Roland has announced three new drum machines to the TR lineup. Based on the TR-8S, the TR-6S Rhythm Performer delivers exciting performance options in a compact and battery-powered format. The TR-06 Drumatix is the latest addition to the Roland Boutique series, blending the sounds and workflow of the ’80s-era TR-606 hardware with modern enhancements. Also based on the TR-606, the TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer expands Roland Cloud’s arsenal with another TR instrument.
While all of the new products will be well-received by Roland Fan- Boys and Girls, The 6S has really gotten our attention with what looks like fun performance attributes for tweaking the included 606,707, 808 and 909 sounds, as well as your own samples.
Roland TR-6S
The TR-6S Rhythm Performer features a six-track sequencer and all the most iconic Roland rhythm sounds, including the 606, 707, 808, 909, and more. Even more exciting, users can mix and match them with preset and custom samples and granular FM tones to create their own kits for sonic branding.
The sound of iconic electronic music owes a lot to the step sequencers of yesterday, and the TR-REC variety had a great deal to due with that sound. The TR-6S employs the same methodology, but elevated with real-time and modern enhancements. Marry this to an array of expressive effects, and music producers and performers can take their rhythm tracks to new levels. The TR-6S also contains a high-quality USB audio/MIDI interface too.
Roland TR-06
The TR-06 is a detailed replica of the Roland TR-606 Drumatix – the twin brother of the TB-303 – albeit, with some modern upgrades. This new Roland Boutique version captures the distinctive tone and iconic look of the original while reimagining it with new sound-crafting potential. Users can control tuning, decay, and pan for each instrument, or crank up the internal gain for each circuit model and push it into warm overdrive or aggressive distortion. An onboard compressor adds fullness and punch, while the tempo delay creates depth and space.
Like the original, the TR-06 has a familiar and straightforward step sequencer. But now it’s been updated with advanced features like sub-steps for ratcheted parts, step-loop for instant pattern slicing, and more. With five trigger outputs and a trigger input, the TR-06 integrates well with modular setups. Like the TB-03, it contains a built-in speaker, can be an USB audio interface, and runs on batteries.
The TR-6S Rhythm Performer features a six-track sequencer and all the most iconic Roland rhythm sounds, including the 606, 707, 808, 909, and more. Even more exciting, users can mix and match them with preset and custom samples and granular FM tones to create their own kits for sonic branding.
The sound of iconic electronic music owes a lot to the step sequencers of yesterday, and the TR-REC variety had a great deal to due with that sound. The TR-6S employs the same methodology, but elevated with real-time and modern enhancements. Marry this to an array of expressive effects, and music producers and performers can take their rhythm tracks to new levels. The TR-6S also contains a high-quality USB audio/MIDI interface too.
Features:
- User Memory: Patterns: 128 (16 patterns x 8 banks) | Tracks: 8
- 32 steps
- Sequencer Functions: STEP LOOP; SUBSTEP; FLAM; INTRO / FILL IN; PROBABILITY; SUBSTEP PROBABILITY; MASTER PROBABILITY
- Instruments: BD: BASS DRUM; SD: SNARE DRUM; LT: LOW TOM; HT: HI TOM; CY: CYMBAL; OH: OPEN HI HAT; CH: CLOSED HI HAT
- Effects:
- Compressor
- Delay Effects: DELAY, PAN DELAY, TAPE-ECHO, REVERB, FLANGER, SIDE BAND FILTER
- Drive Effects: SATURATOR, BIT CRUSHER, DISTORTION, LPF/HPF
- Controllers
- VOLUME knob
- RUN/STOP button
- PATTERN CLEAR button
- MENU/SUB STEP button
- STEP LOOP button
- FUNCTION button
- TEMPO button
- STEP buttons (1-16)
- PATTERN GROUP button and indicators
- TAP/STEP RESET button
- SCALE selector switch
- INSTRUMENT selector knob
- MODE selector knob
- VALUE knob
- Instrument Level knobs (AC, BD, SD, LT/HT, CY, OH/CH)
- Effect knobs (DRIVE, TIME, DEPTH)
- Indicators: 7 segments, 4 characters (LED)
- TRIGGER IN jack: mono miniature phone type
- TRIGGER OUT jack x 5 (AC, BD, SD, LT, HT): mono miniature phone type
- PHONES jack: stereo miniature phone type
- OUTPUT jack: stereo miniature phone type
- MIX IN jack: stereo miniature phone type
- MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
- USB port: Micro-B type (Audio, MIDI)
- Current Draw: 500 mA (USB bus power)
- Dimensions (including Boutique Dock): 308 (W) x 130 (D) x 52 (H) mm | 12-1/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-1/16 (H) inches
- Weight (including batteries and Boutique Dock): 1.2 kg | 2 lbs 11 oz
The TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer allows the 606 sound to be available as a plug-in for DAW music production. The software version has the same sound and behavior of the original, plus new features that virtually modify the circuitry for more sound choices and faster, more fluid programming.
