Description

The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, released in 1980, is one of the most influential drum machines in music history. It was initially discontinued in 1983 due to poor sales but later became a staple in countless genres, defining the sound of hip-hop, electronic, house, techno, and pop. Its key features include:

• Analog Drum Sounds – The 808 produces unique, synthetic, warm, and punchy drum sounds, including its legendary booming bass drum, crisp snare, and hi-hats.
• Iconic Bass Kick – The deep, resonant, and long-decaying bass drum is one of the most recognizable sounds in music.
• 16-Step Sequencer – The simple yet powerful pattern-based sequencer allows for easy programming of beats.
• Tuning & Decay Controls – Users can adjust the pitch and decay of individual drum sounds, creating a variety of rhythmic textures.
• Affordability (Initially) – When first released, the TR-808 was cheaper than digital drum machines, making it a go-to for underground artists.
• Timeless, Futuristic Sound – Despite being analog, the 808 sounds remain relevant and futuristic even decades after its release.

Artists Who Used the TR-808

The 808’s impact spans multiple genres, with countless legendary producers and artists incorporating its signature sounds into their music. Notable users include:

• Afrika Bambaataa – One of the first to popularize the 808 in hip-hop.
• Kanye West – His album 808s & Heartbreak (2008) was heavily inspired by the machine.
• Marvin Gaye – Used it in Sexual Healing, one of the earliest pop hits featuring the 808.
• Beastie Boys – Used in early hip-hop productions.
• Dr. Dre – A defining element in West Coast hip-hop.
• Lil Jon – Integral in crunk and trap music.
• Aphex Twin – Used in acid techno and IDM productions.
• Daft Punk – Incorporated in their house and electro music.
• Diplo & Major Lazer – Used in modern dancehall and EDM.

Famous Songs Featuring the TR-808

• "Planet Rock" – Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force (1982) → One of the first hip-hop tracks to showcase the 808.
• "Sexual Healing" – Marvin Gaye (1982) → Smooth 808 beats in an R&B setting.
• "Paul Revere" – Beastie Boys (1986) → Reverse 808 kick drum pattern.
• "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" – Dr. Dre (1992) → Classic G-funk beat with 808 drums.
• "Stronger" – Kanye West (2007) → Heavy 808 bass combined with Daft Punk samples.
• "Love Lockdown" – Kanye West (2008) → Minimalist 808 drum patterns.
• "Trap Queen" – Fetty Wap (2014) → 808-driven trap beat.
• "Bad and Boujee" – Migos (2016) → Hard-hitting 808 bass and hi-hats.

Genres That Use the TR-808

The 808 has been used in nearly every genre, with its signature bass drum, snare, and hi-hats shaping modern music:

• Hip-Hop – The 808 bass drum is a fundamental element in classic and modern hip-hop.
• Trap – The rolling 808 hi-hats and deep bass define trap music.
• Techno – Early Detroit techno was built around 808 beats.
• House – Classic and modern house tracks use 808 claps and percussion.
• Pop – From Michael Jackson to Billie Eilish, the 808 has been used in countless pop productions.
• Electro – The 808 played a major role in the rise of electro-funk in the 1980s.
• R&B – Soft 808 kicks and snares are common in modern R&B.
• EDM – Future bass, dubstep, and trap EDM rely heavily on 808 sounds.

Conclusion

The Roland TR-808 is more than just a drum machine—it’s a cultural icon that revolutionized music production. Its deep, punchy bass, snappy snares, and rolling hi-hats continue to dominate the music industry, making it one of the most celebrated drum machines of all time.

Power Supply : AC100V
Please check the power requirements for this device and the specifications of your power supply . If you need to use this item in a 117-240 V environment , you'll need a transformer

Kenton midi:

Features

• Adds MIDI functionality to the TR-808, without changing the TR-808’s own functionality
• Maps each of the TR-808’s voices to a MIDI note
• Full velcity control of the TR-808’s voices
• Use MIDI Clock to play the TR-808’s sequencer
• The TR-808 can control the tempo of other devices over MIDI Clock
• Adds MIDI In, Out and MIDI Thru sockets, and a push button for programming the Retrofit Kit
• Setup is stored in non-volatile memory (EEPROM)

Incoming MIDI

• Any MIDI channel can be selected (default 10)
• MIDI clock / stop / start
• Sounds – any sound can be mapped to any MIDI note number (defaults 36-46)
• Velocity control of note volume (default). Alternatively notes can be played accented or unaccented according to velocity

Outgoing MIDI:

• Any MIDI channel can be selected (default 10)
• MIDI clock / stop / start
• Sounds generate MIDI notes according to the mapping table (defaults 36-46)
• Notes generated are given velocity 64 or 127 for unaccented and accented notes respectively

Added Hardware

• MIDI In, Out & Thru sockets
• Push button (for programming the MIDI setup)
• Setups are stored in non-volatile memory (Eeprom)

Kit Contents

The kit comprises the following items:

• Circuit board – fits in the base of the TR-808
• Small pack – contains DIN sockets and mounting hardware
• Large pack – contains cable assemblies
• User instructions – How to change from default settings and general instructions
• Fitting instructions – step by step fitting guide plus diagrams of where to connect what

All kits are fully checked and tested before despatch

Note: Our retrofit and socket kits are not intended for installation by the end user.
They should always be fitted by an experienced synth engineer.

Import tax
Import duties , taxes , and other charges which are not included in the item price or shipping charges are the buyer's responsibility .Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying .