"The sounds are spot on..." *shows screen shot of Rebirth* It's the little touches that makes this such a great show. That got a big chuckle out of me.
The TR-8S (updated version of the TR-8, that includes a digital display and dozens of other classic Roland drum kits included) is my baby that ticks all of the boxes... yet somehow this video still makes me want a TR-8. Great work!
Love the TR-8S, but I really wish Roland would either make an editor for it or expand its sysex capability. There's so much under the hood hiding behind all those menus.
@@ClifBratcher Yeah, Roland is great at providing way too many features/settings than the interface can realistically make use of. The sheer number of parameters for some of the effects is a little ridiculous. Do I really need to adjust the reverb early reflection and diffusion rates in a TR style drum machine? No. Could I do with a non-headache-inducing way to program pitch changes for the samples? PLEASE.
Haha, another centre piece of my creativity brought into disrepute. You really should just come round my place and save yourself the hassle of any further research. 😁👍
@@nachshonrorick It's beginning to dawn on me that music tech people are so insatiable that eventually EVERYTHING EVER MADE will eventually find itself on Bad Gear. You can guarantee even the finest bit of kit isn't good enough for somebody somewhere. You've gotta hand it to Florian, he's found a job for life. lol.
Okay I love the fact you chose the best of both worlds from TNG. This feels exactly what Roland wanted, an "analogue" experience with digital hardware.
I love mine. Got the expansion for it too. I think it really sounds good, and has fun features, to spice up your jams. And I love the Green accents and colored LED buttons.
yeah. it took me a while to get over the minimalism. It is a good new take. surely lacks in some areas. On the other hand the input with sidechain is a bummer that alone can drive a whole liveset ....
The cancellation of the TR8 after the TR8s was to be expected. Still think the S bring more to the table in a studio setting, but I feel like I want a TR8, just for performance. Simplicity is sometimes just what you want, when balancing a beer, smoking a blunt and playing with your d-beam….
I bought into the Aira range. I had the Tr-8, the mixer, and the TB-3 and spent many an evening jamming away. Sometimes that is the beauty of something, just fun. Yes, you could make music (ie record and master) but that was (IMHO) not what brought me joy.
WTAF.... You had the chance but didn't mention the crunch! When using delay number 8 put the level all the way up and tweak the time and feedback you get a lovely chruch! I'll eat that for beakfast every day! :) I love mine! And will never part with it.
My first thought was that it was very bold to go after such a relatively new piece, but having used both the TR-8 and the TR-8S extensively I agreed with every single point you made.
Came for the reviews, stayed for the badass jams. I just stumbled across your vids a few days ago and have since binged the lot. Fantastic stuff, brother!
I never took this thing seriously until I saw it in full effect in a video by Mylarmelodies. Once I realized it's a future classic in (ugly) disguise, I bought one right away. It's really fun and still the most convenient way to add the classic Roland drum sounds to your setup.
I got mine used and already expanded with 707 sounds. I love it! Even the Return of the Jedi black & green colour scheme does it for me. I've gone into the settings and changed the TR colours on the buttons to green also, so it's like being in a sci fi movie when I use it in low light conditions. Awesome.
How you use It in a performance? I want to use It in USB mode, and put effects on It's channels. The problem Is that to use It in multitrack mode you have to use It as audio interface in ableton but i can't mute the dry sound from the drum machine (i hear ableton sounds + effected tr8 + TR8 DRY SOUND). How can i mute the dry sound, i don't want to use another audio interface because in that way i can't put different effects on every single Channel. Glad if you can help me
I'm a big fan of both TR-8 and TR-8S. I actually like using the original TR-8 better live, and the TR-8S better to do more intricately programmed things. Both sound excellent. I was surprised by how much I liked them.
Excellent point about the new Akai MPC upgrade, I updated mine today and the new synth plugins add so much - the Solina Strings are wonderful...and all for free, well done Akai. My Bass Station II (and Citcuit) despite being long in the tooth is still admirably supported by Novation and their last update effectively turbo charged the synth. Unforgiveable that Roland want over 100usd for some samples which you would expect to have on the machine from the outset; these should at very least be offered to loyal Rolandites at a later date. I have been a Roland fan boy for many years but your excellent diatribes are helping me to see the light, cheers!
Sequencing this thing with an external sequencer like the Beatstep Pro over midi wil REALLY give it more depth. Also: Get a second hand one with the upgrades for 707, 727 and 606 included. They are about 300 bucks. Great value for money. I love this thing. It sounds amazing, Roland's ACB absolutely nails the sounds of their own classic drum machines. Fuck all the naysayers! :-)
The "naysaying" has to do with the fact that Roland obviously felt the need to "improve" on their ACB sound quality in their boutique versions and TR 8S only two years after the TR 8 was released, without offering a way to upgrade to the new standard, despite having marketed the TR 8 as a largely expandable concept. The difference in sound between these versions is hardly noticable, the whole debate is not really about sound quality, it's about Roland raising high expectations in the longevity of the TR 8 and then making a money greedy move by replacing it. They made it look future proof, sold tons of it and then did everything to make it look unattractive and devalue it after only two years. Not cool....
@@LousyFacelift Ah, ok, yeah, that's a dick move. I can imagine feeling cheated when you paid full retail and two years later the machine was as good as abandoned in favor of the new and shiny, by it's own creator. I have had some discussions with people who think it does not sound good, and not like the originals. But that's probably nitpicking from their side. I think it sounds great. having said that, it's a bargain second-hand for 300 bucks, including the expansions...
I had this first but upgraded to the TR8S...then I sold my TR8S... missed it and brought it again a month later. That says enough right there... it's awesome.
The stock footage video was a very disturbing match to your Royalty Free Music Tracks From Only One Dollar Downtempo AF Orchestral Glo-Fi Ballad. I definitely need a drink to recover from that!
