Roland adds CR-78 percussion and 808 bass to the TR-8S and TR-6S drum machines

It’s always good to see companies delivering updates and new features to devices long after they’ve launched. And Roland’s TR-8S and TR-6S were already pretty capable to begin with. But with the latest firmware updates they’re picking up two huge new additions, including one that that I’m personally quite excited about.

TR-8S 3.0 and TR-6S 2.0 add an ACB model of the CR-78 CompuRhythm and a chromatic TR-808 mode for building basslines. The ability to play an 808 kick chromatically greatly expands the flexibility of the two drum machines. While you could tune drum hits and samples on the to create some melodic elements it wasn’t exactly an easy or pleasant experience. This opens up the 8S and 6S well beyond strictly percussion, but does so in a way that seems natural. The 808 emulation was already part of their feature sets. And, especially in the world of hip hop, it’s a staple for creating basslines, not just drum grooves. 

The CR-78 emulation is another huge addition. It was the world’s first programable drum machine and my personal favorite of Roland’s classic rhythm boxes. In fact, I called out the lack of a CR-78 …read more