Roland TR-8S: Sequencing

This is the last video in a three-part overview video series that takes explores the new Roland AIRA TR-8S Rhythm Performer. In this video, we look at how to create evolving patterns, variations, fills and motion. Everything you have ever wanted from the TR-8 now exists in the TR-8S.
Click below to watch the other two videos of the overview series where we introduce these new features and how to use them to sculpt and shape your signature sound.
▶︎ TR-8S Overview: • Roland TR-8S: Overview
▶︎ TR-8S Sound Design: • Roland TR-8S: Sound De...
Follow the hashtag #trevolution and find out more at: www.roland.com/global/product...
#rolandaira #tr8s

[@truecuckoo]

Nice work Peter! And Roland, looks like you’ve taken a big step forward with this machine. Sweet!

[@alanwomack9948]

Now people will stop bitching about the boutique boxes

[@peakssound]

Thanks man!! :)

[@dankefurnichts]

Nice to see you here to my friend :) @cuckoomusic

[@CaidicusProductions]

An endorsement from Cuckoo is enough for me. :D

[@SourDiesel69]

Go spam somewhere else

[@23petals]

This is such a knock-out drum machine, I'm amazed at how perfect it is as the follow-up to the excellent TR-8.

[@mik300z]

Finally !! No techno, berlin school or deep house...just a simple demo of some of the very impressive features. Thankyou so much

[@Luke-ym7nf]

The Tr8s should do an update to help create Melodie’s easier. Like a live record using the instrument select as a keyboard. This would make the 8s complete.

[@NathanKidd9]

I may be wrong but I believe that you can plug in a midi keyboard for this purpose

[@salvatorediguido4883]

@@NathanKidd9 yes, but for melodies it's not like playing midi notes, it uses control change messages and the melody changes by velocity.

[@celdrichanfgarn5168]

@@NathanKidd9 if only it was that easy bro

[@jordancarral]

It be nice to play those bass sounds knowing the notes being played

[@Sinesquares]

Seems that Roland has learned a lot from the TR 8 feedback! This is amazing

[@garyturner5204]

Peter thank you for this video. Nice job covering new features and explaining it clearly!

[@patsyhenderson429]

I want this thing 😀😀😀 this dude Peter knows his stuff, give him a raise, I'm sold lmao . This would be a great tool for my beats in conjunction with my other equipment

[@infiniteloopsltd]

This looks like the Roland drum machine I've been waiting for. Can't wait to try one.

[@iamsouldust]

Discovering this "new" one. Pretty impressive piece of work guys. And thanks for the video, it helped to resolve some questions I had and discover some more cool features!

[@craigsinclair2924]

1k 👍🏻. Well deserved Peter! Keep the vids coming. So much useful info.

[@janbriggs7359]

I am so grateful to Roland US . I have now a Roland VR-09B....and without a lot of people programming study ...I am knocking down doors at my live performances..... I am putting this Sequencer on my wish list.... definitely need some newness to my productions..,

[@ClowdyHowdy]

The beginning of this video with the sequence chaining is exactly what I was looking for to understand it better. Now I'm convinced I'm going to get one. That looks really easy to do on the fly. Easy to stay in the groove

[@hesher2301]

Rebirth of Roland groove boxes :)

[@oldschoolebm666]

This machine is one of the funnest and more inspiring drum machines. Pls Roland give us even 30 seconds of sampling time in an update. Just to do some rudimentary resampling, loops etc. Plocks as well.

[@AaronFerenc]

Great breakdown videos, thank you.

[@ryantrio2232]

Roland has finally done something right! This is a well designed drum machine. Yaaasss!

[@wajobu]

Great demo, Peter! Stop tempting me!

[@dankefurnichts]

I just saw it by random, and its ordered. I waitet for that so long! My TR-8 was fine but the abillity to load samples, automation and and and? WOW!! Dealbreaker!!!!

[@dnch]

where did you order it? all i could find is US stores

[@dankefurnichts]

There: www.thomann.de/de/roland_tr_8s.htm?ref=search_rslt_tr8+s_434284_2 But the first batch is now sold out. Next will come end of April.