Hi! I recently downloaded the 7x7 pack. and while I had never played with 707 sounds before I may never stop. Definitely worth the upgrade. Also I got the tr-8 because of this video. Same with your other videos for the little Yamaha sampler and the tb-3. Overall the three make an unassuming, affordable and fun rig. Thank you Mr. BadGear. Xoxo
I was expecting more drum machine updates like the CR78 but it never arrived.. They brought out the TR8S instead. Not bought any roland gear since, felt cheated and robbed lol.
I want to point out that 1) I have the TR8 + 7x7 expansion; 2) I watched this video on my studio setup with Yamaha HS8 + HS8S sub and cranked it boom chika boom; and 3) my TR8 is now off the shelf and back to being played with. Thank you for relighting the fire here, Florian
That is the best drum machine I ever had. 29 tracks later. It was sold so I can now use a sampler, MPCX. I was going for Mc707 or TR8s but went with a true sampler. That acb is legit
Another great video, and another FAB Jam! Might I suggest (if you get around to it, I bet you have a LONG list by now) the Roland Verselab MV-1? A true modern conundrum of a groovebox/ drum machine/ DAWless DAW in a confusing and jumbled package? Truly worthy of a Bad Gear breakdown and demo. Thanks for the awesome videos!!!
Hey love the show, I'd love to see an episode on the Yamaha QY70 as I feel it fits the general vibe of the show well. If you cant find one hit me up and I'll send you mine. Happy friday guy, thanks for the video!
Got a tr-8s but I always come crawling back to the tr-8 😂. Very easy to just get into making drum loops. The tr-8s just feels overly complicated. I’m still a noob after a few years so maybe it’s me.
I was wary of the ACB stuff from Roland when first released, having owned many of their classic pieces over the years, like many others I was hoping for some real analogue units, - but once I tried the little TR-08 Boutique, around the summer of 2018, I was really surprised. I now have 5 of the boutiques, the SH-01A, Ju-06A, TR-08, TR-06, TB-03 a TR-8s, System-8 and only recently managed to get hold of an immaculate secondhand TR-8 +expansions. With superb secondhand examples going for as cheap as £200, I couldn't resist buying the 8, - although I think I paid around £350, just to get an immaculate, as new, example...
TR-8 is the best live performance and studio drum machine available. so versatile. It is the center piece of my live performance and studio recording tool.
omg that Rebirth screenshot 😆😆 Minidisc! Ticking all the nostalgia boxes! OK early 00’s corporate video music & stock footage is a step too far, I’m having flashbacks (good job 😆)
TR8 is a great drum machine. No parameter locking but did offer complete MIDI CC control over all the parameters including scatter depth and pattern selection tuning and decay for all instruments.
Sometimes I get worried that you're going to run out of Bad Gear to review, but then I realised that won't be a problem while Roland is still in business!
As an older drummer who is mainly into EDM music I have to say I find it kind of odd how much old school electronic drum sounds still permeate most, if not all, dance music even now in 2022 some 40 years after the 808. The sounds in something like the TR-8 are barely any different from what I have in my old MC-307 Groovebox. So I have to wonder is it the fact that most EDM music makers are not actually drummers with a kit to record so this is just what they use and are used to and or is it mostly a European thing? For example, you'll find USA west coast bass music, neurofunk, future funk, etc, using a lot different and more modern, more realistic full drum sounds and samples (via DAW) and not any "OG" sounding machines like this which seem to still permeate hiphop, house, and techno. I definitely enjoy both styles but am also very surprised by how much the vintage drum machine sounds have stayed around, as again they are not that much different than their original counter-parts. Lastly, I've yet to hear any modern drum machine, synth based or sample based, including Roland drum pads like the SPD-SX or SPD-30 have any sort of modern, fuller, drum sounds. I'm 50 btw, and after a 20 year hiatus am diving back into playing as a DJ-Drummer. My IG is HydBtr.
@@AudioPilz Yes, it does but also consider that it “just works” mainly because that’s all you’ve heard for 40 years. We’ve all been conditioned to it. I’m heavily exploring new sounds with grit, dirt, glitch, detuned, gated, etc. I’ve never used drum machines much because I’ve always had real kits and also don’t really like pure electronic drum kits either. I like using triggers. I’ll be showcasing what I mean very soon. Also check out Sunhouse triggers. It’s a whole new world.
I love my tr8. Bit upset about paying so much for 707/727/606 sounds but i end up using them way more than i thought. Pattern memory sucks but i still love it
Wie immer: ein sehr cooles Video! Danke dafür 🙂 Zur TR-8: Der Grundsatz "Weniger ist mehr" gilt hier für mich persönlich absolut. Rasch viel liefern ohne stundenlanges Nachlesen im Handbuch, kein Menu-Diving wie bei der TR-8S. Ich habe meine erste TR-8 verkauft, weil ich mir eine TR-8s gekauft habe. Ich wurde aber nie glücklich damit und habe meinen Entscheid, die TR-8 wegzugeben, zu tiefst bereut.
Auch wenn acid ziemlich einfach zu programmieren ist ( wenn man es als erfahrener Musiker mal genau nimmt) Aber du schüttelts mal wirklich paar coole lines hin . 👍🏻🎹🎶
Ahhh, a Bad Gear episode on a gear I'm looking for! Thank you for all of your videos 👌 It's been a month or so that I daily watch RUclips videos or read stuff about drum machines, I'm looking for a simple but effective drum box to have fun with, with no menu diving to do sound design. I first took a look at the Drumbrute but the sounds are not for me, it seems that I'm an other Roland drum sounds guy 😅 I found some units for 150/200 bucks with the 7x7 expansion, hard to find something to compete in that price. The Volca Drum is interesting but not sure about the knobs solidity and have enough space around for my big fingers 😅 this conclusion helps me to take the right decision 👍 have a nice day!
I'll admit the 707 expansion is a bit pricey. However, it's worth noting that the Roland ACB tech isn't samples...even on sampled based units like the 707/727, Roland also modeled the non-pristine converters and signal path of the original units.
