I find it hilarious that some Japanese wizard tried to make a drum machine to accompany slightly embarrassing uncles on their home organs and people playing crap covers in izakayas but inadvertently made a perfect techno/electro machine
They also have the studio in mind, Ryuichi Sakamoto and his matte from YMO use it on there album name BGM also Yukihiro Takahashi the drummer made a solo album with it, Marvin Gaye was so hyped about the sound of the demo made by is Belgian producer that he entirely use as a brand new sound for he's album ( Midnight Lover ) the rest is History many more use this machine for is wierd sound.
@@craigmoran893 To be fair, many say the Tb-03 is better than the original. (Similar circuit board with more features) I think you can still hax rewire and get their digital 303 emulation. The linux nerd form is kinda solid...they call it the 302 lol. I think the icon is lllama lol
Got mine in 1991, with a flycase, manual and plastic overlay from the equivalent of todays 100€, still here, still working flawlessly. Great video as always.
Ahhhh I miss the days of contacting music control audio services in the late ‘90’s, advertised in the back of future music magazine….. that’s where I got all my analogue gear from….. including my tr606, tr909, tr808, tb303, mc202, sh101, moog prodigy, ms20 & sq10….. all dirt cheap and fully serviced & warrantied! I still have everything too! Man you’re a legend🤘
goldbaby has the best collection of 808, 909, and DMX sample packs. They got raw and processed in every way, through MPC 60s, SP1200s, written to vinyl then recorded, reel to reel, through every sort of sampler, etc. Love that company.
It's funny when you watch the actual product demonstration videos from the time and discover how different the manufacturer's vision was compared to how they wound up being used! I've got a bunch of Korg product videos and they're hilarious.
I can't afford the real deal right now, so I "settled" for a TR8S I got for cheap second hand and been having a blast since I got the machine. Discovered the real joy of using a TR style sequencer to actually perform on and not just sequence. I'd like to get some of the originals from the TR line when I have the opportunity as I used them in the form of samples and my TR8S all the time. This video gives me some ideas to try with my drum machine.
TR-8S is so close and brings so many conveniences. It's imho the best drum machine Roland have ever made. Wonderful though the OGs are of course, I wouldn't want to give up the 8S for one.
As a Roland user since 1987, this gave me lots of nostalgic feels. Tweaking effects off individual outs all night and all day getting one of a kind sounds was the most fun ever. I real appreciate that you gave the boutique it’s due respect. It actually is quite amazing how great it is. I had the TR-8 and TR-6. Which ended up being my two favorite drum machines I’ve ever owned. I ended up selling them and getting the TR-8s which does all the sounds and is a monster but it hasn’t yet charmed me like the TR-8 and TR-6 did.
Whooped de doo, good for you! Seriously though, good for you! You deserve it! I would love to have the original Roland TR-808 but at this time I am making due with the RD-8. Excellent hardware clone for the value and with all the connectivity as the original, plus Midi in, out and thru. I also run it through effects pedals and processors. Some much fun! Oh, and using it in conjunction with the Keystep Pro has been a lot of fun too! Do the best with what you have! Just keep making music, friends! Thanks for the inspiration as always, Alex!
Great demo, Alex. You really show what this machine can do, using the individual outs going into separate efx is brilliant, changes the sound of the 808 out of all recognition. Happy for you that you got such a mint unit! Cheers Mike
I could hear so many different snippets of 80s/90s tracks in the opening intro. Another brilliant video, and congratulations on finding a piece of music production history!!
One of the most used and explored machine…and you can easily throw to us 10 different interesting demos. You are the phisical demontration that the real difference is built by the user, not really by the machine. Bravo Alex, keep up the good work!!!
Yes, they are very good, aren't they? I'd love a "real" one, but just can't afford one. There are plenty of software clones, but you can't beat analog hardware.
The Cyclone Analogic TT-78 is a fantastic machine too. It’s an analog machine modeled after the CR-78 (you can edit the sounds and the programmer is one of the best in a step-type drum machine). It has a heavier sound than the original 78, more like an 808, especially the kick. Great for techno.
Reminds me of the 'good' old days of trawling through sample CDs for various bonks, doinks, and plonks from machines like this... all good stuff. I do love a drum machine with loads of outputs. I used to chain two of the sample slots on my Casio RZ-1 to put a sampled kick into, and the other two slots for a snare. The Casio's own were pants, but the hats, toms, and clap were really useable. Went well alongside the Roland stuff for a different texture.
