Roland TR-6S: Walkthrough and Demos!

[@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 : )

[@ghrs_music]

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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@traverschmidt1101]

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

[@johanntoro4119]

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

[@dvdny]

Seconded. FM ftw.

[@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

[@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.....

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@andrewstanworth529]

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

[@ripsniff9742]

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

[@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!

[@PPYTAO]

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

[@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.

[@Alkatross]

Your performance demos are legendary.

[@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

[@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

[@OlivierPetit74]

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

[@Luis-il5nb]

Loving the video transition clips like the battery & performance ones

[@wickeddubz]

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

[@RealityShiftUK]

Can’t wait to get this the fact it’s so portable and runs on battery is a huge bonus as I have limited space

[@colinreynolds01]

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

[@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 ...

[@trevormalcolm4328]

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

[@spoppp]

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

[@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

[@PPYTAO]

You got the best top down on YT 😍

[@DJCJ999]

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

[@dvdny]

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

[@vektorsonix9381]

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

[@fullyard-art]

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

[@noahromeo6451]

You do the best tutorials on KZbin 🙏

[@Calicolive]

This would be awesome to travel with!

[@huntrrams]

It’s amazing.

[@EmilioNorrmann]

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

[@LuchoDa]

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

[@drKrollspell]

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

[@PatchwerksSeattle]

It's so cute! We love it

[@RedMeansRecording]

[@jeffryarchambeau5441]

This is the real TR6S video manual!

[@corican]

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

[@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

[@matttaylor3034]

This actually looks like a pretty nifty little machine. Seems like it has many of the same capabilities as the TR-8S but at a more palatable price point. The TR-8S looked interesting but I always thought it was a little expensive for what it was, especially considering you could get the Digitakt for not that much more.

[@aikighost]

If you buy this I guarantee within short order you'll want the TR8s. Its SOOOOO hands on. :)

[@matttaylor3034]

@@aikighost You're probably right, although even though I think drum machines are very cool and have considered getting one many times before, I've never been able to justify having one for myself since I don't do any live performance

[@aikighost]

@@matttaylor3034 I don't play out much live myself right now (who does?). But still hardware is just more fun than looking at a DAW screen.

[@martheataca]

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??

[@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

[@SamMcEwin]

Great demo. That last jam was beautiful.

[@NoisyMachines]

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

[@trigmusicnz]

thanks bud excited to get into it

[@connormichalec]

As with anything cool, I want it

[@asundayfireofficial2774]

If I didn't have a Digitkat this would be high on the list. This is great.

[@matamakanka5700]

Tbh i am bored of Takt I might sell it and go for 6s + sp404sx. I feel that would give you a lot more creativity.

[@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!

[@lwpweb]

love the tom!

[@phukaoprommolmard5282]

What a machine, holy shit

[@videolabcreators]

this thing gets dirt-tayyy, nice✨✌🏼

[@errorkit]

Cool, Roland changed the Sample Import Preview - so you can now prelisten it when you press the blinking Sample Button. Thanks Roland!

[@emptyvesselnz]

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

[@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.

[@AI1983-r1k]

17:40 hell yeahhh..

[@lesstalkmoredisco9445]

Nice performance snippets @jeremy

[@luisalmeida2866]

Man, this is playing!!!

[@Sadiquecat]

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

[@benaskrensfriend4945]

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

[@hunterfoxen]

thank you for the awesome demo!

[@chrissender7152]

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

[@khemshet]

29:06 for the hell yeah

[@Nomo_Popo]

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

[@officialmarcv]

just made improv of tr6s and tb03 with tr editor😎

[@binahtrading8565]

Great features great price point !!

[@80iesDude45]

pre-ordered!

[@sjcongo]

The reason i bought this is because it has full randomizations on sequence and kits ;)

[@StratsRUs]

Excellent.Thanks !

[@jpromano_]

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

[@huntrrams]

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

[@RedMeansRecording]

yes

[@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 !

[@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.

[@Gainn]

If this is going to be at that 400 price point, then it's only real competition is the TR-8S which is only 160 more in a lot of places. So unless portability/space saving is essential I can't really see the value of it.

[@HotStrange]

Based on the product pages this also comes with a few more ACB tones and double the amount of stock samples, which may matter to some.