True, but the samples are still samples (just like the few sample-based voices of the 808/909 kits) - they certainly emulate the post-digital signal path of them
@@AudioPilz Perhaps there's some additional audio voodoo going on like crosstalk or aliasing...or just to offset R&D costs, it's built into the bottom line of the product to charge for the expansion since the TR8 doesn't import samples at all. Charging extra for little add-ons is common in software but still hardware manufacturers do this occasionally, like how Waldorf charges $100 just to enable a pitiful 60mb of sample loading into the Blofeld.
it seems they also modeled the phasing effect you get when playing snare and clap simultaneously, like on the TR-909 (where both circuits used the same noise source). apparently some people found that "annoying", but that's actually a very neat touch on roland's part.
I was looking for an 808-style drum machine remake a few months ago, and this was one of them on my "maybe buy" list. Seeing its limitations, I'm glad I stuck with the Behringer RD-8. Great video!
the voice circuits of the tr-808 aren't really complex and pretty much low part count. (easy to clone) the TR-909 is a different story, the guy who made these circuits should be considered a hero, did you know the TR-909 kick/bass drum consist of 3 VCO's while the TR-606, TR-808 are only one.
Behringer is waking up Roland to create new unique instruments, one classic at a time.. thankfully The Matrix colour scheme didn't lure me into grabbing one of these. My volca drum still keeps me very happy to this day as a percussion/tone generator. You look so futuristic in a turtle neck
lol, Behringer isn't doing anything but rummaging around in Roland's closet. Roland has always innovated their products they never look back it's why they haven't gone back to analog but instead perfect technology to make a more efficient version of it with ACB tech. The TR8 was impressive as it had everything you could want from an 808 but when they made the TR8S they pretty much gave you all of Rolands best offerings in one box that covers it all.
@@187onasimp calling a company innovative for doing nothing much for the past 25 years but putting samples of their glorious past into yet another plastic box, may be a bit bold. It's like a news outlet that goes from paper to web in a bid to stay current, but then keeps printing the exact same articles every year. The super saw was the hoarse last breath from a company with more to look back on than to look forward to. I know that's an over the top statement, but it's the comment section of bad gear and all in fun 😀
@@smts0243 Oh the horror, a company using their own IP in newer products! BTW those are not samples, but emulation of the analog circuits. You can tweak parameters you can’t on sample boxes, and they sound good.
I like the TR8, but it definitely felt a little sour when they made a TR8S instead of making more updates for the TR8 firmware. The 7X7 upgrade was only discounted once too, and I missed that opportunity and ended up giving them the full price when it sounded like they would take that upgrade off the market (it eventually reappeared on the Roland Cloud for the same price). In the end, I think the TR6S ended up being a good half-step companion for those of us that didn't sell our TR8 when the TR8S came around, and I'm pretty happy with my decision. You can get two bars out of it by holding both the A and B button simultaneously by the way, will play both the A and B parts in sequence.
Yeah, my feelings exactly. I was lucky to get the tr8 with the expansions 2nd hand but after the release of the tr8s I sold it and never looked back. I bought the mc101 and tr6s recently and that duo ticks all my traveling boxes 👍
The Tr8 is a stonecold classic. I've had two units and will soon be getting another. Full midi CC control and the sound is what makes it special to me. The sequencer of the TR8 is the biggest drawback but I easily work around that.
I own a TR8 with the 707 and 606 expansions. They are not samples of the xox but modeled versions, using ACB technology, hence the cost, I believe... I still use mine for go to 808/909/707/727/606 sounds. I'd swap it now for a TR8S given the choice. 😎👍
I got mine recently - love it, but agree re the expansion pack - this is ridiculous. I'm going to buy a 2nd hand Behringer RD6 and a 1st hand takeaway curry instead.
Bought the TR8 Aira some months ago, for 180 euros, in pristine condition. I have a real TR909 to compare, and honestly, i can't tell the difference... I love these faders, the interated effects, the TR8 is SIMPLE, and it works. At the time, when they released it, a TR8 Aira for 500 euros was not cheap and isn't worht the price, too expensive. But nowadays, used condition, perfect, the weight is nice, external quality too, it's like a Swiss knife for me, i take it with my TR707 in all my Techno Livesets, and the TR8 never let me down. The TR8S is more advanced, but too complicated, too many presets and functions inside, it's more a groovebox than a DrumMachine... So if you like the simplicity of the TR Serie, buy a TR8 Aira ;) Great content and video, as usual! Greetings from France
From the Digitakt bad review, I know that I can find all my favourite gear being destroyed here. What will be next ? My OP-1 ??? My Octatrack ???? My Moog Sirin ??? :)))) This machine surprises me because it can be a centerpiece in a small, fast and low-cost setup, perfect for beginners or users that try avoid features overload. The stereo input can be switched to two mono inputs, the effects and sidechain are not high quality, but are really fun. Obviously, you can find better machines, but i find this workflow very enjoyable for a casual jam setup. The worst thing is the 120 usd you must pay for 7x7 expansion.
I never went so low to buy this, especially considering it's original retail price, an absurd amount of money for a digital TR wannabe drum synth. Just got the MC-101, it's fine, but I'm not so convinced yet by 21st century Roland, especially regarding their costly Zenology patch editor. They keep on with this stupid charge-for-add-on-software policy. Why is Elektron so hard to copy? I just don't get R&D teams in this industry.
@@AudioPilz I agree some decisions have to do with commercial strategies, but also some implementation aspects are purely lack of live electronic playing experience, and also this idea of launching products that aren't fully finished yet to make R&D cheaper and more effective using free community intelligence, although sometimes you wonder what kind of people is sending their opinions...
@@AudioPilz Of course..👍🚀. .. Ready for BadGearflix... How about a Video of Korg Triton taktile? , this is really the worst user interface i ever had... Or maybe a Behringer (any Synth/Drum) Edition but this will probably divide the viewers 😅... Cheers from Vancouver
Despite having reverted back to being a metal guitarist ,your channel is one of my favorites and as they would say in Swiss German but with bad spelling, " Du bisch e geile siech" which strangely keeps me hoping that they never stop making bad gear .