I absolutely hated my tr08. USB power sucks, tiny audio outputs suck, the tiny form factor sucks, and mine was slightly bent so it never sat flat on a table
Yes, you are incline in Roland Everything. Your take on history of Roland it's Pro level as saying goes "Pros makes things look easy " This drum machine it's legendary as you are GOAT. Just waiting for your take on Arturia. Godspeed Alex.
@@EphemeralProductions Not exactly I remember hearing the 808 fully around 1982, check Duran Duran Rio album and you can hear the 808 in a few songs, especially "The Chauffeur".
Wow It’s a great joy to see how much you’re growing and developing as an artist/musician/synthesist Alex!! The level of sophistication and complexity you bring in your videos demonstrates how well you know these instruments and their full capabilities beyond just pressing play on a box Congrats Keep it up
Thanks very much. I do enjoy exploring the depths of these machines, I think the simplicity of them actually makes you want to do that, where more complex stuff is off putting. Thanks for the support, much appreciated.
@@dielaughing73 Let's cross our fingers. I bet Geert will be aroused by the punchy sound of the 808. I hope Geert cums quickly from his vacation so he can record a video for us.
I recently finished building an RE-808 using vintage parts. There really isn't anything like it. Samples don't really cut it sometimes. Great video as usual
@@AlexBallMusic Naah, he would be nodding his head in appreciation! Did you record that cover purely for that tiny clip? That's dedication right there. Hopefully you'll release it for our consumption!?
Dear god that demo #3 is just straight NASTY. You’re the master of this glitchy funk - highly inspiring. Do some tutorials on that sometimes, and release more music (on vinyl)!
lol. you had me with the comparison with the boutique I was about to type, but I can't hear a difference, then you let on you were joking.. phew :).. thought I needed new ears... :)
So when are we seeing one of these in Bad Gear? I'm only semi-joking, as the 808 was a bit of a failure when Roland released it, cheaper than the digitally sampled Linn that everyone really wanted, but still quite expensive and very analogue.
@@AlexBallMusic It's the 1st thing that popped into my head when i saw it. Meanwhile i'm saving up for something entirely different a Fender Rhodes 88 Stage Piano
Congratulations! Good to see that this machine didn't end up in a museum! Thank you for the excellent demos and the nonsense-free evaluation of the TR-08 🙂
Ah, the Roland TR-808, a beat-bouncing box that bravely broke barriers and boldly birthed bass-heavy bangers. Before becoming a backbone in beats from hip-hop to house, this drum dynamo was deemed a disaster, a commercial calamity that couldn’t cut it with conventional crowds. Yet, this radical rhythm ranger rebounded, rising from retail ruin to rhythmic royalty. Today, its booms and baps are a staple in sound studios, making it the darling of drum digits. From its unintentional underground uprising to topping the techno tables, the TR-808 turned from a beat bust to a cult classic, pulsing at the heart of platters that matter. Truly, a tale of tempo triumph!
Im sorry but I do hear a difference between the real thing and the boutique and cant understand why 40 years later not only sounds worst but they dont even try to make it sound equal, the snare is the most obvious one , I got some clones of the 808 and 909 and the real thing is unbeatable, I wish it didnt, I wish...
Sounds incredibly similar in the flesh. I probably just need to match the tuning of the snare better. Another thing is that 808s sound different to one another. I've recorded several and I always sample them and they're all different. The boutique is as different to me as one 808 to the next.
Love everything about this video. These old school acid electro sounds are absolutely ace! Feeling inspired to get out my RD-8 and try out some of these fun experiments. Thank you!
Congratulations Alex! I had the chance to purchase one for myself three years ago and I still can’t believe it. A dream come true! Great video as usual :)
Sounds fantastic. I think this is a noticeable upgrade over the drum machines you usually use. It goes perfectly with your style. I hope you use the 808 exclusively on your next album
nothing will ever tickle my ears like a 808 snare with the tone all the way down. It's so good. I've done so many attempts at re-creating it digitally, and i can't ever do it.
Im delighted that Alex is delighted. As THE Roland guy on synth RUclips this has to be one of the big ones to tick off your list, and good explaining how it could be processed (has given me a few ideas about recreating a similar rack in my DAW). Edit: get in touch with Geert to do a Sexual Healing cover, that was such a dope teaser!
