Roland TR-8S and TR-6S drum machines get CR-78 and 808 bass instrument sounds added for free. These already excellent beatmaking boxes just got even better.
Roland today released free firmware updates for its TR-6S and TR-8S drum machines, adding a new drum machine model, the ability to easily play 808 basslines and more.
With the updates, the TR-6S and TR-8S offer the most complete collection of classic Roland rhythm machines available in hardware form: TR-808, TR-909, TR-707, TR-727 and TR-606 – but full version updates to each machine (3.0 and 2.0 respectively) would enable you to get even more sonic juice out of them.
New in TR-8S Version 3.0 and TR-6S Version 2.0:
TR-808 Chromatic Bass – The new TR-808 Chromatic Bass instrument allows users to program tuned basslines, a mainstay in trap, hip-hop, and electronic music.
CR-78 CompuRhythm – The update brings to life the sounds of the CR-78, an influential Roland rhythm machine from the late 1970s, with Roland’s ACB technology. It also includes new patterns and advanced sound design capabilities made possible with the modern ACB approach.
TR-EDITOR update – A compact UI option included in the update frees up screen space for using the editor along with other applications on smaller displays for a more efficient experience.
Introduced in 1978, the CR-78 was a direct predecessor of the TR-808 and the first mass-produced programmable rhythm machine. Its distinctive sound has left its own indelible footprint on pop classics from the 1980s and beyond, and it remains sought-after in the vintage marketplace.
The CR-78 has been modeled with Roland’s ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology, and recreates the sound of the original, while also allowing new capabilities made possible using the ACB approach.
Along with the CR-78, the TR-8S and TR-6S updates add a newly developed TR-808 Chromatic Bass instrument. The TR-808 Chromatic Bass instrument makes it easy to create tuned basslines with the TR-808 bass drum in the TR-8S and TR-6S.
Alongside the updates, Roland has also given love to the TR-Editor, the software application that enables you to control and manage your TR-8S and TR-6S.
The TR-EDITOR for macOS and Windows enhances the workflow of the TR-8S and TR-6S, providing an easy-to-use graphical interface with expanded visual controls and organizational tools. The latest version includes a compact UI option that frees up screen space for using the editor along with other applications on small computer displays.
The Roland TR-8S, TR-6S, and TR-EDITOR updates are available now for free. The Roland TR-8S and TR-6S are available now for $749.99 and $399.99, respectively, in the U.S.
We caught up with Logan Erickson of Low-Gain Electronics, who introduced a variety of new gear at Knobcon 2023. The event held September 8-10, 2023 in the Chicago area.
Low-Gain highlights were a pair of 4U synth panels, Elements of Melody and Sequence of Events. The format is Serge-inspired, but the designs are Erickson’s.
The Elements of Melody brings together a collection of modular functions “focused on voicing”. This includes:
Tri-Core VCO
Tri-Core VCO
Triple Waveshaper
Dual Processor
’73 Filter
R7 Envelope Generator
Smooth Stepped Generator
Dual AM / RM
Pots & Pans
The Sequence of Events focuses on sequencing, routing and CV processing, and includes the following modular functions:
Gate Sequencer
Discrete Programmable Sequencer (4 stage)
Bi-Directional Router
Discrete Programmable Sequencer (4 stage)
Sequential Switch
Dual Slopes Compact
The two panels will be available built-to-order, with a 3-6 week lead time, and also as DIY projects.
Low-Gain was also showing several varieties of matrix mixers, including their Passive Matrix Mixer, which you could build at one of Knobcon’s DIY workshops, and several larger mixers.
In the last few years, Erickson has built up a complete line of Low-Gain 4U modules, in addition to Euro-format and standalone mixers and utility modules. Details are available at the Low-Gain website.