Damn, I leave 2 weeks or so and have already 3 episodes to watch ! I'm glad you keep making those in the summer but I still hope you enjoy some sort of vacation !
"The sounds are spot on..."
*shows screen shot of Rebirth*
It's the little touches that makes this such a great show. That got a big chuckle out of me.
Thank you!!!
I loved rebirth,it sounded great
So glad someone else laughed at that, because that was a very good joke.
@@benmatthews8732 I still have my copy. With the mousepad.
Then you find out they used the Rebirth algorithms for the emulation
I love how in Ableton you kept that "How to Report a Crash" tutorial up. I've been feeling that a lot recently.
Why ? Does it crash a lot for ppl
Every. Single. Time.
@@AudioPilz wtf then, what should I pick if I wanna use lots of hardware synths but DAW sounds as well?
@@jdssurf it's more of s computer problem than an Ableton one. Reaper works on more or less every pocket calculator;)
@@AudioPilz So you would pic reaper over Ableton…………………I have to pull the trigger soon, I don’t want to shoot myself in the pecker
The TR-8S (updated version of the TR-8, that includes a digital display and dozens of other classic Roland drum kits included) is my baby that ticks all of the boxes... yet somehow this video still makes me want a TR-8. Great work!
Thanks!
Prices of OG double by Monday.
Love the TR-8S, but I really wish Roland would either make an editor for it or expand its sysex capability. There's so much under the hood hiding behind all those menus.
@@ClifBratcher YES! totally agreed
@@ClifBratcher Yeah, Roland is great at providing way too many features/settings than the interface can realistically make use of. The sheer number of parameters for some of the effects is a little ridiculous. Do I really need to adjust the reverb early reflection and diffusion rates in a TR style drum machine? No. Could I do with a non-headache-inducing way to program pitch changes for the samples? PLEASE.
Haha, another centre piece of my creativity brought into disrepute. You really should just come round my place and save yourself the hassle of any further research. 😁👍
Pics or didn't happen😂
@@AudioPilz Dear Sir, I shall happy to provide the documentary evidence requested in due course. Yours sincerely, etc etc..
Same.
Yes, I have a tabletop full of stuff that was featured! Xio synth, Rc-09, microsampler...bring on the SH-32 and EF-303 feature 😜
@@nachshonrorick It's beginning to dawn on me that music tech people are so insatiable that eventually EVERYTHING EVER MADE will eventually find itself on Bad Gear. You can guarantee even the finest bit of kit isn't good enough for somebody somewhere. You've gotta hand it to Florian, he's found a job for life. lol.
Come for the jokes and insight into gear, stay for the 90's references and sick jams.
And lol at the guy that sold this for a drumbrute.
Thanks! That one had me ROFLing too!
This guy can take any piece of gear and really make it do some awesome stuff
Thank you so much!!!
Okay I love the fact you chose the best of both worlds from TNG. This feels exactly what Roland wanted, an "analogue" experience with digital hardware.
Almost poetic!
that scutter voice over was spot on , and your show is rollercoaster of emotions!
Thank you!!!
I love mine. Got the expansion for it too.
I think it really sounds good, and has fun features, to spice up your jams.
And I love the Green accents and colored LED buttons.
Nice!
yeah. it took me a while to get over the minimalism. It is a good new take. surely lacks in some areas. On the other hand the input with sidechain is a bummer that alone can drive a whole liveset ....
The cancellation of the TR8 after the TR8s was to be expected. Still think the S bring more to the table in a studio setting, but I feel like I want a TR8, just for performance. Simplicity is sometimes just what you want, when balancing a beer, smoking a blunt and playing with your d-beam….
Waiting for the d-beam upgrade;)
Stereo in to hook up your SH-201! Go nuts! :)
My thoughts exactly! I love my 8S for the amazing features it offers, but a straightforward approach like the TR8 can really speed up one's workflow
i have a tr8 and damn i want the tr8s 2.0 update its exaclty what im missing with my tr8:o
Perfectly said. The SH-201 and this bad boy go together like peanut butter and jelly
I’ve had my TR-8 for years and JUST learned how to set the gain of individual instruments thank you!! Great video as always
Thank you!!! Gain staging is key!!!
Here I am in my office having lunch with my co-workers enjoying the stock footage of coworkers enjoying work
Co-work-ception!!!
I bought into the Aira range. I had the Tr-8, the mixer, and the TB-3 and spent many an evening jamming away. Sometimes that is the beauty of something, just fun. Yes, you could make music (ie record and master) but that was (IMHO) not what brought me joy.
The integration with the mixer seems super interesting!
@@AudioPilz It was a lot of fun...maybe look into it.
WTAF.... You had the chance but didn't mention the crunch!
When using delay number 8 put the level all the way up and tweak the time and feedback you get a lovely chruch!
I'll eat that for beakfast every day! :)
I love mine! And will never part with it.
Thanks for posting that!
The screenshot of the FX modes at 2:10 shows 'delay' number 8 and its bit crushing powers!
Wow didnt know that, so many hidden functions
My first thought was that it was very bold to go after such a relatively new piece, but having used both the TR-8 and the TR-8S extensively I agreed with every single point you made.
Thank you!!!
The highlight of my week, every week.
This and regular car reviews
Same but I think I'm growing out of it 😞❤️
Thank you so much!
I know there is something wrong in my brain when I chose to watch Bad Gear before Tour de France and Euro 2020.
Use it in your daily life to enjoy it at other days: at the first glance this lunch / excel sheet / quarterly result is ticking all the boxes :)
This video really brings the "album when?" questions to the spotlight. Absolute fantastic video, and equally fantastic audio demos.
Thank you so much! Which of the 8 requested albums are you referring to?;)
@@AudioPilz All of them. or a nice YT LP/EP of demos potentially.
Came for the reviews, stayed for the badass jams. I just stumbled across your vids a few days ago and have since binged the lot. Fantastic stuff, brother!
Thank you!!! Stick around!!!
ITS FRIDAYYYYYYYYYY HERE WE GOOOOOOO... And now, back to our scheduled show
Thanks Moog it's Friday!!!
