Roland – TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer from $19.99/month

>The analogue revival sees no sign of abating, with classic Roland X0X drum machines changing hands for ever increasing amounts. However, Roland’s response has been to introduce an expanding range of synth and rhythm boxes based around digital emulations of some of their earlier successes (and some that were only hailed as such many years after they went out of production!).

The TR-606 has never achieved the heady heights of fame achieved by the 808 and 909, but nonetheless it has its own charm and immediacy. Here Roland employ the ACB (Analogue Circuit Behaviour) technology found in their recent hardware boxes to recreate the 606, and add some features missing from the original – the most obvious of which was the lack of any soundediting controls (you could adjust relative levels and programs different patterns, but that was about it). Multiple outputs, adjustable swing and MIDI CC control are also added, but that’s about it.

For those seeking a more lo-fi, alternative to the 808 or another analogue drum flavour, and don’t want to go down the hardware clone route, then the new TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer may be just what you are looking for. Bruce Aisher rolandcloud.com

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