[@rorz999]

I thought the retail price was steep, but you can get them second hand for a steal. I got mine for just over £200. That's insanely good value for what you get. It's also way more portable than the TR-8S and it can run on batteries. I think there's definitely a market for this

[@Gainn]

@@rorz999 that's a great price. Retail has gone down a little in some places now, but so has the mc101 (in a lot of cases processed samples sound better than the ACB emulations). The editor for the 8s (don't know if it works on the 6?)is an awesome addition to how usable it is.

[@jamessusbilla]

thank *YOU*

[@trent69marc]

I wish i find a demo where somebody creates live some patterns which sounds as close as possible like a real drumkit with drive and all it´s possibilities going direction non uptempo rockbeat! A great demo, no question! I just wish it would be more complex because musicians are individuals and i´m really interessested in this great little "box"

[@trent69marc]

i love the vibe of the last track!!!

[@GuidoGautsch]

This box isn't really designed to be a 'real drum kit' for rock. I mean, sure, you could load in acoustic drum samples and program in rock beats but that's not really what they're going for with this I think

[@Christiandonaghey]

Can you assign a different kit to each variation of a pattern?

[@legitt6093]

Have you had a chance to find out? I've been looking for an answer of that question quite a lot.

[@Christiandonaghey]

@@legitt6093 Unfortunately, I found no way of doing it. Maybe it's something they will update in the future.

[@legitt6093]

@@Christiandonaghey Maybe the only way is to manually switch the whole kit while a pattern is still playing. Thank you for the swift reply! :)

[@rootofgreatness.]

Hello guys. I would like to know that can I take my finished projects from the machine and manipulate them in a DAW?

[@PPYTAO]

If you’re not already playing clubs you should be 🤯 damn man

[@timemasterhms]

LoL you obviously have never been to a club.

[@PPYTAO]

@@timemasterhms depends what kinda club you're talking about. I presume you're talking about a trashy top 40 pop hits type of club? I'm talking about clubs where people go to see DJ's/Producers perform live sets for hours on end and they mostly sell water.

[@timemasterhms]

@@PPYTAO lol, ok bud. Drugs don't make bad music, good.

[@PPYTAO]

Sorvøy I’m not sure where you plucked that equivalency from. And it’s not super clear but it seems as though you’re calling any music played at any club where people might take drugs bad music? And also seems like you’re calling this KZbin change bad music. So I’m not sure why you’re here?

[@PPYTAO]

KZbin channel*

[@lee74843]

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

[@donkeadik8707]

I like 2 rows of 8 pads so much more it sucks that the pads are in a row. For me it's just more natural and hence faster and easier for me know which step/note to select with it in 2 rows of 8 pads.

[@6ix611]

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

[@Loumont_2]

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

[@RedMeansRecording]

Gls or seismic audio on Amazon

[@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

[@matamakanka5700]

I like that this thing is portable and tends to sound more minimal/experimental due to its limitations unlike the 8s which had a lot of EDM influences in it.

[@JohnLunney]

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

[@RedMeansRecording]

Completely different machines really

[@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...)

[@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?

[@distortimus7631]

I am deciding between Roland tr-6s vs Drumbrute Impact vs Behringer RD-8. I think that tr-6s is most versetille drum machine (despite the size) and it's also a great live performing instrument. Not to mention you get the all of the iconic sounds + effects built in for the price.

[@RedMeansRecording]

Agree

[@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

[@speedy6323]

I want to start making electronic music with a tool that is affordable and suitable for beginners - is this device a good place to start?

[@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.

[@GibbsBen]

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

[@synthsforbreakfast]

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

[@theNickRYG]

Would it be fair to say that this is exactly what my Volca Sample wishes it was?

[@RedMeansRecording]

yes

[@MrGeoffashley]

I’m giving my 12 year old son my beloved Volca Sample when this drops

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

Yes but also more money

[@shmish]

That’s what I was thinking. Sell my Volca Sample and get this. Pair with my mc-101 and tb-3. Except this probably costs 4X what I paid for my volca sample.

[@MrGeoffashley]

Doug Smith I think it’s supposed to be, like $399 USD....so, I mean...yeah, kinda. I got my Sample used a few years ago for like $120(something)...but I feel you get that 3 or 4x more out of it. Sequenced sample playback PLUS drum synth engine (including FM drum synthesis 🤯) and per track control with a bunch of effects!!

[@LizaLavolta]

I gotta be honest- I love it when the instruments are tiny.....

[@RhombusLabs]

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

[@RedMeansRecording]

Nice catch! Yeah!