@@AudioPilz Thanks heavens for Moog!
I never took this thing seriously until I saw it in full effect in a video by Mylarmelodies. Once I realized it's a future classic in (ugly) disguise, I bought one right away. It's really fun and still the most convenient way to add the classic Roland drum sounds to your setup.
Yup, very powerful performance tool!
what video is that ?
I've always enjoyed the green-ness of it. and the sound.
So green...
bad gear makes my fridays 🥰🥰🥰
Happy to hear that, thanks!
I got mine used and already expanded with 707 sounds. I love it! Even the Return of the Jedi black & green colour scheme does it for me. I've gone into the settings and changed the TR colours on the buttons to green also, so it's like being in a sci fi movie when I use it in low light conditions. Awesome.
I used sunglasses for the production of this episode;)
The 707 sounds upgrade are available for free or you need to pay? I am abou to buy a tr8 but unsure about this part. Appreciated!
The TR8s scatter button is one of my best friends, interesting sounds with a Roland sp404a running through it
Yup, great on external sources
The TR-8 is already a classic. It accompanied me at many performances. More versatile than you think, love it!
How you use It in a performance? I want to use It in USB mode, and put effects on It's channels. The problem Is that to use It in multitrack mode you have to use It as audio interface in ableton but i can't mute the dry sound from the drum machine (i hear ableton sounds + effected tr8 + TR8 DRY SOUND). How can i mute the dry sound, i don't want to use another audio interface because in that way i can't put different effects on every single Channel. Glad if you can help me
@@andrewfar2461 I just use the stereo out from the TR-8. If you want multitrack, you can work around with the assignable outs
Just rewatching this and I laughed out loud at the inspirational business montage.
Thank you!!!
I'm a big fan of both TR-8 and TR-8S. I actually like using the original TR-8 better live, and the TR-8S better to do more intricately programmed things. Both sound excellent. I was surprised by how much I liked them.
Roland certainly got the sound right on these
Excellent point about the new Akai MPC upgrade, I updated mine today and the new synth plugins add so much - the Solina Strings are wonderful...and all for free, well done Akai. My Bass Station II (and Citcuit) despite being long in the tooth is still admirably supported by Novation and their last update effectively turbo charged the synth. Unforgiveable that Roland want over 100usd for some samples which you would expect to have on the machine from the outset; these should at very least be offered to loyal Rolandites at a later date. I have been a Roland fan boy for many years but your excellent diatribes are helping me to see the light, cheers!
Thanks! Yup, the big name keeps them afloat
This episode is on another level, props.
Thank you!!!
Great video, as always. The TR8 as the Borg, what a beautiful way to start the episode! Resistance is Futile.
Thanks! Resistance is GROOVY!!!
@@AudioPilz I am Locutus of Borg, and I am here... to DANCE *Borg Techno Intensifies*
Sequencing this thing with an external sequencer like the Beatstep Pro over midi wil REALLY give it more depth. Also: Get a second hand one with the upgrades for 707, 727 and 606 included. They are about 300 bucks. Great value for money. I love this thing. It sounds amazing, Roland's ACB absolutely nails the sounds of their own classic drum machines. Fuck all the naysayers! :-)
Yeah, I'd love to test the 7x7 upgrade!
The "naysaying" has to do with the fact that Roland obviously felt the need to "improve" on their ACB sound quality in their boutique versions and TR 8S only two years after the TR 8 was released, without offering a way to upgrade to the new standard, despite having marketed the TR 8 as a largely expandable concept. The difference in sound between these versions is hardly noticable, the whole debate is not really about sound quality, it's about Roland raising high expectations in the longevity of the TR 8 and then making a money greedy move by replacing it. They made it look future proof, sold tons of it and then did everything to make it look unattractive and devalue it after only two years. Not cool....
Until the mk2 with better sound....
@limelight81 Oh, this thing looks like a turd, totally agree :-)
@@LousyFacelift Ah, ok, yeah, that's a dick move. I can imagine feeling cheated when you paid full retail and two years later the machine was as good as abandoned in favor of the new and shiny, by it's own creator. I have had some discussions with people who think it does not sound good, and not like the originals. But that's probably nitpicking from their side. I think it sounds great. having said that, it's a bargain second-hand for 300 bucks, including the expansions...
I had this first but upgraded to the TR8S...then I sold my TR8S... missed it and brought it again a month later. That says enough right there... it's awesome.
Very immediate machine!
I love how this show points out everything bad about a bit of gear and then makes said bit of gear sound great.
Thanks! That's the mission!!!
BEST. DRUM. MACHINE. EVER!!!!
The stock footage video was a very disturbing match to your Royalty Free Music Tracks From Only One Dollar Downtempo AF Orchestral Glo-Fi Ballad.
I definitely need a drink to recover from that!
Thanks & Cheers!!!
Hi! I recently downloaded the 7x7 pack. and while I had never played with 707 sounds before I may never stop. Definitely worth the upgrade. Also I got the tr-8 because of this video. Same with your other videos for the little Yamaha sampler and the tb-3. Overall the three make an unassuming, affordable and fun rig. Thank you Mr. BadGear. Xoxo
Thank you!!!
Having to pay £100 extra just for the 606 and 707 samples is definitely my biggest gripe with this unit. Just needless
Set the 707 free!!!
I think 606 is free with firmware update, and 707 includes 727.
@@zaksimmons6848 correct. I bought the 7x7 upgrade and got the 606 free 👍
I was expecting more drum machine updates like the CR78 but it never arrived.. They brought out the TR8S instead. Not bought any roland gear since, felt cheated and robbed lol.
They are not only samples, though. But of course it's WAY too expensive.
I want to point out that 1) I have the TR8 + 7x7 expansion; 2) I watched this video on my studio setup with Yamaha HS8 + HS8S sub and cranked it boom chika boom; and 3) my TR8 is now off the shelf and back to being played with. Thank you for relighting the fire here, Florian
Always a pleasure, thanks!