[@dnch]

yep already found it, and ordered)

[@fernando-bondedstripes2773]

cool tutorial. his voice is incredibly clear and nice to listen to.

[@mik300z]

Yup, listened to this on the way home from work, sick of hearing the usual techno , so nice!

[@garyturner5204]

Peter is great! He never sounds artificially hyped up or caffeinated like some other guys do. Let the sound and your talent show through and shine - Peter is great!

[@soulinspiration1]

Cool! I'm like a kid on Christmas morning. I recently got one and can't put it down. Thanks for all your videos.

[@dickhindmanpiano302]

Such a different work flow than my Akai MPC Live which I love. I can see why Cuckoo appreciates this demo. While the MPC Live has more features, I can see using this in addition for the varying step length of each drum sound to create an evolving pattern. Add a variation for the fill and this creates a quick interesting loop that would take more time to create on the MPC Live. Transfer that to your DAW. I see programming this live to picture, to video, to create an entire drum track "synced" and improvised to picture. I may have to try one of these. Nice video.

[@SynthgodXXX]

This is awesome!!! This demo is the one that sells the TR-8S to me - Does it play nice with others? It sure does!! Perfect new GROOVE POWER!!

[@dankefurnichts]

Same for me :D

[@303otto]

and for me :)

[@logiebearsb]

Great Video, really enjoying my new TR-8S!

[@ResAffolterSoundproductions]

Looks like a very intuitiv drummachine!!!! Nice

[@fantasyproduct1042]

This is amazing 😁

[@ThinkerThunker]

I bought one. I love it. Thanks! It sure would be cool though if all three knobs for each instrument could be assigned to different affects though (Think about it )

[@murphyjulian7393]

I just learned so much💚💚💚

[@rodrigolaporte274]

DAMN this is good. I think they've matched (if not surpassed) drumbrute's awesome sequencer, but with wayyyyyyyyyy better audio, plus samples, usb audio, and the list goes on. For me, first time in a whiiiile to say: WELL DONE ROLAND!!!! I want this machine.

[@Taka_Takata]

+Rodrigo Laporte: sorry, but you're wrong about matching/surpassing the DrumBrute sequencer. The DB has: - Ability to nudge individual steps - Dedicated step/pattern/sequence buttons, separate from the multi-function pads - Song mode The whole layout and workflow is also much more intuitive and elegant. The TR-8S wins on sound tweaking, MIDI control, parameter automation, user samples...

[@keykrazy]

My thoughts exactly, Rodrigo. (Don't get me wrong, Taka Takata -- i've got a DrumBrute already but am eagerly anticipating the arrival of my TR-8S within the next week. This has been a bad / great year for me re G.A.S. and drum machines...! It's gonna be so nice to have both in the same room.

[@NeoLudditevisons]

ugh! looks great!

[@temporary_terpenes]

Variations and the ability to edit without playing is the feature Ive been waitibg for for a decade or mored

[@Dougie-]

This is really impressing, Roland! I'm really close to pre order this. The only thing I miss (couldn't find) is microtiming. To slide a step back or forward a few ticks in time.

[@barabanovainna]

A decent size, amazing!

[@madvalrocketinsky4292]

Nice ! Need one asap :D

[@ALTARBEATZ]

This is a amazing groovebox, seems that Roland had the eyespy on the Korg stuff. ;)

[@TJ-hs1qm]

most excellent!

[@elissitdesign]

This update makes the TR-8 a paper weight or a brick. Massive upgrade!

[@norilam109]

Looks amazing! Just hope there is a way to turn off that horrible big geen blinking knob (tempo?)

[@deldia]

That poly rhythms one is a bit odd - in a good way. Odd in that I’m surprised they thought to include that. Can definitely make a beat come to life more.

[@kelly-vigil]

The SH-01a was battery powered in this video. If it's USB powered and linked to the TR-8S does it get that classic, coveted, and sought-after boutique ground loop hum?

