Why I bought the most famous drum machine of all time

Like most people, I've always wanted to own an original Roland TR-808 but it's always been the wrong price or the wrong time or both. Earlier this year my time finally came.
I wanted to make a video showing why it's still a very relevant and useful instrument in a modern studio and that it's not just purely about nostalgia, whilst that obviously plays a part!
0:00 Intro Jam
1:38 Individal Outs & FX
5:14 Trigger Outs and Synths
9:16 Sampling and Synching
12:52 Boutique Comparison
14:39 Sample Pack
15:15 Summary and Outro Jam
Sample pack, stems and music from the video:
/ alexballmusic

[@elektrikblu7331]

Bringing new meaning to "Four on the floor"🤣

[@AlexBallMusic]

You've got to ground your electronics, right?

[@SpikesStudio3]

Yep. Pay that. 👍

[@py_a_thon]

@@AlexBallMusic Never play a guitar or electro anything in a puddle of water lol. If you are ground, then water is fire.

[@gaetan4164]

Man I'll just never get tired of a good 303+808/909 jam

[@craigmoran893]

the 303 sound - is so badass.

[@py_a_thon]

@@craigmoran893 To be fair, many say the Tb-03 is better than the original. (Similar circuit board with more features) I think you can still hax rewire and get their digital 303 emulation. The linux nerd form is kinda solid...they call it the 302 lol. I think the icon is lllama lol

[@py_a_thon]

Llama hahaha (yamaha)

[@craigmoran893]

@@py_a_thon Haha, ill just have just make it from what i have laying around, ive got one of those dinky Virus Tis, somewhere

[@GloveBunniesVideos]

It couldn't have gone to a better home. Great job!

[@Mouxbar]

And Alex was just dying to get a bit of Marvin in LOL 🤣

[@AlexBallMusic]

I think Marvin rolled in his grave at that moment. 😜

[@TheDavidPoole]

@@AlexBallMusic Naah, he would be nodding his head in appreciation! Did you record that cover purely for that tiny clip? That's dedication right there. Hopefully you'll release it for our consumption!?

[@AlexBallMusic]

​@@TheDavidPooleI did indeed record that entirely for one silly joke. You have to commit to these things. 😉

[@THR-zf6ti]

If anyone on earth deserves an 808 - that's you Alex 🙂 - have fun and show us, please!!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@carlosserrano3985]

An 808 couldn't be in better hands.

[@antiussentiment]

The thoughts of our house exactly...

[@PWMaarten]

3 M-185’s!!! Also, congrats on your 808, looks better then mine. Sounds almost the same, though.

[@daniel_dumile]

goldbaby has the best collection of 808, 909, and DMX sample packs. They got raw and processed in every way, through MPC 60s, SP1200s, written to vinyl then recorded, reel to reel, through every sort of sampler, etc. Love that company.

[@soaribb32]

Never heard of it. Is it good?

[@drewfelts4788]

​@@soaribb32 I doubt he loves it cause it's bad

[@sawtooth808]

@@defcreator187 if you can afford the real deal, if not, then for sample collections you can’t go wrong with Goldbaby, or Samples from Mars

[@rorz999]

Samples From Mars is great for one-shots of classic drum machines too

[@daniel_dumile]

@@defcreator187 agreed but I prefer buying the vintage samplers than the sound sources. Hiphop is a different animal.

[@NedBouhalassaVideos]

And this, my friends, is why Alex is the GOAT!

[@simonsays335]

And for those who don't know what GOAT means, it is: Greatest Of All Time! :)

[@scottlarson1548]

@@simonsays335 Greatest what of all time?

[@moneydoctor]

Greatest Synthesist

[@scottlarson1548]

@@moneydoctor OK, I'll throw out all of my hundreds of electronic music albums now... 😃

[@midimoog]

Gigging On A TR-808

[@samvision8280]

As someone who listens to a lot of analog minimal / coldwave, this tickles my brain just right

[@AlexBallMusic]

Something so perfect about some choice analogue machines grooving away.

[@samvision8280]

@@AlexBallMusic Swag

[@andrewdoucet3029]

Whoa that Stalactite/Stalagmite demo is KILLER. Last few measures holy smokes. Well done!

[@py_a_thon]

Fun fact: you can remember that geological function via a memetic device. StalaCtite/StalaGmite. Ceiling. Ground.