Congratulations! It's rather surprising that your studio didn't have a TR-808 yet. I believe this TR-808 has found its best owner. The sound of it seemed happy, too; you made it sound so lively and cheerful. I wish TR-808 had finger drumming capability for you to perform (same with TR-08 for that matter). If you find a good workaround, let us know.
Thanks! The sound certainly made me happy. TR-808/08 - you can hit the tap/fill-in button on the far right and play patterns in live. It's only one sound at a time, but it's the closest thing to finger drumming.
I love the sound of that Roland Boutique unit, I have had an 808 for the better part of 30 years and the boutique (and even cloud) sounds great to me. I am still more of a TR-909 chap however, great video as always, really enjoyed it.
Excellent. I miss mine constantly,such fun units. I’ll prob grab the boutique at some point,but I REALLY want to put together a Dinsync Re-808. One of the secrets with the analog ones is: Don’t sample just individual sounds,sample WHOLE loops out of it,because that’s part of where the magic is. The way the internal sequencer triggers the sounds is part of what takes it to a whole other level. Organic triggering and timing barely within the limits of acceptability? Maybe so,I’m not sure.😅 But the sound of the whole unit chugging along is in a class of its own for sure.⚡️
Congratulations on your new toy. I think you're spot on in terms of playability and processing. That hands on approach is what makes drum machines come to life. That's not just true for the 808, but for pretty much any drum machine that allows you to tweak things in real time.
I have a system80 880, it’s awesome-also has additional features the real one doesn’t have like external triggering of all instruments (with the case or add on module, which I have) or the ability to stack parts 1 and 2 on a 16 step cycle, both of which give you results you could never have known the vintage unit. At the moment I’m making a track with different outs being sent to different eurorack processors-a Cwejman MBC for the high hats and snare, BD to a germanium VCA, and some sends out to spring reverbs, tape delay..there are so many tonal possibilities in there without introducing real melody, I totally agree.
It's a classic for a reason. I liked the way bits of it were used for specific sounds into the mid to late 80s. Paul Hardcastle used it to crisp up "19" and "The Wizard". SAW used it all the time for the rimshot and cowbell to balance out the 727 and 707 especially on Mel and Kim.
@@kennymd2488yeah they did use the Linn 9000 with custom Roms later but they definitely used the 707 . We were copying their sound in anal detail back in 1986 . Listen to the 12” UK version of Respectable and the UK original 12” of showing out . I’ve also got interviews from the era talking about it .
@@El--Grimaldi "Respectable" I remember very well, because in 1987 I bought the 12" picture-mix; however I searched on YT for all the mixes and extended versions, and also those of "Showing Out", and I found a lot of Linn sound, cowbells, rim shots and claps from the 808, several sounds from the 727 and the classic Simmons synth tom, but no sounds from the 707. In fact I don't remember ever hearing 707 sounds in any SAW production, but I must say that many songs they have produced I haven't listened to, yet...
@@kennymd2488 Yes I bought the UK 12" which is now on Spotify which had the extended version on side A and the Extra Beats version on the other. They often layered their drums sounds and I remember reading an interview with Mike Stock that they put the 707 kick underneath everything . Anyway, my point was about the 808, not to argue the toss on our respective memories .
You've made me doubt if I really love the 909 more... Thanks, for the amazing video and performance too. :) And the way you're holding it like the precious baby it is lmao XD
I find it hilarious that some Japanese wizard tried to make a drum machine to accompany slightly embarrassing uncles on their home organs and people playing crap covers in izakayas but inadvertently made a perfect techno/electro machine
They also have the studio in mind, Ryuichi Sakamoto and his matte from YMO use it on there album name BGM also Yukihiro Takahashi the drummer made a solo album with it, Marvin Gaye was so hyped about the sound of the demo made by is Belgian producer that he entirely use as a brand new sound for he's album ( Midnight Lover ) the rest is History many more use this machine for is wierd sound.
Man I'll just never get tired of a good 303+808/909 jam
the 303 sound - is so badass.
