Captain Pikant

Roland TR-08 / TR-808 Cheat Sheet

Added 2022-02-27 21:26:02 +0000 UTC

We have a Roland TR-08 on loan right now, so we used the opportunity to make a Cheat Sheet for it :) If you get your hands on an original TR-808 you can use this Cheat Sheet as well because the basic operation is practically identical.

We're probably not going to make a review on the TR-08, so here's the bottom line: Minimalistic and puristic, authentic sound, expensive compared to the Behringer RD-8 or the Roland TR-6S, surprisingly heavy with a really good build quality. Battery life is good, but not as exceptional as the TR-6S. Operation can feel a bit alien when you're used to more modern drum machines, but the concept also has its advantages. Noteworthy improvements on the TR-808 are full size MIDI IN/OUT, more pattern banks, swing, substeps (double only), the option to program songs 909 step style, stereo output (panning!) and more tone shaping options via menu diving (including a wonderful bass drum decay mod). The individual instrument outs can be streamed to your DAW via USB. The sequencer is capable, but compared to the RD-8 I'm missing more substep options and the step/note repeat performance features. The portability (miniature size, battery power, internal loudspeaker) is a big plus for me, but I don't like the minijacks at all. Major usability drawbacks: There is no way to copy one part to another (1st PART to 2nd PART and vice versa) and you can't clear individual instruments.

If you have any questions on the machine feel to post them in the comments :)

We hope this will be useful to you. If anything should be unclear, if you find an error or you feel like something is missing just drop us a line - either here in the comments or via PM. Click here to see a list of all Captain Pikant Cheat Sheets.