[@Andronicus2007]

Bloody fresh jam, just proves there still new sounds to be had it of the old 808, or Behringer RD8 ;-)

[@mbessey]

The comparison with the Boutique 13:33 really had me going for a bit.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thought I'd start with the stereotypical response and then sweep the rug. 😉

[@TransistorBased]

I absolutely hated my tr08. USB power sucks, tiny audio outputs suck, the tiny form factor sucks, and mine was slightly bent so it never sat flat on a table

[@justjoeblow420]

I can't afford the real deal right now, so I "settled" for a TR8S I got for cheap second hand and been having a blast since I got the machine. Discovered the real joy of using a TR style sequencer to actually perform on and not just sequence. I'd like to get some of the originals from the TR line when I have the opportunity as I used them in the form of samples and my TR8S all the time. This video gives me some ideas to try with my drum machine.

[@rodmorrison47]

Good machine, the TR-8S - you haven't settled, you've got a keeper. I've got the OG TR-8 and it's really good for live performance.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep, the TR8S is great. The sequencing paradigm is one that's stuck ever since 1980. It just works for live interaction as you say.

[@blakecasimir]

TR-8S is so close and brings so many conveniences. It's imho the best drum machine Roland have ever made. Wonderful though the OGs are of course, I wouldn't want to give up the 8S for one.

[@OTOss8]

I mean, it's in the title. The most famous drum machine of all time. Awesome stuff!

[@808v1]

Also, I like how you are caressing it lovingly in your arms when you're intro'ing a section of the video on the mic

[@AlexBallMusic]

I carry it around like Grogu.

[@sonofjak1971]

That opening salvo, utter filth!!

[@alexandermccarthy]

It's the sort of dirty we only wish we could find in our partners. Love it!

[@BigMuff520]

As a Roland user since 1987, this gave me lots of nostalgic feels. Tweaking effects off individual outs all night and all day getting one of a kind sounds was the most fun ever. I real appreciate that you gave the boutique it’s due respect. It actually is quite amazing how great it is. I had the TR-8 and TR-6. Which ended up being my two favorite drum machines I’ve ever owned. I ended up selling them and getting the TR-8s which does all the sounds and is a monster but it hasn’t yet charmed me like the TR-8 and TR-6 did.

[@MaxFleye]

Everyone needs an 808 😎

[@RaffRobinson]

Really happy for you ! 808 vibes are always perfect for finding inspiration.

[@klktrnx]

Damn I enjoyed the whole video plus that outro jam was bonkers! Thank you for this one, Alex!

[@PocketUnv]

Your knowledge of buttons and knobs never cease to amaze me.

[@macronencer]

Legendary! If your videos fell through a time warp back to the 1980s they'd be such a great advert for Roland.

[@AlexBallMusic]

It's funny when you watch the actual product demonstration videos from the time and discover how different the manufacturer's vision was compared to how they wound up being used! I've got a bunch of Korg product videos and they're hilarious.

[@alexandermccarthy]

I could hear so many different snippets of 80s/90s tracks in the opening intro. Another brilliant video, and congratulations on finding a piece of music production history!!

[@YotamPiano]

With such awesome tracks you made Alex, I can't even begin to imagine what would Geert van Schlanger do with his 808.

[@dielaughing73]

We'll have to see if Alex lets Geert get his slippery fingers on it

[@YotamPiano]

@@dielaughing73 Let's cross our fingers. I bet Geert will be aroused by the punchy sound of the 808. I hope Geert cums quickly from his vacation so he can record a video for us.

[@adwarfsittingonagiantsshoulder]

WOAUWW !! You where really overflowing with inspiration on this video !

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@synthnerd4539]

Reminds me of the 'good' old days of trawling through sample CDs for various bonks, doinks, and plonks from machines like this... all good stuff. I do love a drum machine with loads of outputs. I used to chain two of the sample slots on my Casio RZ-1 to put a sampled kick into, and the other two slots for a snare. The Casio's own were pants, but the hats, toms, and clap were really useable. Went well alongside the Roland stuff for a different texture.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Ah, a good old doink dive and bonk binge. Excellent. Don't think I've ever seen a Casio RZ-1. Will have to find a demo and hear what it sounds like.

[@brianlarsen6211]

Not forgetting the plonk plunge...

[@Iwantapplez109]

I'm still doing that by extracting old sample CDs and seeing what hidden gems of samples I can find. Quite fun re-using old samples in a new way :)

[@thefool2007]

Yes! Love this. Nicely done Alex!

