Roland TR-8S Tutorial - Firmware Update 2.0 - Backup, Update, Reset, Restore

In this video, I take you through the steps to update the firmware to 2.0. We also start with a backup, then do a factory reset and a restore after the update.
Download the System Program ver. 2.0 here...
www.roland.com/us/support/by_...

[@trptych]

thanks so much, Roland should hire you to do these videos for them, these are the best tutorials on musicgear

[@cjk-28-JockeK]

Huge thanks for your this tutorial ! All the flipping in&out of card and USB cable in Roland's instruction got me confused ...

[@garyturner5204]

Thank you so very much! You cover all the bases in what we need to do for update 2.00, how to backup and restore what we want. This video is perfect!

[@AlexRanedo]

Thank you so much for this, you're a legend! So clear and patiently explained!

[@helenyap6930]

Hi Unit E. Thank you so much. I followed your video and managed to update to 2.51. Im so grateful.

[@DamianoPistoia]

Great! I was waiting for your tutorials about last update. Thanks

[@chriswilson6118]

in case you haven't been told this today. YOU'RE AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND ! thanks again for the videos.

[@lawrencebrock8776]

Many thanks for this video. Went without a hitch for me as a result of following your guide. I can confidently say I would have not have found this update easy without your video. Brilliant work, thank you.

[@UnitE808]

Glad to hear it went well! I do my best to make it easy to follow. Enjoy the new features!

[@AndyImmerman]

This was super helpful, thank you!

[@nicomarofficial]

Great!! Thanks for the video, it was definitely more simple than reading the manual. Subscribed

[@UnitE808]

Thank you for the support! Lots more to come!

[@pianoyam]

Thank you! I've always been a bit technophobic, particularly with hardware, and this helped assuage my concerns. New subsrciber here!

[@huntrrams]

This works with the TR6S too! thanks for this!

[@christophguggemos]

Perfect tutorial. Thank you.

[@djnaki]

Just completed successfully. Thanks !

[@vinnytnecniv]

Great video , Thank you 👍🏼

[@soft-giant]

Great new sounds! Thank you so much!

[@hihan196]

FREE YYYAAH

[@gregnert9074]

Simple and effective...one more suscriber guy !

[@sranug]

Thank you for making this video!

[@De_Bars_Gullible_Travels]

Beautiful…thank you so so much!!!!

[@ZAYAZOfficial]

Thanks for this bro. Subbed

[@THEWEIRDSISTERS69]

awesome, so very helpful.

[@larsfrosznielsen3536]

Super help, thank you very much🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@soundscaperecordings1111]

Thank you again my friend

[@andrewyss1243]

Perfect! Thx a lot!

[@zanelee5275]

Thank god for this video 👍

[@agustinbernal2760]

Thank you very much!

[@titoandresdominguez2730]

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP BUDDY

[@UnitE808]

No problem 👍

[@Padrefan13]

Thanks once again!

[@user-or3ce4gt2r]

Excellent !! many thanks

[@macdaddybender]

This is great. I used these instructions for V3.00. Thanks so much

[@adkeyprojekt]

Thank you for help!

[@TittluS]

From 2.0X you can only save new firmware bin to sd card, insert it in Roland device and than turn it on. Select yes and it is done.

[@killahkay2112]

Cool All I need now is to get a TR-8S

[@afonsoneves3111]

Thank you

[@dainiuskilaitis2144]

Legend!

[@lukz123]

thanks man

[@ROBBY-REY]

You saved my ass thanks!! Pat

[@UnitE808]

Ass saving is my specialty! 😆

[@ROBBY-REY]

@@UnitE808 Yea menu-diving Mr. Dr. Bootygrabber ain't my thang so I really just followed stoicly your steps & it worked. Cool

[@menclar5476]

Legend

[@RoneySmithseedoflife]

I’m loving the colorful sliders and knobs! Who sells them and did they have a prearranged kit for the TR-8S? Thanks!

[@UnitE808]

These were direct from Roland. They were giveaways at conventions a few years ago. Some of the Roland guys still have some, but its tough to get them to let go of them. I chose the color grouping. I just had those colors and made it work. Thanks!