[@sprungingforvoltage]

awesome

[@phd_sound]

can you disable quantize in record mode or shift timing of steps?

[@TheBroDotTV]

This looks like a massive step up from the original. Gotta chime in with others in saying great work Roland. Korg are probably are thinking of a way to better this product after seeing this this. Really good job.

[@MarctheDarc]

Korg attempting to "improve" this, would be them removing all outputs except the headphone out, remove the SD-card slot, add built in speakers, make the controls unnecessarily small, and make you buy the PSU separately.

[@natecox7895]

totally

[@EliahHoliday]

It be cool if you could cue/listen to a variation via headphones like in DJing. That way you wouldn't be shooting in the dark. Can you temporarily audition a new pattern without committing? Also can you change velocity on sub hits individually? That be great for ghost notes.

[@freeman7132]

dam fixed everything about the tr-8

[@zenluiz]

The last improvisation in the video sounds very cool! Could be a track for us to hear completely? :)

[@strayferal]

Very good presentation. Korg and Yamaha should learn that they need not just to show how the instrument works, but also show it with a catchy modern dance tune, like this trancy thing.

[@FaridBangabashi]

How can i change time signature on TR 8s?

[@EduardoLopez-re2sp]

So you can plug a synth into the input and put effects over the audio?

[@Aiimy]

Can you seamlessly transition from each bank to bank but have different kits/sounds for each bank? For example can you build a set with different songs and be able to transition from one to another without stopping audio?

[@fugubot]

Can you do clock out without a midi to cv converter?

[@hotelsinus]

we need thet SUB feature in TR8 too!

[@yrureadingthisname]

Hey wondering if I could get some help. I'm trying to slave the TR8s to my MC-50 sequencer so it gets both the clock and start/stop. For the life of me I can't figure it out and can't seem to find any information. All I can find is support on using the TR8s as the Master or Slaving it to a DAW. Trying to get it to sync the same way my 707 midiSyncs. I have a midi out from the MC-50 going to the TR8s midi in. I have Tempo Sync set at midi. I have RXstartstop set on. When I press play on the MC-50 everything starts except the TR8s. It won't play along. Any help greatly appreciated.

[@davidpearson8378]

Can you change the pitch of a sequence in real time, either from the front panel or an external keyboard?

[@newvaguecity]

You can't monitor pattern B in the headphones while the pattern A is looping, is that right?

[@drivwork]

I have a little question, and not really finding info on it nowhere. I want to use the TR-8S as a midi controller, as i was doing with the TR-8 before, but now i only can make it work on the sequencer, but no faders or knobs send no midi! Hope somebody can help me on this Thanks a lot.

[@RobertKgma]

Sweet. Forgot how to edit without playing, holding TR-REC makes sense. Theres so many button combos on this thing but thier pretty logical at least

[@Sound8VisionVibe]

Can you upload TR-8 patterns that you have backed up into the TR-8S? Does it have all of the kits of the expanded TR-8?

[@Marcelo-yl2fl]

Can I connect this to a roland ea7 so I can listen in speakers?

[@VENOMVEIN]

And I JUST bought the TR 8...

[@lucianoleopardi2807]

With which gear you recommend to connect the tr8s to play live like a pro?

[@stevedotwood]

I might buy one. 1. Can i combine rhythm changes? 4/4 - 3/4 - and 2. Can I make it sound like a live kit with samples?

[@dennismossinkoff7993]

Hey mr roland..... and when can we get the tr8s in holland? it is now 2 months a waiting don't get it...... why is it so hard ?

[@jlchavi]

Can any pattern be used as 2/4 or 8steps?

[@richardwalley2862]

Velocity pad needs to be more sensitive please update

[@_._minus_._]

Is it possible to connect and sync TR8S with MC707 and TB3? I want to have them all connected. How do I do this could you please help? Thank you

[@CottonBud]

The last step feature doesn't work with the trigger output - you select the ride/crash and it lets you choose the last step, but then completely ignores it, and plays to the end of the 16 steps anyway. Bug, Roland?