[@paulgeorgmusic]

This was a proper goosebump extravaganza! Alex, you are amazing! ❤

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@DJKL]

Inspirational stuff... I'm bringing my old 808 out of retirement and resurrecting it in pride of place.

[@EphemeralProductions]

The most iconic and used of the 1980s. ❤️❤️. With the linndrum right behind. Love them both! ❤️

[@carlosserrano3985]

Is was iconic in the 80'S at some degree but 90% of the songs in the 80'S were Linn LM-1, Linndrum and Oberheim DMX.

[@EphemeralProductions]

@@carlosserrano3985 it was used especially from 1985 onward

[@EphemeralProductions]

@@defcreator187 yep. 1983 or 84

[@carlosserrano3985]

@@EphemeralProductions Not exactly I remember hearing the 808 fully around 1982, check Duran Duran Rio album and you can hear the 808 in a few songs, especially "The Chauffeur".

[@GNeuman]

Great demo, Alex. You really show what this machine can do, using the individual outs going into separate efx is brilliant, changes the sound of the 808 out of all recognition. Happy for you that you got such a mint unit! Cheers Mike

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks! I was hoping to get that across, so I'm glad it was clear. So many ways to go! Thanks for the support.

[@happygolucky2231]

can't go wrong with a tr-808 😊 really enjoying your demos with odd time signatures and quirky soundscapes!

[@crapadopalese]

You're one of possibly 8 KZbinrs I admire musically.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Surely 808 KZbinrs? 😜

[@crapadopalese]

@@AlexBallMusic nope, it's split evenly between some jazz and funk musicians and electronic musicians :)

[@obsoletecd-rom]

I agree. He’s a great balance of musicality, knowledge, humility and approachability.

[@paulhedley2864]

For affordability i got myself the berhinger clone now i can integrate the odd synth in with it. Excellent video and demonstration ❤

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep, fair enough. I heard one once in the flesh, sounded really good.

[@TheDavidPoole]

Yes, they are very good, aren't they? I'd love a "real" one, but just can't afford one. There are plenty of software clones, but you can't beat analog hardware.

[@rodmorrison47]

Same, as a replacement for one I sold thirty years ago. The Behringer is an excellent machine.

[@MrArpSolina]

Yes very good machine. Even Jeff Mills is using it live with "Tomorrow Comes the Harvest"!

[@sub-jec-tiv]

The Cyclone Analogic TT-78 is a fantastic machine too. It’s an analog machine modeled after the CR-78 (you can edit the sounds and the programmer is one of the best in a step-type drum machine). It has a heavier sound than the original 78, more like an 808, especially the kick. Great for techno.

[@markcampbell8460]

Fantastic video, as always!

[@DMS198526]

Your videos r so good mate, so impressive. This and the prodigy deep dive into the synth/leads r my faves so far 🖤🖤🖤

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed them.

[@retro-dademusic6403]

Congrats on the acquisition, Alex. Fantastic work as always, Sir. 😎

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers again!

[@ruscor]

Love everything about this video. These old school acid electro sounds are absolutely ace! Feeling inspired to get out my RD-8 and try out some of these fun experiments. Thank you!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers! Glad the video has encouraged some exploration.

[@blakecasimir]

606, 707, 808 and 909 are all glorious in their own ways. The OG boxes are special, obviously, but the TR-8S does it all and very well.

[@joacx33]

Great Tr8-S ❤

[@OmarHashModer]

That’s the best 808 production I’ve heard in a long time. BRAVO ALEX 👌

[@vcf4012]

Wow It’s a great joy to see how much you’re growing and developing as an artist/musician/synthesist Alex!! The level of sophistication and complexity you bring in your videos demonstrates how well you know these instruments and their full capabilities beyond just pressing play on a box Congrats Keep it up

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks very much. I do enjoy exploring the depths of these machines, I think the simplicity of them actually makes you want to do that, where more complex stuff is off putting. Thanks for the support, much appreciated.

[@ProSimex84]

I was very excited to see the MPC sitting behind you! I'm glad to hear there will be a video.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Absolutely. Deserves the full video treatment.

[@christianvictor827]

Oh my god I'm sooo envious! It's flawless!

[@SixMissing]

Man, these demo example tunes are just killllller - well done, Alex.

[@gaslightbcmedia7845]

Damn Dude... What a great demo... of a classic drum machine! Well Done...

[@alistairsteadman3765]

Another great video Alex. Thanks brother

[@culturedslob]

Mad cool as always Alex❤

[@heatfield4243]

Brilliant demos. Nice grooves.