[@WVandellHarris]

@@UnitE808 awe damn I've been looking everywhere because of your videos lol, which are priceless by the way. thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@viktorkudryashov7105]

Thank you for the video! If i have imported samples in my TR8s will they remain after factory reset and making restore?

[@UnitE808]

The samples should stay there. Your patterns and kits will be replaced though. Be sure to do a backup before updating.

[@johnmelas3118]

Thanks UnitE. Ps love your setup- custom desk ??

[@UnitE808]

Thanks! Yeah, I built the desk with a friend for a dj setup, but that evolved into its current configuration.

[@crazyFrankyy]

Hello! Sorry for strange Qustion i'm casually do a Factory Reset without do backup File, did you know have any chanse return my project or device delete all staff?

[@GeorgeGlover]

Hi Unit E, I'm still a bit nervous I'll lose my samples, kits & patterns after the update. Please confirm when backing up the current system to the SD card, the backup will include My Samples, kits & patterns? Then when doing a Restore, all my samples, kits and patterns will be added back to the updated version? Or am I missing something. Thanks

[@UnitE808]

I care about what I have on the machine, too. My video shows all my original stuff came back when I restored. Samples dont matter anyway, just patterns and kits when factory resetting. As long as you did the backup before you updated to 2.o, you will get everything back when restoring.

[@GeorgeGlover]

@@UnitE808 I feel better already. I'm ready to move forward. Thank you,

[@marciolimongi]

Thank you for this video! I’m a bit confused with steps 4 and 5 (restoring data and updating tone data). I don’t have any custom patterns or kits. I got my tr-8s 3 days ago and it’s all stock from version 1.13. Do I need to back up those stock patterns before doing the update? I don’t even have an sd card yet. Thanks for the info!

[@UnitE808]

Just perform the update and factory reset, ignore everything else. Get an SD card soon and format it on the TR-8S.

[@marciolimongi]

So, I first downloaded the driver, restarted, then I downloaded the update file, connected the usb to my computer, then hit shift and connected the usb to the tr-8s, it goes in storage mode but the tr-8s folder/drive doesn’t pop up on my finder...

[@UnitE808]

@@marciolimongi that is because there is no SD card. If you have the .bin file ready to put in the TR-8S and you don't have an SD card.... with the power off, plug the USB into the computer and TR-8S. Hold shift when powering on the machine. It should appear on your computer. Drop the .bin file into the drive that appears, then eject the drive. It should go into the update process.

[@marciolimongi]

I figured it out! Thanks again for the help!

[@Gerald_Daniel]

Hi, is your TR8S a special edition with those coloured faders & knobs?

[@UnitE808]

No. Just bought custom fader caps and knobs

[@nnnkkk4321]

Thanks for the steps to updating. if l may ask a question, l had to use the SD card method to update. Windows 10 did not recognize the TR-8S.device manager did a search on the internet and said l was using the best driver for the device. but windows 10 with latest updates still do not see the TR-8S. is there a USB driver l can download so windows 10 will recognize the TR-8S. Thanks.

[@UnitE808]

Are you plugging the usb in while holding shift on the TR-8S? Make sure the TR-8S is on first.

[@adrianmccombe625]

@@UnitE808 defo on I'm getting the same problem. No file folder for the TR-8S but the computer can see it. Strange. Will try the SD card option

[@UnitE808]

@@adrianmccombe625 are you holding shift on the TR-8S when plugging the usb in?

[@alexblunt7493]

I've also got the same issue. Win10 not recognising it as a USB drive. Shift was indeed held while plugging in.

[@alexblunt7493]

I got it working using my Win11 laptop

[@yannickmuller2707]

I really want to buy the tr8s for it basic user experience. The 2.0 update made it really funky etc. Am I still able to operate and build a session as simple as before the update?

[@UnitE808]

Nothing has changed when it comes to creating patterns and kits. Your library is just bigger and some fun, new shortcuts are available.

[@SHARONEMUSIC]

Where do I get those colored knobs and faders for the TR8S? Thxxx

[@UnitE808]

These were given out at conventions as promo a few years ago.

