1980 Roland TR-808 Drum Machine

The Roland TR-808 Drum Machine was a groundbreaking drum machine manufactured by Roland in 1980. A pioneering instrument that helped shape the sound of dance and hip-hop music for decades, it was initially met with poor reviews due to its synthetic sounds, yet the TR-808 went on to become one of the most influential and iconic drum machines in music history.

Background

In the late 1970s, Roland, a Japanese company, set out to develop a new drum machine that would provide studio musicians with an affordable and programmable tool for creating drum tracks. Led by engineer Tadao Kikumoto, the Roland team faced a dilemma – late 1970s analog technology was not well-suited for creating realistic drum samples. Rather than use sampling, they opted to use analog synthesis to recreate the drum sounds.
This decision, born out of constraints, would ultimately give the TR-808 its distinctive, iconic sound. The engineers used “specification” transistors that exhibited unique qualities, contributing to the machine’s sizzling, booming character. Additionally, the TR-808’s 16-step sequencer allowed users to program and store rhythmic patterns, making it an accessible and creative instrument.

Features

The TR-808 was equipped with features that set it apart from other drum machines of the time, and its analog sound synthesis allowed for customization, with individual controls for tuning, decay, and volume of each drum sound. This gave users the ability to sculpt the TR-808’s iconic bass drum, snare, hi-hats, and other percussive elements.
The machine’s 16-step sequencer was also a key innovation, enabling users to program and store rhythmic patterns, and this “TR-REC” method of beat creation was a significant departure from the preset patterns earlier drum machines, allowing for greater creative expression.

Popularity and Legacy

Despite its initial commercial failure, the TR-808 went on to become one of the most influential drum machines in music history. As technology shifted towards digital sampling, the TR-808 began to appear in second-hand shops, where it was discovered by a new generation of artists in the mid-1980s.

From Chicago to Detroit, Manchester to Miami, the TR-808’s distinctive sound became deeply embedded within electronic music scenes, particularly hip-hop, techno, and house, with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Afrika Bambaataa, and the Beastie Boys helping propel the TR-808 nad legendary status, using its booming bass drum and percussion to create some of the most iconic tracks of their respective genres.

The TR-808’s impact on music cannot be overstated. It has been described as “one of the most influential inventions in popular music,” with comparisons drawn to the impact of the Fender Stratocaster on rock music. Its influence can be heard in hit records, and the term “808” has become synonymous with resonant bass drum sounds in modern music production.

Video Reviews and Commercials

The video discusses the historical impact of the Roland TR drum machine, likening it to the Stratocaster’s influence on rock music. Despite its initial commercial failure against the LinnDrum, the TR has had lasting significance in genres like hip hop and R&B. It’s built like a tank with separate outputs for each instrument, allowing it to mimic a real drum kit. The presenter explores the famous kick drum sound, demonstrating its versatility in creating hip-hop beats.

Availability and Collectability

The TR-808 was in production for two years, from 1980 to 1982, with 12,000 units manufactured. After its discontinuation, the machine became increasingly sought-after by musicians, with its unique sound and limited availability driving up prices on the secondhand market.

Today, the TR-808 is considered a highly coveted piece of vintage music equipment. Originals can fetch thousands of dollars, software and hardware emulations have been developed to recreate its iconic sound. The TR-808’s enduring legacy and influence on modern music production have cemented its status as one of the most important and iconic drum machines of all time.