@@craigmoran893 To be fair, many say the Tb-03 is better than the original. (Similar circuit board with more features)
I think you can still hax rewire and get their digital 303 emulation. The linux nerd form is kinda solid...they call it the 302 lol. I think the icon is lllama lol
Llama hahaha (yamaha)
@@py_a_thon Haha, ill just have just make it from what i have laying around, ive got one of those dinky Virus Tis, somewhere
@@py_a_thon The TB-03 is digital so the circuit is not similar
Got mine in 1991, with a flycase, manual and plastic overlay from the equivalent of todays 100€, still here, still working flawlessly. Great video as always.
Excellent. A lifelong relationship.
It couldn't have gone to a better home. Great job!
If anyone on earth deserves an 808 - that's you Alex 🙂 - have fun and show us, please!!!
Thank you!
An 808 couldn't be in better hands.
The thoughts of our house exactly...
3 M-185’s!!!
Also, congrats on your 808, looks better then mine. Sounds almost the same, though.
Bringing new meaning to "Four on the floor"🤣
You've got to ground your electronics, right?
Yep. Pay that. 👍
@@AlexBallMusic Never play a guitar or electro anything in a puddle of water lol.
If you are ground, then water is fire.
Whoa that Stalactite/Stalagmite demo is KILLER. Last few measures holy smokes. Well done!
Fun fact: you can remember that geological function via a memetic device.
StalaCtite/StalaGmite.
Ceiling.
Ground.
I mean, it's in the title. The most famous drum machine of all time. Awesome stuff!
Ahhhh I miss the days of contacting music control audio services in the late ‘90’s, advertised in the back of future music magazine….. that’s where I got all my analogue gear from….. including my tr606, tr909, tr808, tb303, mc202, sh101, moog prodigy, ms20 & sq10….. all dirt cheap and fully serviced & warrantied! I still have everything too! Man you’re a legend🤘
Magic times. Congratulations on the full set!
Before Dr.
Evil's miniature 123 twin.
Also, I like how you are caressing it lovingly in your arms when you're intro'ing a section of the video on the mic
I carry it around like Grogu.
goldbaby has the best collection of 808, 909, and DMX sample packs. They got raw and processed in every way, through MPC 60s, SP1200s, written to vinyl then recorded, reel to reel, through every sort of sampler, etc. Love that company.
Never heard of it.
Is it good?
@@soaribb32 I doubt he loves it cause it's bad
@@defcreator187 if you can afford the real deal, if not, then for sample collections you can’t go wrong with Goldbaby, or Samples from Mars
Samples From Mars is great for one-shots of classic drum machines too
@@defcreator187 agreed but I prefer buying the vintage samplers than the sound sources. Hiphop is a different animal.
Man, these demo example tunes are just killllller - well done, Alex.
And this, my friends, is why Alex is the GOAT!
And for those who don't know what GOAT means, it is: Greatest Of All Time! :)
@@simonsays335 Greatest what of all time?
Greatest Synthesist
@@moneydoctor OK, I'll throw out all of my hundreds of electronic music albums now... 😃
Gigging On A TR-808
Legendary! If your videos fell through a time warp back to the 1980s they'd be such a great advert for Roland.
It's funny when you watch the actual product demonstration videos from the time and discover how different the manufacturer's vision was compared to how they wound up being used!
I've got a bunch of Korg product videos and they're hilarious.
I can't afford the real deal right now, so I "settled" for a TR8S I got for cheap second hand and been having a blast since I got the machine. Discovered the real joy of using a TR style sequencer to actually perform on and not just sequence. I'd like to get some of the originals from the TR line when I have the opportunity as I used them in the form of samples and my TR8S all the time. This video gives me some ideas to try with my drum machine.
Good machine, the TR-8S - you haven't settled, you've got a keeper. I've got the OG TR-8 and it's really good for live performance.
Yep, the TR8S is great. The sequencing paradigm is one that's stuck ever since 1980. It just works for live interaction as you say.
TR-8S is so close and brings so many conveniences. It's imho the best drum machine Roland have ever made. Wonderful though the OGs are of course, I wouldn't want to give up the 8S for one.
As a Roland user since 1987, this gave me lots of nostalgic feels. Tweaking effects off individual outs all night and all day getting one of a kind sounds was the most fun ever. I real appreciate that you gave the boutique it’s due respect. It actually is quite amazing how great it is. I had the TR-8 and TR-6. Which ended up being my two favorite drum machines I’ve ever owned. I ended up selling them and getting the TR-8s which does all the sounds and is a monster but it hasn’t yet charmed me like the TR-8 and TR-6 did.
