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The TR-808 Software Rhythm Composer is a detailed replica of the legendary TR-808—one of the most revered and sought-after electronic musical instruments of all time. This plug-in recreation delivers all the boom, snap, and sizzle of the original hardware, plus modern enhancements for more sound design choices and faster beatmaking.
In 1980, Roland introduced the TR-808 Rhythm Composer as a quick and easy songwriting tool for musicians. At the time, the high cost of memory drove Roland engineers to use analog synthesis instead of samples for its sounds. Through a series of happy accidents—including unique transistor choices—they created a one-of-a-kind instrument that set the 808 in its own sonic universe. But like many legends to be, it was dismissed by many at the time. In a market looking for "traditional" or "realistic" sampled drum sounds, only about 12,000 units were made before the TR-808 was discontinued in 1983.
Later in the 1980s, adventurous creators discovered the TR-808's untapped potential, and the music world changed forever. Emerging genres made heavy use of the 808 sound, with some utilising it as the sonic signature of the style. The sizzling hi-hats and snappy snare, clicky rim shot, distinctive cowbell, and booming bass drum have been heard on an endless stream of worldwide hits and underground classics. And more continue to arrive every day. The TR-808's influence is so deep that it's been name-dropped in famous songs, had albums dedicated to it and bands named after it, and it's even the subject of a feature-length documentary film.
Roland's proprietary circuit modelling technology brings the complete TR-808 sound experience to life in your DAW. The ACB process involves carefully analysing original hardware units, circuit diagrams, and other historical data. They then use this information to recreate the unique architecture and authentic circuit behaviours of the vintage instrument. This gives the TR-808 plug-in its ultra-realistic sound that leaps from the speakers.
While developing the TR-808 plug-in, they took the opportunity to improve on the original hardware while keeping the authentic experience intact. Workflow enhancements include an advanced multi-lane sequencer for faster programming, individual pan and gain controls for space and punch, and the ability to tune the bass drum and cowbell.
While the TR-808 plug-in carefully models an instrument from the past, the implementation is thoroughly modern. The sequencer conveniently syncs to tempo, and you can drag and drop patterns created within the instrument as MIDI or audio directly to your DAW timeline. And it fits perfectly into your production environment with a freely resizable UI, support for VST3, AAX, and AU formats, and native compatibility with Apple silicon.
The TR-808 software instrument integrates seamlessly with TR-8S Rhythm Performer and TR-08 Roland Boutique hardware. Import TR-8S patterns into the TR-808 plug-in and create beats in your DAW and send them back to the hardware. You can even use the hands-on panel controls on the TR-8S or TR-08 for direct operation of the plug-in.
Features
- Analog Circuit Behaviour technology captures every detail of the original hardware
- Uses the original TR-727 sample ROM
- Includes all 15 original sounds and 64 original patterns
- 43 new patterns and kits for modern styles
- Get modern sounds with tuning, decay, gain, sample rate adjustment, and more
- Powerful sequencer with flams, sub-steps, last step, and per-instrument shuffle
- Drag and drop audio or MIDI patterns directly to DAW tracks or cells
- Original and aged skins along with LCD-style sequencer windows
- Multiple outputs for flexible effects processing with plugins like ZENOLOGY FX
- VST3, AU, and AAX support for popular DAWs
- Native support for Apple silicon