@noahromeo6451]

You do the best tutorials on KZbin 🙏

[@saardean4481]

beautiful atmosphere you created in the outro jam. Much enjoyed

[@saardean4481]

Btw don't know if I got a faulty device but if I power it via usb it is very very noisy for todays standards. There is hiss and a "far away" constant "peeeeeeeeeeep" sound. If I remove the usb and use batteries, 0 issue

[@saardean4481]

Aaaaaand rewatching :-) at 29:29 I lost you a bit. You say "remove the triggers of variation B" but either I am too slow of you never actually show it in the video. That confuses me as the Note progression plays through A+B but if you removed triggers on B how does it finish the melody ? In short ,,, you did some huge jumps there for someone like me to follow ...

[@SamMcEwin]

Great demo. That last jam was beautiful.

[@MrGeoffashley]

I’m so stoked about this. I own a TR-8, MC-101, VT-4 and a few Boutiques (SE-02 and both Junos)....and I’ve been looking to upgrade my TR-8..but something about the 8s I was hesitant about. This is why. It’s a perfect match to my MC & VT..and half the price of the 8s....and battery powered!! Now we just need an upgraded MX-1 to match the form factor. I’ll sacrifice tracks (as long as we keep the Aira link ports) for portability and matching form factor any day. I’ll take a free one for the idea, Roland.....

[@OhHeyK3vin]

jeremy how dare you make this look so fun and easy

[@donkeadik8707]

Whoever says it's not easy and fun to make music is a liar or is playing the wrong instruments

[@JohnMichaelGill]

@@donkeadik8707 b buff l b okppppkoknk

[@JohnMichaelGill]

@@donkeadik8707 is is doing a fantastic fantastic ooooo

[@ckbarlow]

My puppy likes this video very much and did a great deal of extraordinarily cute head tilting while watching it with me. I think this means I should buy the thing.

[@ckbarlow]

partly your fault I have a puppy anyway, so there's that

[@Cloud_Brn]

The LFO changing the tuning at 22 min in is so epic, definitely gotta try that when I get my hands on one!

[@ftlaud911]

Great quick demo. Sounds great. Picked up a 06s for dirt cheap that I couldn't pass up. Figured I could just have fun while on the couch or sample out the classic built in sounds. I am still learning the UI, but am super impressed. The menu diving sucks, but is what it is. Now looking at the 101 to possibly pair with it.

[@hunterfoxen]

thank you for the awesome demo!

[@PPYTAO]

You got the best top down on YT 😍

[@EmilioNorrmann]

never heard of this thing .. and now I love it !

[@dvdsarescary]

Nobody ever mentions this but you can step loop multiple steps (ascending) like an arpeggiator! Was super surprised and delighted to find this when I got mine and never see anyone mention it

[@maverickpanda]

Never seen anyone do this! Mind explaining how?

[@isocarboxazid]

@@maverickpandayou hit step loop and press multiple steps at the same time.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Capt Pikant mentioned, i think.

[@chrisparknride6152]

thank you so much Jeremy, I just picked one of these up and need help working this thing. had a tr8s but had to down size do to my life situation write now. less is better write now.

[@zvezdashutzl]

*right

[@emptyvesselnz]

smol box of MANY things! Damn this is cool. Great walkthrough and musical interlewwwwds Mr B. Thxpls send here when done.

[@traverschmidt1101]

Thanks for even making this video way more clear than owners manual video.

[@PnPModular]

Looks like Roland are on fire with this guy.. like they are on a new trajectory.. I had the TR-8s and sold it but have this coming looks ideal for size and power hard to beat

[@dvdny]

Man, you really know this thing. I hope to as well, in a few years 🤣 (and thank you for pronouncing 'digitakt' properly)

[@lucianodaloisio]

Instant John Tejada at the performance demo part!! That was great

[@ripsniff9742]

Oh that groove that start at around 10min is so very nice..❤

[@johanntoro4119]

That techno driven 2nd performance is Insane and is exactly what I’m looking to create 🤘🏻

[@dvdny]

Seconded. FM ftw.

[@lwpweb]

love the tom!

[@Calicolive]

This would be awesome to travel with!

[@huntrrams]

It’s amazing.

[@spoppp]

Finally someone shows one of these machines making techno. Thanks!!! (I want it, you've convinced me)

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Have one on the way. Got it to go with my MC-101. I love the small form factor, that runs on batteries. Makes it so easy to build beats/jams/backing tracks on the couch, then take it into the studio, or gigs. Also great for backyard or park jam sessions. My only gripe is the grey silkscreen of SHIFT functions on it, that are almost impossible to read, even in good lighting. Should have used white or orange ink instead.

[@NoisyMachines]

Little by little I like this little one more! Although I still think it is a bit expensive ... good video Jeremy

[@lesstalkmoredisco9445]

Nice performance snippets @jeremy

[@StratsRUs]

Excellent.Thanks !

[@wickeddubz]

Again, it’s not about tool. Skill matters. Battery and usb power is a must have feature these days.

[@80iesDude45]

pre-ordered!

[@colinreynolds01]

I bought one on the strength of this video. I fucking love this box.