As someone who listens to a lot of analog minimal / coldwave, this tickles my brain just right
Something so perfect about some choice analogue machines grooving away.
@@AlexBallMusic Swag
You're one of possibly 8 RUclipsrs I admire musically.
Surely 808 RUclipsrs? 😜
@@AlexBallMusic nope, it's split evenly between some jazz and funk musicians and electronic musicians :)
I agree. He’s a great balance of musicality, knowledge, humility and approachability.
Whooped de doo, good for you! Seriously though, good for you! You deserve it! I would love to have the original Roland TR-808 but at this time I am making due with the RD-8. Excellent hardware clone for the value and with all the connectivity as the original, plus Midi in, out and thru. I also run it through effects pedals and processors. Some much fun! Oh, and using it in conjunction with the Keystep Pro has been a lot of fun too! Do the best with what you have! Just keep making music, friends! Thanks for the inspiration as always, Alex!
So much fierce, wonky, wnderful melodic electro happening here. I hope you release it all, Alex.
Your knowledge of buttons and knobs never cease to amaze me.
The Best TR 808 demo on YT by far
WOAUWW !! You where really overflowing with inspiration on this video !
Thank you!
Damn Dude... What a great demo... of a classic drum machine! Well Done...
That opening salvo, utter filth!!
It's the sort of dirty we only wish we could find in our partners. Love it!
Great demo, Alex. You really show what this machine can do, using the individual outs going into separate efx is brilliant, changes the sound of the 808 out of all recognition.
Happy for you that you got such a mint unit!
Cheers
Mike
Thanks! I was hoping to get that across, so I'm glad it was clear. So many ways to go!
Thanks for the support.
Inspirational stuff... I'm bringing my old 808 out of retirement and resurrecting it in pride of place.
I could hear so many different snippets of 80s/90s tracks in the opening intro.
Another brilliant video, and congratulations on finding a piece of music production history!!
Bloody fresh jam, just proves there still new sounds to be had it of the old 808, or Behringer RD8 ;-)
One of the most used and explored machine…and you can easily throw to us 10 different interesting demos. You are the phisical demontration that the real difference is built by the user, not really by the machine. Bravo Alex, keep up the good work!!!
Thanks!
Damn I enjoyed the whole video plus that outro jam was bonkers! Thank you for this one, Alex!
Love seeing Alex like a kid in a sweet shop playing with his new favourite toy.
For affordability i got myself the berhinger clone now i can integrate the odd synth in with it. Excellent video and demonstration ❤
Yep, fair enough. I heard one once in the flesh, sounded really good.
Yes, they are very good, aren't they? I'd love a "real" one, but just can't afford one. There are plenty of software clones, but you can't beat analog hardware.
Same, as a replacement for one I sold thirty years ago. The Behringer is an excellent machine.
Yes very good machine. Even Jeff Mills is using it live with "Tomorrow Comes the Harvest"!
The Cyclone Analogic TT-78 is a fantastic machine too. It’s an analog machine modeled after the CR-78 (you can edit the sounds and the programmer is one of the best in a step-type drum machine). It has a heavier sound than the original 78, more like an 808, especially the kick. Great for techno.
can't go wrong with a tr-808 😊 really enjoying your demos with odd time signatures and quirky soundscapes!
Reminds me of the 'good' old days of trawling through sample CDs for various bonks, doinks, and plonks from machines like this... all good stuff. I do love a drum machine with loads of outputs. I used to chain two of the sample slots on my Casio RZ-1 to put a sampled kick into, and the other two slots for a snare. The Casio's own were pants, but the hats, toms, and clap were really useable. Went well alongside the Roland stuff for a different texture.
Ah, a good old doink dive and bonk binge. Excellent.
Don't think I've ever seen a Casio RZ-1. Will have to find a demo and hear what it sounds like.
Not forgetting the plonk plunge...
I'm still doing that by extracting old sample CDs and seeing what hidden gems of samples I can find. Quite fun re-using old samples in a new way :)
The comparison with the Boutique 13:33 really had me going for a bit.
Thought I'd start with the stereotypical response and then sweep the rug. 😉
I absolutely hated my tr08. USB power sucks, tiny audio outputs suck, the tiny form factor sucks, and mine was slightly bent so it never sat flat on a table
Yes, you are incline in Roland Everything.
