The Roland Boutique TR-06 combines the classic sound and workflow of the classic TR-606 with major modern upgrades. The Drumatix drum machine pairs the tone and look of the original with increased sound-shaping options, sequencing capabilities, and triggers for driving modular gear.
Released in 1981 as a companion to the TB-303 Bass Line, the TR-606 was a programmable drum machine whose size, price, and ease of use made at-home music production more accessible to everyone. The punchy midrange kicks, popping toms, and sizzling hi-hats were a hit with DIY musicians, appearing across genres from '80s new wave and punk to all types of electronic styles.
The sound of the 606 is unique in the TR family and the backbone of numerous classic and underground tracks. But while many love its distinctive tone, it wasn't especially versatile. The TR-06 reimagines the original with new sound-crafting potential and plush onboard effects. Control tuning, decay, and pan for each instrument, or crank up the internal gain, pushing the circuit model into warm overdrive or aggressive distortion. The onboard compressor adds warmth and punch, while the tempo delay creates depth and space from subtle repeats to controlled chaos.
Like the original, the step sequencer in the TR-06 is familiar and straightforward, so you can bang out any type of beat quickly and easily. And now it's been updated with advanced features like adjustable sub-steps for ratcheted parts, step-loop for instant pattern slicing, and per-step probability for beats that never get boring.
Many modular and tabletop rigs are missing a good drum sequencer that's convenient and easy to use. The TR-06 has five trigger outs and a trigger in, so it's easy to interface with other gear, sparking new ideas and creative possibilities. Sequencing is fast and fluid, and you can mix and layer your external modules with the TR-06's internal sounds for massive rhythmic sequences.
Like other Roland Boutiques, the TR-06 is sturdy and well-constructed with a solid metal top and a colour-matched case with three tilt options. It's a high-quality USB audio interface for quick and easy recording with your computer and can run on standard AA batteries for hours of uninhibited jamming. It even has a built-in speaker, because you never know what life might throw your way.
Pair the TR-06 with the TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer available on Roland Cloud and enjoy the benefits of easy hardware and software integration. The TR-606 plug-in has expanded sequencing capabilities, and the TR-06's knobs are pre-mapped for intuitive, hands-on workflow.
Features
- Detailed recreation of the vintage Roland TR-606 using Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) modeling
- Authentic sound and iconic look of the original
- Expanded sound-shaping options with tuning, decay, pan, gain, and more
- Onboard compressor, delay, and overdrive effects
- Advanced sequencer with sub-steps, probability, and step-loop
- Five trigger outputs and one trigger input for easy integration with modular and other gear
- Color-matched DK-01 case with three tilt options
- Sturdy and portable with solid construction and a metal top
- Runs on four AA batteries or USB bus power