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Roland Boutique TR-08play button

Roland Boutique TR-08

Roland

collapse expand iconDescription

The Roland TR-08 Rhythm Composer is an obsessively detailed and faithful replication of the legendary TR-808—easily the most famous and influential drum machine ever made. After creating a monumental shift in the sound of music, the "808" has continued to shape and define entire genres. Beloved by musicians and producers the world over, it’s one of the most revered and sought-after electronic musical instruments of all time. The TR-08 brings the look, sound, and feel of the original 808 to the Roland Boutique format. It blends attention to detail and respect for legacy with modern convenience and reliability.

The TR-808 arrived in 1980 to an unsuspecting and somewhat bewildered public. To many at the time, its purely analog sound and range of tweakable parameters didn’t exactly deliver "traditional" drum sounds. It wasn’t until adventurous musicians and producers got their hands on the TR-808 and started tweaking those knobs that the world would fully realize the sonic impact it would leave on music forever.

For the next three decades, the sizzling hi-hats and snappy snare, the robotic, clicky rim shot, the unmistakable cowbell, and yes, that booming bass drum, would be heard on many thousands of tracks. Worldwide hits, underground classic, and entire genres were spawned. Its influence is so deep that it’s been name-dropped in famous tracks, had albums dedicated to it and bands named after it, and even been the subject of a feature-length documentary film.

A New Generation of 808

Time has not diminished the TR-808’s influence. New genres continue to make use of the 808, with some utilizing it as the main instrument and defining sound of the style. Sure, you can use samples of a TR-808, but there’s nothing quite like the real thing. The 808’s user interface with its buttons, knobs and switches, and the odd quirks of how the sounds interact with each other—they’re all vitally important to conjuring up that real 808 mojo. And you know it when you hear it.

The new TR-08 adds some thoughtful and modern touches to the classic formula. The sequencer has 16 sub-steps per step, so you can create detailed snare fills and intricate, rolling hi-hats. It also has a track-selectable trigger out for working with other instruments like the TB-03, SH-01A or modular gear. An unobtrusive LED display provides finer control of tempo and shuffle. You can step-program or tap in your parts in real-time without stopping to change modes. Everything sends and receives MIDI control messages and it even supports audio and MIDI over USB.

Portable. Affordable. Authentic.

Original TR-808s are big and heavy, and their rarity makes them extremely expensive and sought-after on the used market. Because of this, many have resorted to 808 sample packs or hardware knockoffs. But there’s something about the colors and controls and, of course, the sound of a genuine TR-808 that brings home the sound of so many classic tracks. The TR-08 accurately recreates the ingredients that make an 808 so special. The interface, while miniaturized, is 100% authentic. The sound is vibrant and alive thanks to our proprietary Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology. We use ACB to carefully recreate all the details and quirks of the original hardware by modeling each analog circuit, right down to the component level.

Not only does the TR-08 look and sound the part, but it also has some modern features and conveniences. With all this beat-making power, it would be a shame to keep it shackled to the studio. After all, inspiration can strike anywhere, and drum machines are fun to play live. The TR-08 is literally small enough to take just about anywhere. It’s ruggedly built with sturdy knobs, buttons and switches. It has several tilt options for easy viewing in various live and studio scenarios. It can be a low-latency, portable audio interface. It has a built-in speaker, and even runs on batteries for when the beat absolutely must go on. With all this power and flexibility, you may be most surprised by the TR-08’s affordable price, which puts the legendary 808 vibe within reach of just about anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning the iconic original.
Roland TR-08 Rhythm Composer
Roland TR-08 Rhythm Composer
Roland TR-08 Rhythm Composer

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Ultracompact recreation of the legendary TR-808 drum machine
  • Hands-on control including tone, level, tuning and decay
  • Added Compressor, Gain, Tune, and Pan for selected instruments
  • Programmable via classic Step and Tap write modes
  • Sequencer has 16 steps with 16 sub-steps for detailed patterns and rolls
  • LED display for easier navigation and fine control of tempo and shuffle
  • Dedicated, track-selectable trigger output for controlling external instruments
  • Includes DK-01 Boutique Dock for multiple-angle viewing
  • Battery operated (4 x AA) or USB powered
  • Built-in powered mini speaker 

collapse expand iconReviews

5

13 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

YES!
Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing5
  2. Concerts3
  3. Back-Up1
  4. Make Beats1
Describe Yourself
  1. Professional Musician3
  2. Experienced2
  3. Novice2
Pros
  1. Good Quality7
  2. Easy To Use6
  3. Functional5
  4. Improves Sound3

Reviewed by 13 customers

  • Get your 80s clothes out of the closet

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byPatrick C

    fromMundelein

    This thing is great. The onboard speaker is a really nice addition. It doesn't have the greatest sound quality but it's more than worth the trade off for the portability. Pick one up and make some sick beats.

  • It's perfect.

    5

    submitted5 years ago

    byJerry

    fromIL

    808 at 10% the price of a vintage 808! Not a producer here, just a huge fan of old school beats.

  • Move over Alan Parsons!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 years ago

    byTerry

    fromundisclosed

    Works great; I do my own songs recording my Bass lines from my AIRA TB-3 Touch Bassline and drums from my TR-08, then overdub several rhythm guitar parts on my Tascam 8 track, then play my solos over the top of them live; move over Alan Parsons!

  • LOADS OF FUN!!!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 years ago

    byHoward

    fromundisclosed

    It's tricky in the beginning, but don't give up. Working with this hardware unit gives me inspiration where software didn't. The sounds have real weight to them where the software doesn't.

  • Awesome.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byChris

    fromundisclosed

    Just like an 808. Except cheaper and more portable.

  • The TR-08 is awesome!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byOG Adam T

    fromLos Angeles

    I bought this based on the famous 808 and I love it. It's really fun to play with discover new beats. Not only that, it is solidly built and looks really professional. It's a great instrument. I can't reccomend it enough!

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byArt

    fromEast Dennis, MA 02641

    I'm not interested in a strictly techno-sounding drum machine. I want to create rhythm tracks for genres ranging from blues to country rock to shuffle. Is this a good machine for those purposes?

    I'm not interested in a strictly techno-sounding drum machine. I want to create rhythm tracks for genres ranging from blues to country rock to shuffle. Is this a good machine for those purposes?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Sort of. A machine is mathematically perfect. A drummer isn't. Any/all machines will sound "techno". You may want to look at ---------- Singular Sound BeatBuddy Footpedal Drum Machine. This is a real drummer.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byDino

    fromManti, UT

    It says computer controlled on the module, do u need to connect it to a computer for it to work?

    It says computer controlled on the module, do u need to connect it to a computer for it to work?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    No, the TR-08 doesn't require a computer.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked bydummy

    frommi

    What output cords do i need to hook up to my p.a. with 1/4 in input on my p.a.?

    What output cords do i need to hook up to my p.a. with 1/4 in input on my p.a.?

    Open Reply - Durran
    The output on this is 1/4" TRS to send to an amp or monitor speakers.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byMike

    fromHowell, NJ

    Does the 808 have preset patterns , preset pattern variations and fills ? If so how are they identified?

    Does the 808 have preset patterns , preset pattern variations and fills ? If so how are they identified?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Thank you for reaching out to us. Unfortunately we need some more info before we can give you a for sure answer. Please give us a call at 866-498-7882 and we can get you squared away.