[@binahtrading8565]

Great features great price point !!

[@PatchwerksSeattle]

It's so cute! We love it

[@RedMeansRecording]

[@luisalmeida2866]

Man, this is playing!!!

[@crazyFrankyy]

Hey Jeremy ! Thanks for review, what do you think about idea add little pads for play drum by fingers ? I think it's much comfortable the little seq step button !

[@Roboprogs]

It feels like a lot to get your head around. Like the DX7 back in the day, it does a lot, but you have to have a good mental model of which menus you are diving for. I feel like this can do what both Elektron “Model” machines do for just a little bit more money, but you have to spend more time setting up your kits.

[@malikmehouchi8418]

A lot of muscle memory involved......but it clicks in after a while. Not to be used stand alone....a great addition to a another drum synth

[@jc3drums916]

Great, now I'm GASsing to replace my Volca Sample, and I haven't even used my Volca Sample in ages.

[@Schmarster]

I've just ordered mine to do just that.

[@dvdny]

Story of my life. I'm still waiting to get good at my Circuit 😂

[@StratsRUs]

These comments sum it all up

[@sheepkillindog]

Can’t it be both? Lol

[@DJCJ999]

Man there was some seriously hot and heavy techno in them there performances!

[@chrissender7152]

Damn good video! Verz helpful info to getting creative. Amazing performance as well! Where I can come for the workshop? 😝

[@videolabcreators]

this thing gets dirt-tayyy, nice✨✌🏼

[@VJFranzK]

How would you go about making a changing song melody on 6s? (With verse / chorus parts on the variations) I have the MC101 for this purpose but don't really like it's workflow

[@GuidoGautsch]

You chain patterns together

[@jamessusbilla]

thank *YOU*

[@work4synths]

Good tutorial! How the FILL IN cycle settings are stored? Are they stored within a pattern? Or within a kit?

[@arthurmachadomuniz1227]

You Sold me this one, I'm on a quest to discover the best standalone box for me, my dream box is MC 707, one I will have one, but until then TR6S will be my Main standalone box. And I guess TR6S can be a excellent duo with my future MC 707.

[@mikenoface]

TR-6s and MC-101 together is like a portable 707... kinda. I have a 707 and I still want the little ones too.

[@AnalogFlava]

@@mikenoface what can the tr6s do that the mc707 cant??

[@schmapps1]

In regards to chaining pattern variations - can you have certain variations play multiple times before moving on to the next one? Like say, the original pattern plays 3 times through and then moves on to the next variation, etc?

[@work4synths]

I also have question regarding long samples. That trick for playing a longer sample loop across few variations was very cool! How many samples of that type you can load into the TR-6S? And also, how easy is to unload a sample to free some space and load new one for a new kit and then unload the new sample and reload the previous one to use it with a previous kit?

[@DopamineOverload]

The sound button does preview the Sample now, right? Since firmware update?

[@I.O.M.]

Great Demo but I sold the MC 101 b/c too much menu diving. Not sure why Roland won’t create an input to record in your samples. That would be a total game changer.

[@Intraverse909]

Thanks for this, is the 6 track limit a noticeable limitation? Coming from a larger drum machine (drumbrute impact) I'm a little reluctant losing the extra drum tracks.

[@rorz999]

The DB impact is only barely larger lol. The 6 tracks on here is fine generally. It is very rare that I have a need to use 6 different drum sounds in the same pattern

[@Infiniphil]

Hey! This video is really well explained and I wanted to thank you so much for it. I bought the machine and am getting around it using this video as a tutorial. I had a question that has not been answered yet... What is Fill1 and Fill2? Cheers! :)

[@Infiniphil]

So I just found out (reading the owner's manual that all you need to do to access this is holding tr-rec and by turning the value knob all the way to the right, these fills are available for edit in the select variation mode. :) Cheers!

[@jaguarvssnake]

@@Infiniphil thank you!!

[@huntrrams]

Awesome video! Can I connect this to a daw and let it record midi?

[@RedMeansRecording]

yes

[@GibbsBen]

Does anyone know if this comes with TR-Sync to integrate into a Serato setup?

[@sub-jec-tiv]

One thing is destroying ‘scatter.’ The fact that they just turn sounds backward without offsetting backward sounds so they peak on beat. It’s basically useless until they fix this one thing, as it completely disrupts flow. This looks like a perfect machine for playing live, i have the full size original TR-8, but i’d rather not bring it on a plane. So TR-6s it is. Looking forward to getting my custom classic drum machine samples on it!

[@lee74843]

can you make a step by step on how to do instant recording how do you start a new pattern

[@enelaoszafetas9300]

Great demo as usual!Can you save projects on that machine like at the mc 101?? I dont see a project button somehere, thank you a lot! I might invest on that so i can make my mc101 sets a bit longer.

[@RedMeansRecording]

You can save kits and patterns

[@pabloprent9850]

Hi man, I need help 🙂 Do you know how to set time division to 1/16t in Tr 6s?

[@Loumont_2]

dude i love the color of those cables where did you get them?