[@felw4292]

If I'm a total beginner who is interested in starting out and making beats, would the Korg volca beats be a more economical/suitable alternative? I would love to learn how to create music like this :)

[@djspeed1977]

Fel W No. Pay more and get this, so much more sound design options. Or keep an eye out for lots of TR8’s on sale when this lands

[@louieshades5361]

If you have a pattern playing in 'A' But you want the pattern's length to be 2 measures rather than one, as to incorporate B playing after A - how would one do this?

[@felixbaileymurray]

Press +hold variation A, then press variation B. That'll make B play directly after A (chain them together). If you wanted to chain A, B, C and D together, you'd need to press+hold A, then press B, C and D. It doesn't seem to matter which order you press+hold / press the buttons in, since the variations will always play sequentially A through H. In this sense you could press+hold B and press A (like he does at 1:22 in the video) and it'll have the same effect - it just makes more sense in my head to press+hold the variation you want first.

[@MrSilkydrew]

Basically the Song mode is pattern chaining within a pattern and then chaining patterns together.

[@jlchavi]

Thanks for this comment. I’ve used old boss drum machines and I’m used to “song mode” for a specific use.

[@simonmorton3746]

Aira link question: can the tr-8s link to the MX-1 via usb like the TR8?

[@vixstar46]

Yes. Definitely!

[@vixstar46]

Although, there might be a new update for MX-1 because it's not Class Compliant.

[@simonmorton3746]

cool thanks. Hope there is an updated mx-1 as well, that thing is ace.

[@Racingheartrecords]

I want the TR-8S, but I need a song mode... a feature that is in every other Roland drum machine. Why is it so hard to find a drum machine that has a song mode, pattern mode, and the ability to store data on an external device like a thumbdrive or SD card?

[@CDA43]

Get your wallet out. Elektron, Dave Smith, Jomox. This is more geared for impromptu, live jamming. But it does have like what 18 outs? Easy usb into your daw. Other than that, have about $900-$2k ready for a full analog drum machine with those features that doesn't suck. NMight like the Digitakt by Elektron, can get it on reverb for like 600-$800. Might be your only bet.

[@Racingheartrecords]

Thank you for your ideas. Although I enjoy the sound, the Template lacks a song mode. The Jomox has no specifications I can find about song storage, and since it's all analog I assume it is as limited as others. The Digitak is a static sample player and with only 8 voices, which doesn't appeal to me... although I guess it's the closest to having the sequencing and storage capacity that I'm imagining.

[@edmoification]

You can pick up a used Elekton Analog Rytm MK1 for about 800 on Reverb. It is the only drum machine I know of with a full song mode. I think you can actually get pretty close using pattern chaining and the variations with the TR8S but I am not sure if you can save the chains.

[@Racingheartrecords]

@@edmoification Thanks for your response! I'll look into it.

[@dxtrs_mnpltr]

Next update: Sound Locks and Instant Pattern Change please

[@Andy-se4sl]

Far better to cue with headphones ??? Wanna make sure the pattern is sweet as possible before dropping it.... Especially when working melodically... Is it possible??

[@187onasimp]

The TR-8 just went Super Saiyin.

[@director2bob]

what is the other device called?

[@dualsync3689]

This tr8s its compatible with the Mx1?

[@BrandonRyan]

yes it is!

[@amillionorangedolphins9663]

Any way to turn all those colours off?

[@tribalsoul49]

Yes you can

[@gerardlarrisse9755]

il est dommage que tous les demos soit non transcriptibles en françaius

[@lucasmaynes7523]

Synth on the left, name please?

[@gatorgoforth3097]

Whats the maximum sample length?

[@BrandonRyan]

180 seconds for a single sample

[@OTLCellartapes]

did he just say "evolving rhythmic fingers"??!? -- lol ,., seriously though, as tutorials for this amazing machine go, this one is very clear and doesn't hurt my ears,.,

[@djjammindave]

MINE IS COMING IN NEXT WEEK.....