[@reardondearborn]

Curious: do you have to do a firmware update again after a factory reset?

[@UnitE808]

No. The factory reset clears the patterns and kits. It leaves the firmware alone

[@mattspazmatic]

Out of curiosity, what's the significance of deleting the old update file out of the roland folder before copying the new one in? Is that also to keep things tidy?

[@UnitE808]

It won't know which one to load, and you don't get to choose on the machine. That is my guess, anyway.

[@mattspazmatic]

@@UnitE808 Makes sense, thank you!

[@Gerald_Daniel]

Is it also possible to download per android phone on an sd card & use that in the TR8S forupdates or woukd that cause problems?

[@UnitE808]

I have never tried, but the 8S is not class compliant and doesn't connect to android devices.

[@Gerald_Daniel]

Thanx for the answer. A probably kind of stupid question but there are doubts: Is it enough to install the latest firmware no matter what firmware the unit has or do I have to install every firmware higher than mine?

[@davidesaggiotto4468]

Hey man. How can I connect to my tr8s in storage mode? I mean, now that firmware 2.0 is done, when I shift+on the roland, this automatically search for new firmware. Is there any sort of passage that I am missing?

[@UnitE808]

Shift + power on is to update the machine, always has been. To connect to a computer in storage mode, hold shift on the TR-8S while plugging the usb into the computer.

[@davidesaggiotto4468]

@@UnitE808 thank you sir. I have send my roland to the reparation more than one month ago, since then I have never touched this. I am re learning things and I come back here because I think you are really prepared. Thank you

[@UnitE808]

@@davidesaggiotto4468 no worries! Glad you got it sorted out!

[@BrianVincent_]

I always feel like I have to watch a tutorial on this when it says how to right there on the website 😅 thanks anyway!

[@UnitE808]

Sometimes it's helpful to just see someone else do it 😉. Thank you for the support!

[@jimbroadbent5664]

Hey Unit E, Great vids. , I need a little help if possible....I did the Update to version 2.0. All good but when I go to Factory Reset, the machine displays error code “Reset Data Err!” . I cannot find anything in the manual and have contacted Roland with no success. Thank you

[@UnitE808]

Have you tried to do the update again?

[@jimbroadbent5664]

Unit:E , No, the Roland website says to not perform the update if the product is up to date , so since I technically have done the software update, I paused . I’ll give that a try , thanks

[@UnitE808]

@@jimbroadbent5664 I would do an update back to an earlier version on the website. Then, try the 2.0 update again.

[@Da_Robotz]

Hi! when doing the last step "restore" the new patterns and kits are lose? I do the factory reset, and new patterns appear. then restored my backup and the new patterns disapear, don't know for the kits, don't look for new kits when did the factory reset.

[@UnitE808]

Correct. You are replacing the patterns and kits with your own. The new patterns are nothing special. They're just there to show off the machine. You lose nothing by deleting or overwriting them.

[@Da_Robotz]

@@UnitE808 thanks!! I've Take a look at the patterns and you're right, no big loose And for Tte kits? No new FM kit? Thanks a lot, great video, if I do it with the roland instructions for sure I'll end with a non operative TR8S. 😉

[@UnitE808]

@@Da_Robotz if there are new patterns, there are new kits. The kits are not made with anything that's not already in the machine. All the same instruments.

[@Da_Robotz]

@@UnitE808 thanks, I have concepts more clear now, I have the machine for maybe one year and half, but no time until now to get into it!! Thank you so much!! 😉

[@carolynblaney1382]

Hey! I still have 2.0, and want to update to 3.0 version?

[@UnitE808]

Ok. Just follow these same directions for 3.0

[@carolynblaney1382]

Awesome! Thanks. :@@UnitE808

[@carolynblaney1382]

Woohoo I got the update going! @@UnitE808

[@davegrg123]

Thanks for the video. So there is no way to keep my original patterns/kits AND get the new kits/patterns? Right?

[@lillehammerexperimental]

yeah pattern / kit import from Back up would be nice so you can choose - seems to be either or this way right?

