ROLAND AIRA TR-8 Rhythm Performer

The TR-8 is a performance rhythm machine that melds the legendary sound and vibe of the TR-808 and TR-909 with features and functions for the modern age.

Genre-defining sounds and classic effects. Unprecedented live pattern manipulation. Solid, intuitive performance controls.


THE SOUND
With the TR-8, we have obsessively analysed and faithfully re-created every detail and nuance of the analogue circuitry of these legendary rhythm machines. The boom and snap of the 808. The thud of the 909. The robotic click of an 808 rim shot or a classic 909 snare roll. It's all here.

Not content with mere recreations however, we have enhanced these classic instruments with capabilities far beyond the original units.

Tune and Decay knobs are now present on every instrument and the Bass and Snare drum modules have dedicated ´Attack´ and ´Comp´ knobs allowing for a great variety of tones - from subtle ambient percussion to pounding dance grooves. Per-step effects and the massively addictive ´Scatter´ function take things into entirely new territory.

With the authentic tone and character of the original units and with new sound tweaking capabilities inspired by legions of users, the TR-8 breathes new life into the sounds we all know and love.


THE FEEL
Make no mistake - the TR-8 is an instrument, carefully designed from the ground-up, to be played. Every control has a solid, predictable feel with each drum instrument having robust, "playable" faders. Numerous lighted knobs and RGB-lit buttons give realtime performance feedback and a striking appearance on stage.

Pattern creation is creative and intuitive using an evolved version of the TR-REC method which originated in the TR-808 and eventually became the standard for electronic rhythm programming. Based on detailed analysis of the original TR-808, the TR-REC behaviour has been faithfully modelled in the TR-8. But the TR-8 goes well beyond the original, allowing you to seamlessly switch between programming and performance modes and to introduce lots of groovy rhythmic variations - from subtle snare fills to total glitch meltdowns.


WHAT IS SCATTER?
Scatter is a unique performance function that gives you detailed realtime control over variations in your patterns and any incoming external input signal.

Scatter can reverse, glitch, gate, truncate, stutter and perform all manner of rhythmic variations - from subtle to extreme - and all in perfect sync.

Pick from 10 different types of Scatter and smoothly adjust the intensity or "Scatter Depth" with the large comfortable dial.

Seamlessly switch between Scatter patterns and quickly turn Scatter on and off for cool variations when and where you want them.


A FEW MORE THINGS
You can connect the TR-8 to your computer via its USB jack to send and receive Audio and MIDI data. The TR-8 can receive MIDI clock information to sync with external devices including other AIRA series units. The TR-8 is designed to work seamlessly and look great with other products in the AIRA series.