"So what did they mess up this time?".... love it!!
They always do;)
Best intro line and so true for pretty much all gear.
That is the best drum machine I ever had. 29 tracks later. It was sold so I can now use a sampler, MPCX. I was going for Mc707 or TR8s but went with a true sampler. That acb is legit
True, ACB is pretty spot on
Another great video, and another FAB Jam! Might I suggest (if you get around to it, I bet you have a LONG list by now) the Roland Verselab MV-1? A true modern conundrum of a groovebox/ drum machine/ DAWless DAW in a confusing and jumbled package? Truly worthy of a Bad Gear breakdown and demo. Thanks for the awesome videos!!!
Thanks! Great idea!!!
Yes! This would be a great video on the MV-1 ‘s shortcomings, plus all its Versatility! 😊
This channel wouldn't be half as great without your accent. Good stuff.
Thank you so much!!!
Hey love the show, I'd love to see an episode on the Yamaha QY70 as I feel it fits the general vibe of the show well. If you cant find one hit me up and I'll send you mine. Happy friday guy, thanks for the video!
Great suggestion, thanks! QYs are on the list for much too long!
What an amazing song you made with this. So warm and relaxing!
Thanks!
Got a tr-8s but I always come crawling back to the tr-8 😂. Very easy to just get into making drum loops. The tr-8s just feels overly complicated. I’m still a noob after a few years so maybe it’s me.
TR-8 is a modern classic!
Absolutely right that paid upgrade is some absolute bollocks.
Loved the show as always Florian!
Thank you!!!
I was wary of the ACB stuff from Roland when first released, having owned many of their classic pieces over the years, like many others I was hoping for some real analogue units, - but once I tried the little TR-08 Boutique, around the summer of 2018, I was really surprised. I now have 5 of the boutiques, the SH-01A, Ju-06A, TR-08, TR-06, TB-03 a TR-8s, System-8 and only recently managed to get hold of an immaculate secondhand TR-8 +expansions. With superb secondhand examples going for as cheap as £200, I couldn't resist buying the 8, - although I think I paid around £350, just to get an immaculate, as new, example...
Cool collection!!!
TR-8 is the best live performance and studio drum machine available. so versatile. It is the center piece of my live performance and studio recording tool.
Great for live performance! Really love the faders!
omg that Rebirth screenshot 😆😆
Minidisc! Ticking all the nostalgia boxes!
OK early 00’s corporate video music & stock footage is a step too far, I’m having flashbacks (good job 😆)
😂😂😂
That rebirth screenshot.....
TR8 is a great drum machine. No parameter locking but did offer complete MIDI CC control over all the parameters including scatter depth and pattern selection tuning and decay for all instruments.
That's the good thing about the midi implementation of the TR-8;)
The 707 is my most used kit on this. Also the 909 kick through distortion gets wild.
Yeah, love 707 sounds!
@@AudioPilz probably should have been free though lol
One of the best reviews I could hope to watch - thanks .
It's a very "in demand" unit these days. It's pluses outweigh it's minuses and I ALWAYS thought it's 808 and 909 emulations were dead on.
Really like the sounds too!
coupled with the full midi implementation it's a must have for X0X heads. Sequenced from the DAW it is hard to beat
Thanks for the consistently top notch content man!
Thanks for watching!
Sometimes I get worried that you're going to run out of Bad Gear to review, but then I realised that won't be a problem while Roland is still in business!
Yeah, Roland keeps this channel going!
The last jam had such a wholesome and optimistic stock music video!
🧘🏻♀️ 🧘🏻 🧘🏻♂️
As an older drummer who is mainly into EDM music I have to say I find it kind of odd how much old school electronic drum sounds still permeate most, if not all, dance music even now in 2022 some 40 years after the 808. The sounds in something like the TR-8 are barely any different from what I have in my old MC-307 Groovebox. So I have to wonder is it the fact that most EDM music makers are not actually drummers with a kit to record so this is just what they use and are used to and or is it mostly a European thing? For example, you'll find USA west coast bass music, neurofunk, future funk, etc, using a lot different and more modern, more realistic full drum sounds and samples (via DAW) and not any "OG" sounding machines like this which seem to still permeate hiphop, house, and techno. I definitely enjoy both styles but am also very surprised by how much the vintage drum machine sounds have stayed around, as again they are not that much different than their original counter-parts. Lastly, I've yet to hear any modern drum machine, synth based or sample based, including Roland drum pads like the SPD-SX or SPD-30 have any sort of modern, fuller, drum sounds. I'm 50 btw, and after a 20 year hiatus am diving back into playing as a DJ-Drummer. My IG is HydBtr.
808s are classic sounds like a Stratocaster through a Marshall. It just works.
@@AudioPilz Yes, it does but also consider that it “just works” mainly because that’s all you’ve heard for 40 years. We’ve all been conditioned to it. I’m heavily exploring new sounds with grit, dirt, glitch, detuned, gated, etc. I’ve never used drum machines much because I’ve always had real kits and also don’t really like pure electronic drum kits either. I like using triggers. I’ll be showcasing what I mean very soon. Also check out Sunhouse triggers. It’s a whole new world.
@@oldowl4290 When can it be listened to ?
Well, I've seen it a lot of times, but it really is magnificent... Those lights, the control... M8 it makes me wanna buy it
The lights can be quite annoying tbh;)
Finally discussing a machine I have
Actually not bad gear 😋
You know the drill: one man's Bad Gear;)
Welcome to my world. They got me with the MicroKorg episode. Lol
MicroKorg ES2 user here. I consider it a badge of honor to see my toys on this series.
I love my tr8. Bit upset about paying so much for 707/727/606 sounds but i end up using them way more than i thought. Pattern memory sucks but i still love it
Yeah, it's like a modern take on an oldschool drum machine
Another review on a piece of gear I own.