Your take on history of Roland it's Pro level as saying goes "Pros makes things look easy "
This drum machine it's legendary as you are GOAT.
Just waiting for your take on Arturia.
Godspeed Alex.
The most iconic and used of the 1980s. ❤️❤️. With the linndrum right behind. Love them both! ❤️
Is was iconic in the 80'S at some degree but 90% of the songs in the 80'S were Linn LM-1, Linndrum and Oberheim DMX.
@@carlosserrano3985 it was used especially from 1985 onward
@@defcreator187 yep. 1983 or 84
@@EphemeralProductions Not exactly I remember hearing the 808 fully around 1982, check Duran Duran Rio album and you can hear the 808 in a few songs, especially "The Chauffeur".
Wow
It’s a great joy to see how much you’re growing and developing as an artist/musician/synthesist Alex!!
The level of sophistication and complexity you bring in your videos demonstrates how well you know these instruments and their full capabilities beyond just pressing play on a box
Congrats
Keep it up
Thanks very much. I do enjoy exploring the depths of these machines, I think the simplicity of them actually makes you want to do that, where more complex stuff is off putting.
Thanks for the support, much appreciated.
With such awesome tracks you made Alex, I can't even begin to imagine what would Geert van Schlanger do with his 808.
We'll have to see if Alex lets Geert get his slippery fingers on it
@@dielaughing73 Let's cross our fingers. I bet Geert will be aroused by the punchy sound of the 808. I hope Geert cums quickly from his vacation so he can record a video for us.
I recently finished building an RE-808 using vintage parts. There really isn't anything like it. Samples don't really cut it sometimes. Great video as usual
And Alex was just dying to get a bit of Marvin in LOL 🤣
I think Marvin rolled in his grave at that moment. 😜
@@AlexBallMusic Naah, he would be nodding his head in appreciation! Did you record that cover purely for that tiny clip? That's dedication right there. Hopefully you'll release it for our consumption!?
@@TheDavidPooleI did indeed record that entirely for one silly joke.
You have to commit to these things. 😉
That’s the best 808 production I’ve heard in a long time. BRAVO ALEX 👌
Everyone needs an 808 😎
Dear god that demo #3 is just straight NASTY. You’re the master of this glitchy funk - highly inspiring. Do some tutorials on that sometimes, and release more music (on vinyl)!
Cheers. I'm going to do a studio tour video where I talk about how things are setup.
lol. you had me with the comparison with the boutique I was about to type, but I can't hear a difference, then you let on you were joking.. phew :).. thought I needed new ears... :)
Still getting comments about the "huge difference" though. Sounds the same to me, yep.
u are definitely one of the greatest music educators on the internet good work please never stop
Let them Eat Static
That's a brilliant joke.
Ouch
You're my favorite music RUclipsr. I love your knowledge and even more, your sense of humor.
Thank you!
First!!!!
So when are we seeing one of these in Bad Gear? I'm only semi-joking, as the 808 was a bit of a failure when Roland released it, cheaper than the digitally sampled Linn that everyone really wanted, but still quite expensive and very analogue.
Brilliant channel, absolute gold dust. Dare you to even get withing the gravity of a Mattel Synsonics!
''Give it up give it for the 808''
Good memory!
@@AlexBallMusic It's the 1st thing that popped into my head when i saw it. Meanwhile i'm saving up for something entirely different a Fender Rhodes 88 Stage Piano
Congratulations! Good to see that this machine didn't end up in a museum! Thank you for the excellent demos and the nonsense-free evaluation of the TR-08 🙂
Ah, the Roland TR-808, a beat-bouncing box that bravely broke barriers and boldly birthed bass-heavy bangers. Before becoming a backbone in beats from hip-hop to house, this drum dynamo was deemed a disaster, a commercial calamity that couldn’t cut it with conventional crowds. Yet, this radical rhythm ranger rebounded, rising from retail ruin to rhythmic royalty. Today, its booms and baps are a staple in sound studios, making it the darling of drum digits. From its unintentional underground uprising to topping the techno tables, the TR-808 turned from a beat bust to a cult classic, pulsing at the heart of platters that matter. Truly, a tale of tempo triumph!
Thanks, ChatGPT !
@@DoctorNemmo You caught me! Just don’t tell anybody else, OK?
Always avoid alliteration.
