Roland TR-8S vs TR-6S vs T-8 // Which is right for you?

[@LiamKillen]

Visit Perfect Circuit for all of your Synth / Gear / GAS needs: ►bit.ly/437Po6K Interested in purchasing some of the gear mentioned in this video? Support this channel while you're at it by using the affiliate links below: ►TR-8S: bit.ly/3itO8G3 ►TR-6S: bit.ly/33f9EG9 ►T-8: bit.ly/3P9af2S ►S-1: bit.ly/3HY1Hty

[@jmoody3]

Which is right for me? Why, all of them, of course.

[@LiamKillen]

Isn’t that often the answer 😂

[@bitbotrecords]

Accurate 😂

[@jaysoniq]

I am super excited to connect the TR-8S and the JD-Xi (with synched midi clock) to a DJ mixer and JAM OUT! 🤩

[@LiamKillen]

Hell yeah ! Have fun with it !!

[@reazallykhan8614]

Good comparison…..thank you……let’s say you already had the og tr8 and you only have a choice between tr6s and tr8s …..which one would you choose?

[@LiamKillen]

8s for sure !!

[@pronoun_dilemma]

Total newbie here....is this mainly for dance music, or can it be used for rock/electro?

[@LiamKillen]

You can bring these into those genres for sure but whatever you compose will have that sequenced / drum machine sound

[@beesting6135]

TR8-S smokes other drum machines

[@LiamKillen]

depending on how you're using it- but yeah it's the most feature packed for sure.

[@djengiskhant]

Except the Digitakt. Still heads over all the rest.

[@beesting6135]

@@djengiskhant no way it's trash

[@beesting6135]

@@djengiskhant been discontinued for a reason 😂

[@djengiskhant]

@@beesting6135 Your opinion is rare.😆 Elektron discontinued it due to the fact that they couldn’t keep up with the demand, and in order to reutilise the resources towards preparing the launch of the Digitakt mk2. Since the Digitakt mk1 was discontinued, prices on the secondary market have only gone up, proving my point.

[@LuisTorres-qz5kr]

Thanks for sharing Liam. The TR-8S is certainly the "King" in this space.

[@LiamKillen]

The boss hog perhaps.

[@chaoswires2734]

"Tear success" aka TR-6S is my option, as it's the best ratio of features per size, and it can be powered via usb or from batteries.

[@LiamKillen]

lol - yeah it's up there for me too in terms of convenience

[@DMx-q6w]

Batteries make it really noisey Crazy feedback Very noticeable Impossible to clean

[@OttoMilde]

Great comparison as always! I may have thousands and thousands of Roland drum samples, and in the TR 6S it's all in the same place. Saves me hours!

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah I love how you can just switch out kits too

[@meilstone]

Huge difference between 6S vs. 8S: individual outs.

[@LiamKillen]

Huuuuuuge difference - you're right.

[@suzuwatarix74]

This is a very helpful guide. Budget, size, and value wise, I think the TR-6S is the best option. Now, as a mere hobbyist with limited budget and time, I wonder if a groove box/sampler is better for me but that's a different discussion. 😅

[@LiamKillen]

The TR-6S or even 8S is very close to being a groove box IMO ! :-) If you'd like to have community discussions about it join my Discord! distrokid.com/vip/liamkillen

[@DJivtech1200]

Great presentation, what would you suggest for hi nrg synth pop music which connects to my mixer with turntables

[@LiamKillen]

Most likely the TR-8S - if you want to discuss it more though, hit up my Discord :-)

[@tinykarpo80s]

i want to make soviet post punk drum sound like the style of molchat doma , which one is the right for me?

[@LiamKillen]

TR-8S or 6S can most likelt pull that off - whereas the T-8 is more acid

[@grski900000000000000]

Best comparison of the three 🙌🏻

[@LiamKillen]

Hey I appreciate that!

[@Sequencer_JY]

Very pertinent video! I have recently had both TR-6S and TR-8S, and just sold back the 8S since I felt it was overkill for my needs and is a very large (but solid) device.