[@bhotsnax]

Loved everything about this video especially the intro and the Derek Donk!!

[@andybside]

You're my favorite music KZbinr. I love your knowledge and even more, your sense of humor.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@noelbreitenbach8673]

Dude the music you create on here is soo good! Puts me in a good mood

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you.

[@edwallace3704]

Superb video Alex , this is the stuff I dreamed about watching when I was a kid. All of your content is absolutely excellent 👌🏻

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks! Does this mean that I'm living the dream?

[@lundsweden]

My local music store in Australia had new/old stock 808s blowing out the door in '87 for $200 USD. I was about 13-14 years old, the music shop people were apologizing about these saying they were obsolete and had no MIDI. The Roland R8 that I really wanted about 2 years later is now with much, much less than a 808- ironic huh? The best thing about the R8 was the "Electronic kit" optional soundcard that double ironically was full of 808 samples.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Right! A friend of mine remembers a bargain bin full of 303s and 606s and also a CR-78 they just could not sell because it was a joke next to digital machines. Mad to think.

[@philiplundberg6862]

That is so inspiring and incredibly creative!

[@mog068]

Sounds so good. Some of your demos sound like finished tracks! Super nice.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers! These machines do sound like records straight off the bat.

[@isaacbjorn]

such a lovely mpc you have there Alex, the 60 colours the sound so good, anything you run thru it its an instant wow, myself I have the little one, the 1000, it needs a new good display, perhaps a new set of pads too, but it does the basics well, such a lovely studio you have there ❤

[@ram-4]

Dear god that demo #3 is just straight NASTY. You’re the master of this glitchy funk - highly inspiring. Do some tutorials on that sometimes, and release more music (on vinyl)!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers. I'm going to do a studio tour video where I talk about how things are setup.

[@Unifono2012]

Great video, awesome demos

[@Baltho76]

the outro Jam is fire!!!

[@timburdsey]

He’s back! And that introductory acid jam is as good as anything the master Luke Vibert et al might produce. Top job, Alex. 👍🏻

[@5amJones69]

abso-blood-lutely brilliant video as always, Mr Ball.

[@magicspiral3323]

Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us, Alex! I’m happy to see you obtain a dream machine! For me the equivalent would be the SP1200.

[@MarkusCologne]

Congratulations! Good to see that this machine didn't end up in a museum! Thank you for the excellent demos and the nonsense-free evaluation of the TR-08 🙂

[@paulflint8024]

Love seeing Alex like a kid in a sweet shop playing with his new favourite toy.

[@cgjtuber]

Congratulations Alex! I had the chance to purchase one for myself three years ago and I still can’t believe it. A dream come true! Great video as usual :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Congratulations on yours too!

[@cgjtuber]

@@AlexBallMusic Thanks! Enjoy :)

[@KickzNBeatz]

Congrats on obtaining that 808 Alex! It's a great piece to own.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers! Waited for many years, but it finally happened. I'm over the moon.

[@electronictiger]

Congratulations on your new toy. I think you're spot on in terms of playability and processing. That hands on approach is what makes drum machines come to life. That's not just true for the 808, but for pretty much any drum machine that allows you to tweak things in real time.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep! It becomes an instrument rather than a playback box.

[@VestanPance2007]

I don’t think I’ve seen or heard anything quite so impressive as this on YT. Thanks! 🙏🏻

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@staticaudio6961]

Love it. Its gone to a good home. Great vid great sounds and explanation as usual sir

[@scottmcauleysounds]

what a demo! nice one Alex!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@philippendletonmusic]

Amazing as always!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you sir.

[@melkent399]

Brilliant channel, absolute gold dust. Dare you to even get withing the gravity of a Mattel Synsonics!

[@SuperWave86]

Great video! Love the TR-808 classic! 🥁 🤖

[@Psychlist1972]

Happy to see the 808 in your hands, Alex :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

It finally happened!

[@juanocordoba]

You really deserve it! Congrats and enjoyyy!❤

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@browe]

3:07 I love how you bridged a "Minneapolis sound" (Prince, even tho' we're talking Linn Drum here) and Japan. Delightful. 💙

[@blakecasimir]

So much fierce, wonky, wnderful melodic electro happening here. I hope you release it all, Alex.

[@freakonaleash3112]

some of my favorite jams of yours in this video

[@DoctorNemmo]

That snare roll at 8:39 is everything good that there's in life. Forget about crushing your enemies and hearing the lamentations of their women: we just want to see them bobbing their heads and yelling "Woooo !" when that TR-808 snare roll hits.