He’s back! And that introductory acid jam is as good as anything the master Luke Vibert et al might produce. Top job, Alex. 👍🏻
Im sorry but I do hear a difference between the real thing and the boutique and cant understand why 40 years later not only sounds worst but they dont even try to make it sound equal, the snare is the most obvious one , I got some clones of the 808 and 909 and the real thing is unbeatable, I wish it didnt, I wish...
Sounds incredibly similar in the flesh. I probably just need to match the tuning of the snare better.
Another thing is that 808s sound different to one another. I've recorded several and I always sample them and they're all different. The boutique is as different to me as one 808 to the next.
@@AlexBallMusic thats true, you could have 3 original 808s and would sound different, by the way congratulations for your 808, it is truly a gem
3:07 I love how you bridged a "Minneapolis sound" (Prince, even tho' we're talking Linn Drum here) and Japan. Delightful. 💙
Daft Ball
So frikkin talented. musically, synth wise, presentation, composing, video tech etc.. etc.. and hugely entertaining :)
Thank you very much, that's really kind of you.
I was very excited to see the MPC sitting behind you! I'm glad to hear there will be a video.
Absolutely. Deserves the full video treatment.
Fuck yeah! I’m so stoked for you about this. You SHOULD own a proper TR-808.
Thanks!
I don’t think I’ve seen or heard anything quite so impressive as this on YT. Thanks! 🙏🏻
Cheers!
Congratulations on that sweet purchase!
She looks in mint condition 🎉
That groove starting at the 2:47 mark is an INSTANT banger!
Your videos r so good mate, so impressive. This and the prodigy deep dive into the synth/leads r my faves so far 🖤🖤🖤
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed them.
Really happy for you ! 808 vibes are always perfect for finding inspiration.
Your demo titles are top tier 😂. And also they sound good
Great video! Love the TR-808 classic! 🥁 🤖
Love everything about this video. These old school acid electro sounds are absolutely ace! Feeling inspired to get out my RD-8 and try out some of these fun experiments. Thank you!
Cheers! Glad the video has encouraged some exploration.
Congratulations Alex! I had the chance to purchase one for myself three years ago and I still can’t believe it. A dream come true! Great video as usual :)
Congratulations on yours too!
@@AlexBallMusic Thanks! Enjoy :)
Oliver & Ramon give this one their seal of approval.
606, 707, 808 and 909 are all glorious in their own ways. The OG boxes are special, obviously, but the TR-8S does it all and very well.
Great Tr8-S ❤
the outro Jam is fire!!!
Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us, Alex!
I’m happy to see you obtain a dream machine!
For me the equivalent would be the SP1200.
Sounds fantastic. I think this is a noticeable upgrade over the drum machines you usually use. It goes perfectly with your style. I hope you use the 808 exclusively on your next album
nothing will ever tickle my ears like a 808 snare with the tone all the way down. It's so good. I've done so many attempts at re-creating it digitally, and i can't ever do it.
Congrats on obtaining that 808 Alex! It's a great piece to own.
Cheers! Waited for many years, but it finally happened. I'm over the moon.
This was a proper goosebump extravaganza! Alex, you are amazing! ❤
Thanks!
Im delighted that Alex is delighted. As THE Roland guy on synth RUclips this has to be one of the big ones to tick off your list, and good explaining how it could be processed (has given me a few ideas about recreating a similar rack in my DAW).
Edit: get in touch with Geert to do a Sexual Healing cover, that was such a dope teaser!
Thanks very much, appreciate it!
And yes, Geert may yet get his hands on the 808, or the 8008 as he calls it.
You killed it with this one.
Cheers!
(13:02) I love how you were pointing at the machine’s identifying how similar they sound to each other 😂. Great stuff so far ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I should have pointed to the wrong one to confused people. 😜
Congratulations! It's rather surprising that your studio didn't have a TR-808 yet. I believe this TR-808 has found its best owner. The sound of it seemed happy, too; you made it sound so lively and cheerful.
I wish TR-808 had finger drumming capability for you to perform (same with TR-08 for that matter). If you find a good workaround, let us know.
Thanks! The sound certainly made me happy.
TR-808/08 - you can hit the tap/fill-in button on the far right and play patterns in live. It's only one sound at a time, but it's the closest thing to finger drumming.
I love the sound of that Roland Boutique unit, I have had an 808 for the better part of 30 years and the boutique (and even cloud) sounds great to me. I am still more of a TR-909 chap however, great video as always, really enjoyed it.