Nothing personal;)
Wie immer: ein sehr cooles Video! Danke dafür 🙂 Zur TR-8: Der Grundsatz "Weniger ist mehr" gilt hier für mich persönlich absolut. Rasch viel liefern ohne stundenlanges Nachlesen im Handbuch, kein Menu-Diving wie bei der TR-8S. Ich habe meine erste TR-8 verkauft, weil ich mir eine TR-8s gekauft habe. Ich wurde aber nie glücklich damit und habe meinen Entscheid, die TR-8 wegzugeben, zu tiefst bereut.
Vielen Dank!!!
Auch wenn acid ziemlich einfach zu programmieren ist ( wenn man es als erfahrener Musiker mal genau nimmt)
Aber du schüttelts mal wirklich paar coole lines hin . 👍🏻🎹🎶
Besten Dank!!!
Ahhh, a Bad Gear episode on a gear I'm looking for! Thank you for all of your videos 👌
It's been a month or so that I daily watch RUclips videos or read stuff about drum machines, I'm looking for a simple but effective drum box to have fun with, with no menu diving to do sound design. I first took a look at the Drumbrute but the sounds are not for me, it seems that I'm an other Roland drum sounds guy 😅 I found some units for 150/200 bucks with the 7x7 expansion, hard to find something to compete in that price. The Volca Drum is interesting but not sure about the knobs solidity and have enough space around for my big fingers 😅 this conclusion helps me to take the right decision 👍 have a nice day!
I'll admit the 707 expansion is a bit pricey. However, it's worth noting that the Roland ACB tech isn't samples...even on sampled based units like the 707/727, Roland also modeled the non-pristine converters and signal path of the original units.
True, but the samples are still samples (just like the few sample-based voices of the 808/909 kits) - they certainly emulate the post-digital signal path of them
@@AudioPilz Perhaps there's some additional audio voodoo going on like crosstalk or aliasing...or just to offset R&D costs, it's built into the bottom line of the product to charge for the expansion since the TR8 doesn't import samples at all.
Charging extra for little add-ons is common in software but still hardware manufacturers do this occasionally, like how Waldorf charges $100 just to enable a pitiful 60mb of sample loading into the Blofeld.
it seems they also modeled the phasing effect you get when playing snare and clap simultaneously, like on the TR-909 (where both circuits used the same noise source). apparently some people found that "annoying", but that's actually a very neat touch on roland's part.
Is it weird that i've watched some of these episodes so many times I have unwillingly memorized some dialogue? Top RUclips show
❤️❤️❤️Thanks!❤️❤️❤️
I laugh a lot with "What did they mess up this time"... Ah Roland... They were good 35 years ago...
Make Roland great again;)
@@AudioPilzis there another machine you can plug into the TR 8 for more bass like a mixer
I was looking for an 808-style drum machine remake a few months ago, and this was one of them on my "maybe buy" list. Seeing its limitations, I'm glad I stuck with the Behringer RD-8. Great video!
Behringer RD-8 is certainly a solid choice!
the voice circuits of the tr-808 aren't really complex and pretty much low part count. (easy to clone)
the TR-909 is a different story, the guy who made these circuits should be considered a hero, did you know the TR-909 kick/bass drum consist of 3 VCO's while the TR-606, TR-808 are only one.
@@AudioPilzwhy don’t you just stick your tongue straight down Uri’s trousers!
Admit it, you love Behringer!
I use my tr8 all the time. It's fun!
Agreed, super fun modern drum machine
That jam with the tr8 and blofield and company was damm good I've got an rd8 with the flam thing but you sort of killed it using that scatter👌🔥
Thanks! I really had to practice on the scatter. It's a bit unpredictable
Love the show, still want you to track down a zoom street box drum machine!
Hell yeah, I just got a RT-123 RhythmTrax. It would be sick to see it on here!!
Thanks for the suggestion! I still have to find enough hate for it;)
That little scatter jam in the middle is one of your best yet
Thank you!!!
"bald claim" - LMAO!! :D :D
wether it was intentional or not - made my day!
Who knows;)
Your videos, as well as your musical demonstrations are still as cult !!!
Danke, dass du mich zum Träumen bringen musst, mein Freund. 👍
Merci beaucoup!!!
Behringer is waking up Roland to create new unique instruments, one classic at a time.. thankfully The Matrix colour scheme didn't lure me into grabbing one of these. My volca drum still keeps me very happy to this day as a percussion/tone generator.
You look so futuristic in a turtle neck
Turtle neck & chain!!! ;)
lol, Behringer isn't doing anything but rummaging around in Roland's closet. Roland has always innovated their products they never look back it's why they haven't gone back to analog but instead perfect technology to make a more efficient version of it with ACB tech. The TR8 was impressive as it had everything you could want from an 808 but when they made the TR8S they pretty much gave you all of Rolands best offerings in one box that covers it all.
@@187onasimp calling a company innovative for doing nothing much for the past 25 years but putting samples of their glorious past into yet another plastic box, may be a bit bold. It's like a news outlet that goes from paper to web in a bid to stay current, but then keeps printing the exact same articles every year. The super saw was the hoarse last breath from a company with more to look back on than to look forward to. I know that's an over the top statement, but it's the comment section of bad gear and all in fun 😀
@@smts0243 Oh the horror, a company using their own IP in newer products! BTW those are not samples, but emulation of the analog circuits. You can tweak parameters you can’t on sample boxes, and they sound good.
@@lumer2b oh the innovation. Totally new sonic experiences 😁
The lastest version updated tr8s is a incredible machine for the price...it was a instant classic imo
I've yet to try the "S", very interesting
I like the TR8, but it definitely felt a little sour when they made a TR8S instead of making more updates for the TR8 firmware. The 7X7 upgrade was only discounted once too, and I missed that opportunity and ended up giving them the full price when it sounded like they would take that upgrade off the market (it eventually reappeared on the Roland Cloud for the same price). In the end, I think the TR6S ended up being a good half-step companion for those of us that didn't sell our TR8 when the TR8S came around, and I'm pretty happy with my decision.
You can get two bars out of it by holding both the A and B button simultaneously by the way, will play both the A and B parts in sequence.
Thanks for the clarification!