[@degoudenkardolus]

Your demo titles are top tier 😂. And also they sound good

[@hdsubstance1]

Got mine in 1991, with a flycase, manual and plastic overlay from the equivalent of todays 100€, still here, still working flawlessly. Great video as always.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Excellent. A lifelong relationship.

[@mrr2816]

Just a joy to watch this.. A man with his favourite new toy Great vid & thanks

[@AlexBallMusic]

A joy to make too. 😀

[@AFuturePresentation]

Whooped de doo, good for you! Seriously though, good for you! You deserve it! I would love to have the original Roland TR-808 but at this time I am making due with the RD-8. Excellent hardware clone for the value and with all the connectivity as the original, plus Midi in, out and thru. I also run it through effects pedals and processors. Some much fun! Oh, and using it in conjunction with the Keystep Pro has been a lot of fun too! Do the best with what you have! Just keep making music, friends! Thanks for the inspiration as always, Alex!

[@pushpull76]

One of the most used and explored machine…and you can easily throw to us 10 different interesting demos. You are the phisical demontration that the real difference is built by the user, not really by the machine. Bravo Alex, keep up the good work!!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks!

[@TheSpecialCostumeShop]

Let them Eat Static

[@AlexBallMusic]

That's a brilliant joke.

[@staticaudio6961]

Ouch

[@wingflanagan]

Ah, the Roland TR-808, a beat-bouncing box that bravely broke barriers and boldly birthed bass-heavy bangers. Before becoming a backbone in beats from hip-hop to house, this drum dynamo was deemed a disaster, a commercial calamity that couldn’t cut it with conventional crowds. Yet, this radical rhythm ranger rebounded, rising from retail ruin to rhythmic royalty. Today, its booms and baps are a staple in sound studios, making it the darling of drum digits. From its unintentional underground uprising to topping the techno tables, the TR-808 turned from a beat bust to a cult classic, pulsing at the heart of platters that matter. Truly, a tale of tempo triumph!

[@DoctorNemmo]

Thanks, ChatGPT !

[@wingflanagan]

@@DoctorNemmo You caught me! Just don’t tell anybody else, OK?

[@AlexBallMusic]

Always avoid alliteration.

[@schreineinAV]

Ahhhh I miss the days of contacting music control audio services in the late ‘90’s, advertised in the back of future music magazine….. that’s where I got all my analogue gear from….. including my tr606, tr909, tr808, tb303, mc202, sh101, moog prodigy, ms20 & sq10….. all dirt cheap and fully serviced & warrantied! I still have everything too! Man you’re a legend🤘

[@AlexBallMusic]

Magic times. Congratulations on the full set!

[@Wheresthepepsibismol]

I listen to so much Freestyle/Electro Funk that the TR 808 is engraved into my memories and I want one

[@JonMurray]

YEAY!!! I think you absolutely 100% had to really. No justification required. Really happy for you dude! What an absolutely stunning example too!

[@AlexBallMusic]

I made this video to tell myself there was a reason. 😜

[@JonMurray]

@@AlexBallMusic hahah! Many, many reasons! It’s range and usefulness simply cannot be argued against now!

[@SlowBloke123]

So frikkin talented. musically, synth wise, presentation, composing, video tech etc.. etc.. and hugely entertaining :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you very much, that's really kind of you.

[@staceconstantinou9170]

Great video and music

[@3D6Space]

Absolutely a bunch of fun!

[@jonathonkiner7415]

You killed it with this one.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@mikepecchio-gk1bc]

Sounds fantastic. I think this is a noticeable upgrade over the drum machines you usually use. It goes perfectly with your style. I hope you use the 808 exclusively on your next album

[@zloboslav_]

You've made me doubt if I really love the 909 more... Thanks, for the amazing video and performance too. :) And the way you're holding it like the precious baby it is lmao XD

[@soaribb32]

This is so amazing ❤❤❤

[@elcasho]

Loved it!

[@Joyousexultations]

Cool, thankyou for this.

[@kendanger748]

Glad to see the HM-2 in use. The only pedal on my board mate.

[@rippedtorn2310]

Such good taste! Takes me back to the 90s...

[@gregorykulinski2186]

Yes, you are incline in Roland Everything. Your take on history of Roland it's Pro level as saying goes "Pros makes things look easy " This drum machine it's legendary as you are GOAT. Just waiting for your take on Arturia. Godspeed Alex.