[@lillehammerexperimental]

@@fabrizioferlisi6635 thanks

[@UnitE808]

If you have a lot of kits or patterns that you want to keep, I would do the factory reset, then backup the new kits and patterns to a new backup file, then restore your old backup and import kits and patterns from the new backup saved.

[@Crashinginthesamecar1]

@@UnitE808 Would it be possible for you to do a video on this?

[@UnitE808]

@@Crashinginthesamecar1 I can do that.

[@Leandro-sx6ku]

The software is not automatically installing, help :P

[@UnitE808]

Without any detail or steps that you are doing, its hard to help. Did you download the firmware, transfer it to the sd card, and perform the shift+ power on to start the update? If the card is a new one, be sure it has been formatted on the TR-8S. The update file needs to be in the root of the drive, not in a folder

[@cesarvalentim9796]

hi Unit:E, do i need to instal the driver too to make the update?

[@UnitE808]

Not if you take the sd card out and insert into the computer to transfer the file

[@cesarvalentim9796]

So,if I make like on your video,I need to instal the drive first?

[@UnitE808]

@@cesarvalentim9796 I think you should. It will be important if you ever want to connect your TR-8S to your computer to act as an audio interface. I don't think it will enter storage mode otherwise. Make sure the TR-8S is not plugged into the computer when installing the driver. What OS are you using?

[@cesarvalentim9796]

Mojave

[@cesarvalentim9796]

I need the drive anyway for ableton, BIG thanks from Portugal Unit:E

[@lakhakesson3214]

I'm not seeing it pop up on my computer. @3:28 anyone know why?

[@UnitE808]

Does it say storage mode? Is the SD card formatted on TR-8S?

[@lakhakesson3214]

Unit:E , yeah it says storage mode. But not showing up on my computer. To be honest I’ve never put the SD card Into the drum machine before.. And was also gonna skip the backup step because I don’t care about starting fresh. Also I wish SD cards would just become extinct already!! They are so crap

[@UnitE808]

@@lakhakesson3214 if you haven't put the sd card in the machine before, you will need to format it on the TR-8S. This is done in the utility menu. Once the format is done, try storage mode again.

[@lakhakesson3214]

Unit:E ah cool got it, thanks!

[@matthealien]

been able to get to recognise the tr8s i this would fix that but it didnt

[@UnitE808]

I'm not sure I follow what the issue is. Can you be more specific?

[@matthealien]

@@UnitE808 i havnt been able to connect the tr8s via midi with abelton i have a bunch of other gear that all works fine but it doesnt seem to show up

[@UnitE808]

@@matthealien if you are going usb midi, make sure the usb audio parameter on the TR-8S is set to Indiv. Find this in the utility menu, Midi category. If it is not seeing the TR-8S at all in Ableton, you might need to re-install the driver.

[@matthealien]

@@UnitE808 i tried all this and re installing the driver

[@UnitE808]

@@matthealien windows or Mac? Are you plugging multiple devices in at once through usb? Have you switched usb ports that you plug the TR-8S into, or are you using a hub? I find that using the same port that you first plugged it into yields the best results.

[@davidstone3780]

Roland is still so far behind with the ease of updating hardware. The thing has a USB connection they should use it.

[@UnitE808]

You can use the usb. Just check the directions on their website. I did it this way for people who dont have a computer near the 8S.

[@Berus7777]

NOTE: IF YOU ARE UPDATING TO 3.0 OR LATER, THIS WILL NOT WORK. As I learned (the hard way), you should use the TR Editor software available through Roland Cloud (Aira Devices). Do NOT attempt to use storage mode from 3.0 on, as it will not work.

[@UnitE808]

It works just fine for me and the 20 other people I personally helped update theirs to 3.0

[@t.o.3323]

Hello Unite e, big fan of your tutorials. I actually just tried this step by step, but could not get the roland driver to pop up when i plug my USB into my computer. Any suggestions??@@UnitE808

[@t.o.3323]

Hey! i just got it to work! tysm!

[@envixity5533]

Don't like the coloured knobs,makes it look like a cheap kids toy 😀

[@UnitE808]

Well, good thing we all know it's not one. Thanks for watching!