[@loskioskbears]

This is a great video, but it seems to indicate that I've got to spend a lot of time nursing the machine to get interesting things to happen. If, for example, I'm playing my synth or a guitar, I don't want to keep having to go back to the drum machine to trigger new patterns or events. Isn't there a proper song mode where I can chain patterns together, tell it how many times to repeat a pattern, loop through various patterns and then play an ending pattern etc. etc. ? So that the whole song will play without constantly needing input from me.

[@theoriginalheartstrummer]

If there isn't, then it honestly shouldn't even exist.

[@umonox]

i was like "zzzzzzzzzz, meh, zzzzzzz" until 4:40 instantly woke me up! Parameter Locks? really? Awesome !!! Now im slightly interested in this machine ... :-)

[@AlemitoFilms]

Sold

[@Trovarsi]

Pretty amazing machine. I know that you can name your KITS. Can you name your PATTERNS a well? Thanks!

[@tribalsoul49]

Yes

[@stocchinet]

mmm i'm seriously thinking to sell my tr-8 right now, goddammit roland!

[@CockatooDude]

Do it before the prices tank.

[@stocchinet]

It's funny, wen the super hated boutique series was discountinued the prices skyrocketed, now it will be the inverse.

[@ednasdiscomachine6049]

I managed to sell my TR-8 on eBay a few days back. In the UK at the moment there are 19 for sale! Prices have dropped, but I got a great price for mine (and sold it to a really nice guy too). My TR-8S is in next Thursday :D

[@ednasdiscomachine6049]

Scratch that. Just had an email saying I can collect mine today!!!

[@stocchinet]

Awesome, here in italy the aftermarket is flooded of tr8 too, after the tr8-s announcement there are like 20 units in sale right now on

[@LoEMDubstep]

I feel like jamie xx would like this thing

[@shatteredsquare]

why can't you do this with TR-6S??

[@headshock1111]

Holy fuck they learned!

[@rs2klee]

no wonder i see the tr 8 going cheap on ebay and ppl selling them off..

[@mozzystudio_br]

Please, give us TR-8s with two decks

[@kingstonbluesjam]

Having 8 variations per patterns seems to be a pretty poor substitute for a proper song mode. I don't want to keep having to go back to the TR8S to select patterns while I am playing a song on my keyboard or guitar. I want a simple song mode that allows me to tell it to play this pattern 16 times, then jump to the next pattern and play it 4 times, play a fill pattern twice, then jump back to the beginning and start again. I bought the TR8S a few weeks back and it is sitting gathering dust because without this feature it is close to useless!

[@COLLAPSETODAY]

I'm so happy there's people like you so I'm able to get used TR8S's

[@marike1100]

@@COLLAPSETODAYDon’t buy a dusty TR8s like his.

[@Taka_Takata]

Great, but it really, really needs per-step nudge (+/-).

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

A sampler that can't sample Roland what are you thinking?

[@tribalsoul49]

It's actually not a sampler. It's a drum machine that can sequence and play back samples.Thus the S in TR8S. I must say it would have been awesome to have been able to sample directly to the machine, but now we are talking time stretching and I'm sure the price would skyrocket.I was going to get the Elektron Octatrack but it's double the price. Ouch! www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Octatrack2--elektron-octatrack-mkii-8-track-performance-sampler

[@t.n.3819]

It doesn't even claim to be a sampler lol

[@edenhunter9904]

A Roland video. The back lighting is so strong the camera can't focus on or 'see' the instrument and so neither can we ....

[@innerpull]

but can it SAAAVE pattern chains???

[@tribalsoul49]

Yes you can : ) While in pattern select, hold shift and press on the desired patterns you want to link.

[@innerpull]

so these pattern chains can be recalled later? even after turning it off or loading a different project and returning to the project? they can be saved/stored?

[@SRSmith-pk4yo]

I was not impressed with the TR-8 . . . The TR-8S on the other hand . . knocks it outta da park !

[@dxtrs_mnpltr]

Pitty you guys didn’t include midi sequencing

[@omstheband]

We want better melodic sequencing! With actual note values (not numbers)