[@LiamKillen]

It’s whatever works for you! They’re all useful for different reasons 😊

[@streettrash_sid]

Wow

[@RonMaschera]

hi, are the sounds of the samples in 6 and 8 the same?

[@earicpatten]

Can you link the TR-8S to the T-8 👀🤷🏼‍♂️

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah for sure!

[@GullySyde28]

Bro you are one of my fav gear content creators man. You are one of my go toos Salute from Australia

[@LiamKillen]

So glad to hear it ! Thx for watching - here's my Discord if you'd like to join a bigger community convo about gear: discord.gg/xj8J2xJuBP

[@GullySyde28]

@@LiamKillen Thanks Liam appreciate the link🤙

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

I have the old TR-8 have been thinking of upgrading, but I use the analog Rytm for most things.

[@LiamKillen]

I will have an analog rhythm one day

[@yourcitysleeps]

The jam at the end man 🔥🔥🔥

[@LiamKillen]

Hey thank you ! :-) Thanks for watching.

[@timtam6369]

I like the tr8s because you can swap kits on patterns you've made. Also you can make 8 variations which can be parts of a song. The two line lcd is nice and minimal. I wish the novation circuit tracks had an lcd.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah that's my fav part about the 8S for sure.

[@xlo2335]

So just to confirm there's still no way to do this on the TR6S? I knew I shouldn't have let that tr8s go!

[@blackflytr]

nah the tracks is totally fine without display, that makes it so king :)

[@blackflytr]

i owning the 6S now for over a year, but it dont satisfy me, feel like i have to sell it. :( my 101 and circuit tracks have enough drumset.

[@LiamKillen]

If it doesn't fit get rid of it!

[@superdisco101]

I like the 909 Kick in the T-8 the most. I hooked it up to the external input on my Tr-8s and use it as my main 909 kick drum. I hope that one day the TR-8s will get the 909 kick drum model from the T-8.

[@LiamKillen]

Oh it's a different model? There's a few different options in the 8s - like 909 with more attack ect . If you play around with parameters i'm sure yo ucan get it to sound the same as on the t8

[@EVILJAMARR]

I'm interested in that song you were singing at the end

[@LiamKillen]

Here’s the full performance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqW6pIuZfpmfaLM

[@tribeoflife1046]

I got the tr8s yesterday, loving it feel it will propell my project ideas to the next level 👍🏻🍀😎🎵🙏🏻🎧 thanks for your advice

[@LiamKillen]

Always a pleasure - have a good one :-)

[@markr7003]

Liam, great presentation style, my favorite topic. Just subscribed. Keep up the great work.

[@LiamKillen]

Hey I really appreciate that ! Thx for watching 😊

[@jjrtech7806]

I was thinking to augment my tr6s with a t8, anyone have an opinion on this?

[@LiamKillen]

Might as well go with a TR-8S at that point 😏

[@cbalboa]

Do i need to plug tr6s to an external interface to be able to record midi directly to ableton?

[@LiamKillen]

I’m almost certain you can plug direct into your lap top

[@alexwest9463]

The TR 6S does not work on Ableton for PC and Windows 10. This machine is as shitty as the old Roland MC-303. You can not integrate it to your DAW

[@velanche]

I have a TR-8, and just now learning how to use it. Makes me wonder: is it worth it to upgrade to something like the 8s? Are the differences between the TR-8 and 8s, other than sampling, that dramatic? I plan to eventually use the drum machine for live performance. I have a few old-school AIRA gear (TB-3, MX-1). Thanks!

[@LiamKillen]

I’ve actually never used the 8! But the 8s i see everywhere

[@aquaticborealis4877]

What would you use the TR-8S for in terms of MIDI control in Ableton? Btw, I like the singing. You got a nice voice.

