The Roland TR-6S is a compact, battery-powered six-track rhythm performer based on the TR-8S. It delivers detailed ACB circuit models of the TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707, and CR-78, combined with an FM synthesis engine, a large preset sample library, and user sample import via SD card. At 705 grams and running on four AA batteries, it brings professional drum machine capability to any workspace or stage.

ACB Sound Engine

The TR-6S packs the sound engine of the TR-8S into a form factor that fits in a backpack. Six tracks can each be assigned any tone freely: choose from 11 ACB bass drums, 8 snares, 19 toms, 3 rim shots, 5 hand claps, 8 hi-hats, 8 cymbals, 24 percussion sounds, 66 FM tones, or 300+ preset samples. User samples (WAV/AIFF) load from SD card with approximately 600 seconds of total sample time available. Mix and match sound engines within a single kit for hybrid combinations impossible on any single vintage machine.

Sequencer

The sequencer employs classic TR-REC step programming enhanced with real-time recording, sub-steps for ratcheted fills, flam, step loop for performance slicing, motion recording for parameter automation, and probability controls for evolving patterns. A newly developed TR-808 chromatic bass instrument lets you program pitched basslines directly. The unit doubles as a high-quality USB audio/MIDI interface for recording individual tracks to a DAW.

Specifications

• Tracks: 6 instrument parts
• User Kits: 128
• User Patterns: 128 (16 steps per variation, 8 variations, 2 fill-ins per pattern)
• ACB Tones: Bass Drum (11), Snare (8), Tom (19), Rim Shot (3), Hand Clap (5), Hi-Hat (8), Cymbal (8), Percussion (24)
• FM Tones: 66
• Preset Samples: 300+
• User Samples: WAV/AIFF via SD card, approx. 600 sec total (44.1 kHz mono), 180 sec max per file
• Sequencer Features: Sub-steps, Flam, Step Loop, Motion Recording, Probability, Sub-step Probability, Master Probability
• External Storage: SD card (SDHC supported)
• Display: 16 characters x 2 lines, backlit LCD
• Outputs: 2x 1/4" (L/Mono, R)
• Headphones: 3.5mm stereo
• MIDI: In/Out (5-pin DIN)
• USB: Type-B (Audio/MIDI/Power)
• Power: 4x AA batteries (approx. 5.5 hrs) or USB bus power
• Dimensions: 224 x 132 x 60.1 mm (8-13/16" x 5-3/16" x 2-3/8")
• Weight: 705 g (1 lb 9 oz) including batteries