Does the TR-8S come with an SD card?

No. You need to supply your own SD card, SDHC supported, to load samples and store data.

Can I load my own samples?

Yes. It plays WAV and AIFF files from an SD card or over USB, with about 600 seconds of mono sample time at 44.1 kHz.

How many sounds and kits does it have?

It ships with 300 or more preset sounds and holds 128 user drum kits and 128 user patterns.

Can I use it as an audio interface?

Yes. The USB type B port carries audio and MIDI, so it works as a plug-and-play interface with your computer.

How does it compare with the TR-8?

The TR-8S adds sample playback, SD storage, more kits and patterns, and motion recording, while keeping the classic TR drum voices.

Does it have separate outputs?

Yes. It has eight analog audio outputs plus MIDI in and out, so you can route drums to separate channels.

Where is the Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer cheapest?

At Musician's Friend, for $769.99, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer?

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 15 ratings. Buyers like: Fun and easy to use once past the learning curve; Powerful, deep sound design and vintage sounds; Motion recording and onboard effects, including a compressor on the whole track. Common complaints: SD card errors such as "no space!" when loading samples, even after formatting and firmware updates; Sounds lack character compared to expectations.

Where can I buy the Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer?

3 stores we checked sell it, including Guitar Center, Musician's Friend, eBay.

Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer

Best price now

$769.99at Musician's FriendChecked 7 h ago

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What reviewers say

4.5 / 515 ratings

Buyers rate it highly and call it powerful and fun once they learn it, with deep sound design and useful separate outputs. Complaints center on slow kit switching, SD card errors and sounds that fall short of expectations.

What people mention

SoundMixedOwners like the vintage TR voices but some say the sounds lack character compared with the originals.
Ease of usePraisedBuyers find it fun and quick to build patterns once they get past the learning curve.
SD cardCriticisedUsers report errors such as "no space!" when loading samples, even after formatting and firmware updates.
Live useCriticisedKit switching is too slow for some performers to use on stage.
OutputsPraisedSeparate analog outs make it easy to mix each drum on a console.
Sample importMixedImporting your own WAV and AIFF files works, but some samples turn into noise.

About the Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer

The Roland TR-8S is a drum machine and sample player. It includes classic TR drum machine sounds (TR-808, TR-909, TR-606 and TR-707), as well as electronic and acoustic kits, kicks, snares and cymbals.

You can import your own samples over USB or load WAV and AIFF files from an SD card. A built-in 16-step sequencer works with 128 user drum kits and 128 user patterns. Scatter FX, real-time rolls and retriggers, and 16 backlit per-step pads let you shape a performance as you play.

For connections, it has eight analog audio outputs and MIDI in and out. It also works as a plug-and-play USB audio interface.

User kits

128 user drum kits

User patterns

128

Sequencer

Step sequencer with 11 instrument parts and 1 exclusive part for trigger out

Variations

8 variations (A–H) per pattern

Fill-ins

2 fill-in patterns per pattern

Preset samples

300 tones or more

Sample formats

WAV, AIFF

Sample time

Approximately 600 seconds (at 44.1 kHz, mono)

Display

16 characters, 2 lines, backlit LCD

Storage

SD card (SDHC supported)

USB port

USB type B (audio, MIDI)

Outputs

8 analog audio outputs

MIDI

MIDI in and out

Current draw

What buyers say

Buyers like

Fun and easy to use once past the learning curve
Powerful, deep sound design and vintage sounds
Motion recording and onboard effects, including a compressor on the whole track
Separate outs make mixing individual drums easy
Firmware 2.0 shows continued development
Great for quickly building unique drum patterns

Buyers complain about

SD card errors such as "no space!" when loading samples, even after formatting and firmware updates
Sounds lack character compared to expectations
Changes kits too slowly for live performance
Finicky about which samples it will play; some turn into noise
No traditional blues, jazz, country, rock or bossa nova preset rhythms
Does not include an SD card