Yeah, my feelings exactly. I was lucky to get the tr8 with the expansions 2nd hand but after the release of the tr8s I sold it and never looked back. I bought the mc101 and tr6s recently and that duo ticks all my traveling boxes 👍
The TR8 is a wonderful piece of gear! It's so unroland like when it comes to the workflow! It just works!! Very Well! Shocked 😮! And pleased!
Shocking indeed!
The Tr8 is a stonecold classic.
I've had two units and will soon be getting another.
Full midi CC control and the sound is what makes it special to me.
The sequencer of the TR8 is the biggest drawback but I easily work around that.
Yeah, great with a digitakt or Beatstep Pro
Nice! Just received my TR-8S today and was thinking the TR-8 might be a worthy contender for your show…. et voilà! Well done!
Thanks! Always on time!
7:27 hahaha you nailed it with the "inspirational" corporate videos lmao
727 time stamp?
@@gasolineandwine wdym
@@annee1272 727 as in Roland TR-727 😎
Thank you!!! They're a constant PITA;)
I can feel the synergy.
I own a TR8 with the 707 and 606 expansions. They are not samples of the xox but modeled versions, using ACB technology, hence the cost, I believe... I still use mine for go to 808/909/707/727/606 sounds. I'd swap it now for a TR8S given the choice. 😎👍
ski-ba-bop-ba-dop-bop, I'm the scatter man
Hit record material;)
SchizZzz going everywhere
i CAN SEE WHY YOUR CHANNEL IS SO POPULAR. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for watching!
I got mine recently - love it, but agree re the expansion pack - this is ridiculous. I'm going to buy a 2nd hand Behringer RD6 and a 1st hand takeaway curry instead.
Mmmmmh, takeaway curry...
behringer build quality is a joke!! Cheapest materials on the earth.
Ahhhh... I see what you did there with the episode thumbnail and TNG. Well played.
Thanks!!! Classic color scheme!
The first drum machine that implements paid downloable content.... Roland always one step ahead !
The EA of gear;)
I just glue the EPROMs to the case.
😂😂
Bought the TR8 Aira some months ago, for 180 euros, in pristine condition.
I have a real TR909 to compare, and honestly, i can't tell the difference...
I love these faders, the interated effects, the TR8 is SIMPLE, and it works.
At the time, when they released it, a TR8 Aira for 500 euros was not cheap and isn't worht the price, too expensive.
But nowadays, used condition, perfect, the weight is nice, external quality too, it's like a Swiss knife for me, i take it with my TR707 in all my Techno Livesets, and the TR8 never let me down.
The TR8S is more advanced, but too complicated, too many presets and functions inside, it's more a groovebox than a DrumMachine...
So if you like the simplicity of the TR Serie, buy a TR8 Aira ;)
Great content and video, as usual!
Greetings from France
Great find!!!
From the Digitakt bad review, I know that I can find all my favourite gear being destroyed here. What will be next ? My OP-1 ??? My Octatrack ???? My Moog Sirin ??? :))))
This machine surprises me because it can be a centerpiece in a small, fast and low-cost setup, perfect for beginners or users that try avoid features overload. The stereo input can be switched to two mono inputs, the effects and sidechain are not high quality, but are really fun.
Obviously, you can find better machines, but i find this workflow very enjoyable for a casual jam setup. The worst thing is the 120 usd you must pay for 7x7 expansion.
Three great suggestions;) Thanks!
Op-1 should have a video.
that footage of a guy putting a white square in a frame up next to a photo of you on a white wall - love it :D
Thanks!
I never went so low to buy this, especially considering it's original retail price, an absurd amount of money for a digital TR wannabe drum synth. Just got the MC-101, it's fine, but I'm not so convinced yet by 21st century Roland, especially regarding their costly Zenology patch editor. They keep on with this stupid charge-for-add-on-software policy. Why is Elektron so hard to copy? I just don't get R&D teams in this industry.
I don't think it's the R&D people's fault...
@@AudioPilz I agree some decisions have to do with commercial strategies, but also some implementation aspects are purely lack of live electronic playing experience, and also this idea of launching products that aren't fully finished yet to make R&D cheaper and more effective using free community intelligence, although sometimes you wonder what kind of people is sending their opinions...
I'm a simple musician! I see bad Gear video release, I watch it! Thanks!!!
Thank you so much!
You really like the TB-3 though, despite the weird touch display it‘s in a lot of your videos ;)
I certainly do. It really grew on me!
I'll take "Things I did not expect to see here" for 500! :D Thanks for the episode as always and have a nice weekend! ❤️
Thanks❤️
I skipped asap to 07:25 : Royalty Free Music Tracks from only one dollar downtempo Orchestral AF Glo-Fi Ballad 🚀
Now you watch the entire episode, don't you?;)
@@AudioPilz Of course..👍🚀. .. Ready for BadGearflix... How about a Video of Korg Triton taktile? , this is really the worst user interface i ever had... Or maybe a Behringer (any Synth/Drum) Edition but this will probably divide the viewers 😅... Cheers from Vancouver
This is a great instrument :) Very nice, programmable, and sound manipulation. I may look in to this one:) Great video my friend
Thank you!!!
ahhh my fridaily dosis of gear pr0n.
Mmmmmh, I like pr0n;)
@@AudioPilz oh yeah ;)
Despite having reverted back to being a metal guitarist ,your channel is one of my favorites and as they would say in Swiss German but with bad spelling, " Du bisch e geile siech" which strangely keeps me hoping that they never stop making bad gear .
Thanks! I'm pretty sure we will never run out of Bad Gear!
I'm still waiting for an analog 808 clone that doesn't involve giving Behringer money.
Have you tried a Miami?
The Behringer synths are excellent
Buy used behringer gear :p its like buying a second hand fur scarf no harm is done in capitalist terms
What do you have against Behringer? This should be fascinating.
Damn, I leave 2 weeks or so and have already 3 episodes to watch !
I'm glad you keep making those in the summer but I still hope you enjoy some sort of vacation !