[@LiamKillen]

Pretty much everything actually- faders for volume control on tracks for starters- and the knobs for whichever FX per track

[@Darthflips]

Mc 707. Thats cute. I had the 303 and 505. Lol. Those were shbsounding grooveboxes

[@LiamKillen]

Just released another one of these formats today ! Here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJuVf5-ed8eSirM

[@dracul74]

I love my tr6s… but do really want the 8s…. Someday :)

[@LiamKillen]

It def is a step up 😊

[@dracul74]

@@LiamKillenif they could add micro timing would be a huge up for me as I do love that esp for my snares

[@AnomieDomine]

I'm struggling to digest this. What would you recommend to synthesis newbie? I mostly want to jam with myself. I got a microfreak but it was probably a mistake because the learning curve is too steep for me

[@LiamKillen]

hmmmm for a super simple drum machine, TR-8S is the simplest in terms of step sequencing but it is more expensive. The Drumbrute Impact is also pretty simple. In terms of a very simple synth - the JU-06A is very simple, especially if you buy a the connected keyboard with it. This video might really help you out btw: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWG0dHVrrceAjbMsi=Kg-N6hDiuy8Fbiee

[@vitaliiandronov8629]

best option is to buy used tr-8 with 7x7 extension and this is one of the most versatile, good sounding and hands-on drum machines. yes, there're some ui things and manual is awful, yes, sequencer is outdated, but if you would own original 808 or 909 - you woudn't have 48 steps patterns with probability and parameter locks. sometimes it's good to have things simple - you could easily tweak some things during the recording

[@LiamKillen]

Thank you for this interesting addition ! :-)

[@prinzbach]

The TR6s being powered by USB was a big plus for me. I can power it from my little eurorack case and save the space (and money).

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah it’s very convenient in that way

[@DJScatox]

hi, are the sounds of the samples in 6 and 8 the same?

[@LiamKillen]

yes!

[@DJScatox]

@@LiamKillen Thanks U

[@jeffryarchambeau5441]

I got a 6s to go with my MC-101. Such a potent tiny combo!

[@LiamKillen]

Potent!! I like it

[@jeffryarchambeau5441]

The combo has more voices and sliders than an SH-4d. Though not as knobby. I have them in a small case with a USB power block and an ANKER stereo speaker. They go everywhere. TR6-S is the perfect balance of size and controls for carrying around.

[@huntrrams]

Same here! they're a perfect pair. I was about to buy the 8s but i don't really have the space for a big drum machine

[@Michel-r6m]

The nice thing about the TR-6s over the TR-8s is that it can run on batteries and in the event of some real estate on your other gear (Juptiter 50) you can put it on top. One downside it seems that it lacks the CR-78 upgrade the TR-8s had a year ago, yet a fun little machine.

[@ArborGeist]

Hey Liam, this is an excellent review! I'm nuilding a love dawless setup with a beatstep pro as my centerpiece. Volca beats isnt cutting it anymore and im now leaning toward the 6s for size factor and cost. Any reason to splurge on the 8s?

[@LiamKillen]

I highly recommend the 6S ! I will never sell it- unless a better version of it comes out hehe

[@MatthewLowes]

Good comparison - love my 6s! Simple and sounds great. Nice singing. Cheers. :)

[@LiamKillen]

Hey thanks! 🍻

[@kathleencoveny3860]

Always taking us to the next level . ..with your comprehensive analysis ... as you explore the performance .. sound .. versatility of the many synths on the market ... thanks for unpacking it all .. cheers!

[@LiamKillen]

Cheers to you!

[@Dscar1]

I have the S-1 and the T-8. I'd love to see Roland put out a sampler as well in the same lineup

[@LiamKillen]

The SP-404 mk2 is pretty much in that category.

[@Dscar1]

@@LiamKillen How do you feel about it? Not sure if its a necessity

[@gethlag7726]

Nice video. You mention that the TR6S has external sidechaining, but as far as I know, it doesn’t have external inputs, so how does it work?

[@LiamKillen]

This video will help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5jbq4J-lN-igJYsi=VoAZEQh_oUvJwk0o

[@GeorgeLocke]

In re multichannel recording for roland gear, just know it needs to work as an audio interface, meaning you can't record the rest of your gear!!! (Unless you set up a composite device, which I'm told macs can do with difficulty)

[@LiamKillen]

Thanks for this addition! :-)

[@GeorgeLocke]

@@LiamKillen why is elektron the only company that's solved this problem!?!?!