Yep, same experience as you; have the original and am still very impressed with the boutique.
909 - also on my list. 😀
Excellent. I miss mine constantly,such fun units. I’ll prob grab the boutique at some point,but I REALLY want to put together a Dinsync Re-808. One of the secrets with the analog ones is: Don’t sample just individual sounds,sample WHOLE loops out of it,because that’s part of where the magic is. The way the internal sequencer triggers the sounds is part of what takes it to a whole other level. Organic triggering and timing barely within the limits of acceptability? Maybe so,I’m not sure.😅 But the sound of the whole unit chugging along is in a class of its own for sure.⚡️
Glad to see the HM-2 in use. The only pedal on my board mate.
Congratulations on your new toy. I think you're spot on in terms of playability and processing. That hands on approach is what makes drum machines come to life. That's not just true for the 808, but for pretty much any drum machine that allows you to tweak things in real time.
Yep! It becomes an instrument rather than a playback box.
I have a system80 880, it’s awesome-also has additional features the real one doesn’t have like external triggering of all instruments (with the case or add on module, which I have) or the ability to stack parts 1 and 2 on a 16 step cycle, both of which give you results you could never have known the vintage unit. At the moment I’m making a track with different outs being sent to different eurorack processors-a Cwejman MBC for the high hats and snare, BD to a germanium VCA, and some sends out to spring reverbs, tape delay..there are so many tonal possibilities in there without introducing real melody, I totally agree.
Amazing as always!
Thank you sir.
Congrats on the acquisition, Alex. Fantastic work as always, Sir. 😎
Cheers again!
Sounds so good. Some of your demos sound like finished tracks! Super nice.
Cheers! These machines do sound like records straight off the bat.
It's a classic for a reason. I liked the way bits of it were used for specific sounds into the mid to late 80s. Paul Hardcastle used it to crisp up "19" and "The Wizard". SAW used it all the time for the rimshot and cowbell to balance out the 727 and 707 especially on Mel and Kim.
I think SAW didn't use 707, but a LinnDrum or a Linn 9000, and some 808 sound actually was sampled on eproms and mounted on the Linn...
@@kennymd2488yeah they did use the Linn 9000 with custom Roms later but they definitely used the 707 . We were copying their sound in anal detail back in 1986 . Listen to the 12” UK version of Respectable and the UK original 12” of showing out . I’ve also got interviews from the era talking about it .
@@El--Grimaldi "Respectable" I remember very well, because in 1987 I bought the 12" picture-mix; however I searched on YT for all the mixes and extended versions, and also those of "Showing Out", and I found a lot of Linn sound, cowbells, rim shots and claps from the 808, several sounds from the 727 and the classic Simmons synth tom, but no sounds from the 707.
In fact I don't remember ever hearing 707 sounds in any SAW production, but I must say that many songs they have produced I haven't listened to, yet...
@@kennymd2488 Yes I bought the UK 12" which is now on Spotify which had the extended version on side A and the Extra Beats version on the other. They often layered their drums sounds and I remember reading an interview with Mike Stock that they put the 707 kick underneath everything . Anyway, my point was about the 808, not to argue the toss on our respective memories .
@@culttelevision Having listened to quite a few SAW recordings, this makes huge sense. I can hear the 707 kick drum layer in many of their tracks.
Good lord. WHAT a video. Reminds me of “Sheffield Bleep” stuff. Which, is of course EPIC. Fan ruddy tastic! 🎉🎉🎉
Loved everything about this video especially the intro and the Derek Donk!!
abso-blood-lutely brilliant video as always, Mr Ball.
Seriously. This is possibly the best thing to happen to the internet.
Now our house can love your videos even more.
YEAY!!! I think you absolutely 100% had to really. No justification required. Really happy for you dude! What an absolutely stunning example too!
I made this video to tell myself there was a reason. 😜
@@AlexBallMusic hahah! Many, many reasons! It’s range and usefulness simply cannot be argued against now!
You've made me doubt if I really love the 909 more... Thanks, for the amazing video and performance too. :) And the way you're holding it like the precious baby it is lmao XD
Great video Alex. The band Pink Industry used the TR808 to its fullest ability about as good as anyone ever could have.
Oh my god I'm sooo envious! It's flawless!
Fantastic video, as always!