[@RedMeansRecording]

Gls or seismic audio on Amazon

[@2B87]

Did I miss it or where is the option for swing and shifting the quantization of events to earlier/later - in other words moving notes individually to humanize the feel

[@RedMeansRecording]

There is nudge yes.

[@cesarpoggi6584]

Great tutorial! How which cable are you using to connect the TR-6S to the speaker? Do you connect directly?

[@RedMeansRecording]

I go into my audio interface with trs cables

[@H.Sandro]

Hola, una consulta, puedo conectar a mi TR 6S un foot controller (especificamente un UNI3 Parametric USB MIDI foot controller de Logidy)? gracias.

[@JohnLunney]

How do you find it in comparison to the Nord Drum 3P? (From your other awesome video :)

[@RedMeansRecording]

Completely different machines really

[@keloisin7487]

17:40 hell yeahhh..

[@jpromano_]

Great video! Can you create a 32 or 64 step patterns?

[@connormichalec]

As with anything cool, I want it

[@missfroy663]

Was looking for a drum machine to go with the modular. Was thinking of the TR8S, but it was more than I needed, and too big and expensive. This might be exactly what I was looking for... USB power means no overpriced, bespoke power adapters, proper MIDI in/out means easy connection to the Hermod (or maybe power and sync with USB?), and it looks small enough to fit in the gig bag with the patch cables.

[@flame2106]

had exact same thing, was going to get a secondhand volca sample, but maybe there is better sampler/drummachines older that can do the job. Just need that effects, variations/longer sequences and lots of sound possibilities. at a low price and form factor :D

[@missfroy663]

@@flame2106 Still can't make my mind up on this, I've gotta model cycles on its way that ticks some boxes, so the other boxes are between this and a Digitakt, but love the idea of 606, 808 and 909 in one box, this size, at this price, with sequencing this immediate... Damn you Roland (and it's not often I say that...)

[@Sadiquecat]

Saw that "XOXO" kit, valentine hey ? ;)

[@dublplus3332]

Would you use in tandem with a digitakt via midi?

[@Nomo_Popo]

Shweet. I'm gonna wait til this is going for ~250. Also: might just be Jesus's favorite drum machine

[@khemshet]

29:06 for the hell yeah

[@officialmarcv]

just made improv of tr6s and tb03 with tr editor😎

[@6ix611]

im stuck on this machine & the Syntakt.. anyone have any reccomendations? great video thank you!

[@skummelkatt]

GAS!!!

[@MrFrostyness]

Nice, you have Coldcut's Kleptomania on there :D

[@RedMeansRecording]

Nice catch! Yeah!

[@mikegodfrey2221]

can this device work in a live band situation -is there the flexibility?

[@benaskrensfriend4945]

Never used anything like this buy ordering this week. I feel a bit lost watching the videos but wish me luck

[@kevrenshaw6177]

HI Jeremy. Just sold my Juno DS. Based on a few of your vids I decided to pick up an MC707 to run with Ableton and my little JDXi. What extra would this unit give me when all synched to Ableton. The important mention here is that my MAcbook Pro max's out so easy using output, vocals and more importantly softsynths. Just wondered if the 3 units together would cover most chill, ambient bases ?

[@RedMeansRecording]

this would give you all your drum needs, in a simple sequencer. you could use the mc707 for tones and bigger samples.

[@kevrenshaw6177]

Thanks for that. My little JDXi has a shed load of drums too. But as a setup, MC707, JDxi, Ableton for MMC and vocals and final mixdown. Would that be possible ?

[@nunyabidness2148]

@@kevrenshaw6177 hey bud if you havent heard of this amazing JDXI editor its gonna change your life. jdxi-manager.linuxtech.net/#downloads

[@filthesil]

Hey Jeremy, what are those audio cables with the metal ends and colourful cables?

[@GuidoGautsch]

Apparently GLS and seismic audio from Amazon...he responded to the same question a little further up

[@DanChippendaleMusic]

To bad I got a Digitakt and Roland MC-101 recently. The Digitakt is bloody great though. It really does need those volume sliders though.

[@phukaoprommolmard5282]

What a machine, holy shit

[@johnnyrocco5168]

Is it possible to make a 32 step loop with this? I do alot of linear beats, and it looks like this wouldn't work. I would like to do it without having to manually push a button to go to the other 16 steps

[@GuidoGautsch]

16 at a time, but you can chain them together and they'll play sequentially I think, so yeah, you can play 32 steps in one go

[@bodyminusMe]

When is this being released?

[@andydarby52]

Can I pair this with korg minilogue XD to stay in sync together? I'm new to this

[@RedMeansRecording]

Yip!

[@brunoromiti7708]

hi, just a quick question, i love the sound of the CR78 and would love to import the whole kit (as samples - kick, snare, etc) and use it, but i dont think I'm super sure the TR6S can actually do that, could anyone confirm this to me? great video!

[@RedMeansRecording]

You have to factory reset your device after the firmware update to get the kits

[@meldmagic]

🐻 Good luck choosing between the original TR-8, MC-101, TR-6S & Model: Samples which are all around the same price range.

[@matamakanka5700]

For me faders are a +1 I think I would take the 6s