[@JH-te1ct]

Definitely the MC-707 😅

[@LiamKillen]

It just hasn’t fully clicked w/ me

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

people connect a launchpad to it, to start clips. I have the old launchpad pro, so will have to change the open source firmware.

[@JH-te1ct]

I really enjoy how easy it is for me to start a jam, and the 128 step length for clips was a real upgrade for me coming from the Novation Circuit lol. It has the classic Roland drums and synths, and I can easily record midi into it from an external synth and have that synth playback effortlessly, creating live loops and jamming out!

[@SonicVibe]

i got gas for the SH-4d ordered one but the new j-6 synth also a good mini juno 6 synth korg im a fanboy love my volca samples .

[@LiamKillen]

Fanboying so hard- Love it.

[@felixvh9678]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@LiamKillen]

:-)

[@schmapps1]

My personal wish list for the TR-6s: 1:) internal sidechain! 2:) if you are triggering patterns via external midi program change, there is a noticeable skip or ‘hiccup’ and it falls a bit behind the beat. This is a massive problem if you are using it as part of a live rig with a different midi ‘brain’ 3:) on a similar note, being able to trigger VARIATIONS via external program change instead of just patterns, would go a long way in terms of not having to burn so many patterns for a single song. 4:) some kind of micro-timing! It would be very useful to be able to, say, have a clap hit a bit after or before the main kick downbeat. Other than those things it’s a really great sounding and awesome instrument though!

[@LiamKillen]

Internal side chain is a big one for me too!!

[@markkilley2683]

I just went for the middle ground and got the tr6-s, due to cost and space restrictions.

[@LiamKillen]

You can't go wrong with any of these.

[@teamphil]

I love my 8s, but the t-8 is tempting. I wonder if a software update could allow for more drum sound choices?

[@LiamKillen]

Hmm I’m not sure about that- anything is possible though haha

[@floridahiker1503]

Another nice Roland acb drum machine not mentioned here is the TR-06. My favorite is the TR8S. Hope I have one some day.

[@LiamKillen]

Oh yes. Thx for the mention

[@bryanbytes]

I have a few drum machines… the T-8 is great for proofs of concept. Great to sketch out something

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah especially if it’s acid AF

[@Gainn]

Could probably add the MV-1 into this group too.

[@LiamKillen]

Oh hell yeah.

[@KevinLopez-sr3fy]

Love how then start of the groove from the scratch at 06:30 is literally Dj Call Me- Marry Me

[@LiamKillen]

Oh really? Cool!

[@KevinLopez-sr3fy]

@@LiamKillen haha yeah! Gotta love Kwaito rhythmns! 🔊

[@schmapps1]

The main thing that prevents me labeling the 6S or 8S as a groove box, is the small amount of sample time space you have to import. I really wish it was more. You fill it up real quick especially if you are importing bar-long top loops or melodic patterns

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah I agree

[@saardean4481]

Me too. I got the tr6s and realized that 300 seconds of stereo samples is shorter than I expected. It’s about 60 mb of samples. So you can load a lot of short things like drums and percussion but as soon as you want, something longer like an atmosphere or pad forget about it. It fills up in an instant

[@GolabKitsForTR-8s]

Tr-8s with latest firmware is a beast

[@LiamKillen]

Same with the 6S !!

[@JH-lo9ut]

Don't forget you can get an OG tr-8 for around 200$/€. It is a steal for that drum machine, especially if it comes loaded with the 7x7 expansion. What I like with it, besides the massive sound and the great mixer interface, is that it has no depth to it. No menu-diving, no screen, no hundreds of presets and samples. All vital parameters are right there on the surface. Everything stays like you leave it. Together, this forces you to use your ear and develop muscle memory. Like a real instrument.

