For #808DAY 2017, Roland Corp. unveiled a new iteration of its classic drum box – the TR-808 Rhythm Composer – called the TR-08 Rhythm Composer as part of its ongoing “Boutique Series” line-up. Additionally, a new analog synth recreation of the SH-101, and a portable “Linear Wave Sampler.”

It’s well known that Roland’s venerable drum machines, particularly the TR-808 and others have been widely cloned, and re-imagined in both hardware and software over the past 30 years since its inception in 1980.

According to the company, “The TR-08 is an obsessively detailed and faithful replica 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—with stunning accuracy—to the Roland Boutique format. It blends attention to detail and respect for legacy with modern convenience and reliability.”

NEW ROLAND TR-08 SPECS:

• Ultra-compact recreation of the legendary TR-808 drum machine
• Retains the sound, character, and user interface of the original TR-808
• 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
• Continue playing beats even while switching between write modes
• LED display for easier navigation and fine control of tempo and shuffle
• Ten separate outputs via USB audio
• Dedicated, track-selectable trigger output for controlling external instruments
• High-quality construction with metal front panel
• Highly portable for mobile music making
• Includes DK-01 Boutique Dock for multiple-angle viewing
• Battery-operated (4 x AA) or USB powered
• Built-in powered mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
• Compatible with optional Roland Boutique accessories

Learn more at: https://www.roland.com/us/products/tr-08/

Roland also introduced an accompanying promo video for the launch on YouTube — ROLAND: We recorded a live performance at Mathew Jonson’s Freedom Engine Studios, Berlin with the new Roland Boutique TR-08 Rhythm Composer and SH-01A Synthesizer.

NEW SH-01A SYNTHESIZER:

According to Roland, the new SH-01A is “a meticulous reproduction of the iconic Roland SH-101, one of the most popular classic synthesizers of all time. Our Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology reproduces the SH-101’s legendary sounds by faithfully recreating the actual behavior of the original analog circuits, right down to the fine details and odd quirks that have endeared the synth to musicians and producers for decades.”

The SH-01A builds on the great sounds and creative immediacy of the original, now in the popular Roland Boutique format—offering exciting new polyphonic capabilities, inspiring new performance features, and a level of authenticity that could only come from Roland.

SH-O1A SPECS:

• Sounds of the classic SH-101 synthesizer via ACB tech, including bass, lead, noise, and sound effects
• New Unison, Chord, and four-voice Polyphonic modes expand on the original’s iconic sound palette
• Built-in sequencer with 64 patterns available to save and recall
• Easy performance arpeggiator with three playback modes, note hold, and three-way transpose switch
• CV/Gate output for controlling modular or vintage gear
• Multiple sync options including internal and external MIDI, MIDI via USB, LFO clock, and trigger input
• 64 writeable preset patches for increased performance capabilities
• Selectable advanced LFO with new waveforms and extended range of clock rate
• Sends and receives MIDI control change messages via traditional MIDI jacks or USB
• High-quality construction with metal front panel
• Highly portable for mobile music making
• Battery-operated (4 x AA) or USB powered
• Compatible with the K-25m Keyboard Unit and other optional Roland Boutique accessories

Learn more about the new SH-01A at: https://www.roland.com/us/products/sh-01a/

And there’s more:
SP-404A -Linear Wave Sampler

Designed for live use, the SP-404A Linear Wave Sampler expands the sounds of the Roland AIRA TR-8 Rhythm Performer for a powerful combination of sample and percussive synthesis. The fast, hands-on approach of the acclaimed SP-series performance samplers is a perfect fit for the impressive rhythmic effects and iconic step-sequencer of the Roland AIRA TR-8.

All of the functions and features of the popular SP-404SX are contained in the SP-404A, including its distinctive 16-bit linear sampling, 29 onboard DSP effects, smooth FX switching, and 12 professional performance pads. Plus, a new library of sounds curated by sample-industry leader Loopmasters are provided via the included SD card.

Learn more at: https://www.roland.com/us/products/sp-404a/.

 
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