Getting started with the TR-8S
The original TR-8 had a crude simplicity. What you saw is what you got: hit play, sequence notes and tweak channel levels and controls on the fly. However, the TR-8S’s addition of features has brought a steeper learning curve, so it’s worth revisiting this new drum machine’s operation, both for upgraders and newcomers.
In TR-8S lingo, a Pattern has its own collection of performance data: the chosen Kit (ie, collection of 11 sounds), tempo, step notes, playback through the eight A-H variation sections, plus motion data (ie, recorded parameter movements). Punch the TR-8S’s Ptn Select button (top left), then spin the main top-right Value knob to choose one of the TR-8’s 128 Patterns. Or, hold down the PTN SELECT button and hit one of the bottom eight lit-up buttons to choose one of the eight banks, then let go of the button and choose from that bank’s 16 patterns.
A Kit is the current collection of 11 instruments (kick, snare, hats, samples, etc). The TR-8S can store up to 128 Kits. Simply press the top-right Kit button and rotate the Value wheel to choose one of the 128 available Kits. An instrument can be a sound synthesised via Roland’s ACB modelling tech, or a sample (300 included or import your own).
With an empty Pattern and a Kit loaded, you can begin sequencing the 11 instrument sounds. Toggle TR-Rec mode, select one of the 11 instruments using the Inst Select buttons (labelled BD, SD, etc), then light up steps on the 16-step sequencer. If you’d rather punch notes in live, there are two ways to record steps in real time. Toggle the Inst Rec button, and the first 11 buttons turn into triggers for the instruments – punch these during playback to record in steps. The second way is brand new to the TR-8S: when in TR-Rec mode, tap on the Instrument pad to record in notes for the currently-selected Instrument. This green pad is velocity sensitive, so it’s a good option for varying note dynamics. Tempo and Shuffle are also dialled in using the centre-right wheel and knob.
Once you’ve sequenced notes for the 11 instruments, you may want to swap out sounds and build your own hybrid 11-part Kit. Select an Instrument, toggle the Inst button (top right), then scroll through the categorised sounds. These range from ACB-synthesised drums from classic Roland drum machines through to various samples such as drums, synth one-shots, chords, vocals, etc. Hold Shift as you scroll to jump through the categories.
New features have brought a steeper learning curve