[@LiamKillen]

It’s not as good as the 8s - it’s just not as up to date and they’re also not releasing any future updates on it

[@RobertsElliot]

Great video, however it left me with one question. Is there an audible difference between the devices? e.g. Does the 909 kick sound exactly the same across all 3 devices, or does the cheaper T-8 lack clarity in the low end. (Although, I guess high clarity might be where it suffers more).

[@LiamKillen]

They're all programmed with the same sort of ACB tech so I don't think there's any differences from one unit to the next. It's not like Analog drum machines in that sense.

[@aidangarvey7049]

One more nitpick I have with the T-8 is how hard it can be to see where the dials are pointed, depending on lighting conditions. I personally solved the problem for my T-8 and S-1 by painting the indicators white so they're more visible. Great video by the way!

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah that’s the thing with smaller units

[@budspencer7540]

Forgive me for my ignorance but when you were playing were you not playing sounds in loop? I don't understand so what you meant when you said is not a loop playback? like at 6:20 when you start some sounds they loop no? and you can add more all in loop?

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah everything is being sequenced in a loop! :-)

[@leewightman8619]

Iv got the t8 is probably not right for me but its the only one i could afford but im savings up for the mc101

[@LiamKillen]

the t-8 is great - it's an acid machine! :-)

[@willyum3108]

I ❤ my TR-8S. I can't see myself needing any other TR. I'll probably get my son a 6S. He likes the mini machines. It will go nicely with his SP-404.

[@LiamKillen]

Start em when they’re young!

[@antnio]

Everything I heard seems like a toy, will it have real sounds?

[@LiamKillen]

Really? The 8S is one of the most popular drum machines amongst professionals and the 6S and t-8 use teh exact same technology for their classic Roland drum sounds. If you think that the 808 - 909 ect sound like toys, then that's an interesting take lol

[@magnustorque5528]

Great video ! Answered a lot of questions. What is the litttle white effects device that you are running the T-8 through @ 13:40. So good.

[@LiamKillen]

That's Meris LVX! AMAZING granular delay FX.

[@magnustorque5528]

@@LiamKillen Thanks for the reply. Much appreciated.

[@renzokukengame1684]

Is it posible to conect fx pedal on tr6s ?? Distorsion or revarb? Tnx

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah you can of course do that - the 8S even has an FX send which you can run a pedal through as well.

[@renzokukengame1684]

@@LiamKillen tnx👋

[@JH-te1ct]

Have you tried the fm synth on the Tar-8s?

[@LiamKillen]

Yes ! And the 6S- it’s very solid

[@patrickhowes5833]

LK, do you have a video showing side chaining one of these with external source/gear? Great video!

[@LiamKillen]

Not yet!

[@patrickhowes5833]

@@LiamKillen would love to see that and using these with an MPC? Thanks again!

[@allandenola5968]

Can i plug this into a Roland 7070m ?

[@LiamKillen]

If it has midi / audio in then i'm assuming yes.

[@ryanmoran2403]

The T-8 can do a heck of a lot more than acid. All of the TR machines of the past were used in many different genres of music. ..So was the 303... People these days seem to think that all they're good for now is Acid or House etc, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Not that there's anything wrong with using them for Acid of course if that's you're thing.

[@LiamKillen]

It def leans in the acid direction is my point.

[@ryanmoran2403]

@@LiamKillen Thanks for the reply! Sorry if my comment came off a little snobby. I wasn't really trying to single you out. Just thought I'd mention it cuz there are a lot of people on youtube calling it a one trick pony. Keep making great vids!

[@nicolassullivan7746]

Sup bro, i have been thinking of grabbing the digitone and digitakt and making a album with them and the 404. Seems like a cool. Way to work. If i make that investment, you do lessons ? You could show me the cool ways to use them all together ?

[@LiamKillen]

Hey! Yes! I do lessons! Here's a link for more info: www.liamkillen.com/book-a-lesson

[@PabloRegnierProject]

Too obvious an ad

[@LiamKillen]

not quite

[@jfly237]

Id really like to see what you think of the Roland with Abelton Great Idea

[@LiamKillen]

Funny you mention this- i'll be scripting this video today.