The Roland TR-808 Software Rhythm Composer is a detailed replica of the legendary TR-808βone of the most revered and sought-after electronic music instruments of all time. The plug-in version offers the sound and behavior of the original plus new features that virtually modify the hardware for more sound choices and faster, more fluid programming.
A Legend in the Making
In 1980, the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer was released 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, they utilized unique transistors, creating a one-of-a-kind sound that set the 808 in its own sonic universe. However, it didnβt exactly deliver βtraditionalβ or βrealisticβ drum sounds, leading to it being dismissed by many at the time, with only about 12,000 units ever made.
The Thing That Goes Boom
Once a few adventurous musicians and producers got their hands on the TR-808 and started tweaking those knobs, the world began to (literally) feel the impact it would leave on music forever. For decades since, the sizzling hi-hats and snappy snare, the clicky rim shot, the unmistakable cowbell, and yesβthat booming bass drumβhave been heard on worldwide hits and underground classics.
That 8 Oh 8
Increasingly revered by musicians and producers around the globe, the TR-808βs influence only continues to grow. New musical genres make heavy use of the 808 sound, with some utilizing it as the main instrument and defining sound of the style. Its influence is so deep that itβs been name-dropped in famous songs, had albums dedicated to it, had bands named after it, and even been the subject of a feature-length documentary film. For some younger music fans, the 808 is no oddityβitβs simply βwhat drums sound like.β
Plug In Your Own TR-808
Original TR-808 units sell for huge sums on the used market, and its sound is often imitated with sample-packs and knockoffs. But the 808 is a complex beast and far more than the sum of its parts. Using their proprietary Analog Circuit Behavior technology, Roland have painstakingly recreated the original analog circuits that are the essence of the TR-808βs sound. The TR-808 plug-in sounds identical to the originalβwith all its nuance and detailβwhile adding some groundbreaking new features:
- Tuning and decay on each instrument and the ability to overdrive the internal circuitry update the 808 for modern sounds
- The classic 808 step sequencer expands with lanes for each sound, so you can program faster and more fluidly
- Each pattern has eight variations for evolving sequences that keep things interesting
- Drag and drop audio or MIDI patterns directly from the 808 into a project
- Adjustable flams, sub-steps, and soft hits create detailed fills and ratcheted sequences
- Each instrument has its own βlast stepβ and shuffle settings so you can play with timing, experiment with complex meters, and dial in just the right groove
Hardware Integration
The TR-808 software instrument integrates seamlessly with the TR-8S Rhythm Performer and TR-08 Roland Boutique hardware. Transfer TR-8S patterns directly into the TR-808 plug-in or create beats on the go and send them back to the hardware. Or you can use the TR-8S or TR-08 for direct hands-on control of the plug-in.
FEATURES:
- Maximum Polyphony: 11 Voices
- Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
- Memories Per Bank: 128 Memories (user can make new user banks)
- Step Sequencer: 11 instrument parts’ 16 steps per 1 measure; 8 (A – H) variations per 1 pattern
- INST tone: BASS DRUM, SNARE DRUM, LOW TOM / LO CONGA, MID TOM / MID CONGA, HI TOM / HI CONGA, RIM SHOT / CLAVES, HAND CLAP / MARACAS, COWBELL, CYMBAL, OPEN HI-HAT, CLOSED HI-HAT
- Plug-in Formats: VSTi 2.4 64-bit (Windows only); VSTi 3.6 64-bit; AU; AAX
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
MAC OS:
- Operating System: macOS 10.14; macOS 10.15; macOS 11
- Host Application: VST 3.6 compatible; Audio Units V2 compatible; AAX compatible
- CPU: Intel Core i5 or better; Apple M1 chip
- RAM: 2 GB or greater
- Hard Disk: 400 MB or greater
- Display Resolution and Colors: 1,280 x 900 dots or higher, 16.7 million colors or greater
- Other: Youβll need Internet connectivity to authenticate this software
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64-bit); Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Host Application: VST 3.6 compatible; AAX compatible
- CPU: Intel Core i5 or better
- RAM: 2 GB or greater
- Hard Disk: 400 MB or greater
- Display resolution and Colors: 1,280 x 900 dots or higher, 24 bits Full Color or greater
- Other: Youβll need Internet connectivity to authenticate this software



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