707 and 727 kits for the Aira TR-8!

[L4rs3rik]

http://youtu.be/F913YjtymnY?list=PLKbtAyJkhFRCh1Al1544Psrbq7_i_qJ2e

Nice videos!

[TRSC2015]

The sounds in the TR8 are modeled from the original Roland sounds. You can read up on their ACB technology here :

http://www.rolandus.com/blog/2014/02/14/analog-circuit-behavior-acb/

I suspect that, even though the originals used samples for some of their voices, the TR8 uses the ACB technology for all their voices, therefore modeling the behavior of PCM samples running through analog circuitry and interacting with each other in an “interesting” way. The new sounds are not samples, but modeling of the originals, recreating not only the sound, but the quirks and unstability of samples running through an analog machine.

One could draw a parallel between this and the AR, where digital samples are passed through analog filters / overdrive / distortion, and are played in conjunction with analog voices, creating a compound sound that is certainly far greater than its constituents in isolation.

I find this new ACB concept fascinating, and I have to say that it does create a very lively sound. It sounds to me that Elektron have tried their own version of this unstable behavior with the Random parameter for the Claps machine, where it does indeed sound like every hit is a bit different, while still keeping the clap consistent. Of course, Elektron’s live recording of p-locks puts them in a league of their own when it comes to subtle (or drastic) variations of sounds over time.

The TR8 expansion is indeed somewhat similar to buying another drum machine. What I do love about it is the easiness with which one can mix and match those classic sounds, and the way they are reproduced in a faithful, loving (!) and legitimate way. I have a feeling that, in a few years time, the TR8 will be a staple in electronic music making studios, not only for its sounds, but for its playability. The inclusion of reverb and delay, although seemingly innocuous, adds incredible depth to those classic sounds, and makes the machine sound decidedly “up to date”. There is room for both the AR and the TR8 in anyone’s studio.

Most of my students still are way more attracted by the TR8, simply because :

• it’s dead easy to use
• it’s got faders
• the sound is just “right”

Interestingly, one could think that Roland may not stick to their classic sounds, and maybe introduce some wildly new, never heard before sounds that could push the envelope a bit further. Right now we’re in safe territory. Further, I see an opportunity for Elektron to take advantage of this and push the envelope by introducing new machines that would really define a new era of electronic music. Let’s see what they got !

Cheers.

Not sure if anyone noticed but the Classic 808 sounds are being used less and less in ‘releveant’ music production, and it’s about time because people are getting sick of the same sounds over and over again. If I hear another cheesy 808 or 909 snare roll, I’m gonna puke all over someone’s TR8…

[Housecliche]

Hey Honeysmack - thanks for the video - what are you using to get the audio into your video? Via a recorder? Any post processing? I’m listening just on my iPad and I have to say it sounded excellent - very crisp and well defined.

[skunk3]

Not a huge fan of this off topic bullshit. Next time, just PM each other, or something…

Someone call the wahhhhmbulance.

[djadonis206]

Not a huge fan of this off topic bullshit. Next time, just PM each other, or something…

What would be on topic in the Other Gear section?

[Zymos]

I think he was referring to our digression towards Science Fiction novels.
But no apologies from me…

[Prints]

[quote=“Prints”]Not a huge fan of this off topic bullshit. Next time, just PM each other, or something…

Someone call the wahhhhmbulance.[/quote]
Well, it is pretty annoying to click on this thread three different times expecting to hear more discussion related to the topic, but instead finding anything but.

[Prints]

I think he was referring to our digression towards Science Fiction novels.
But no apologies from me…

That’s quite courteous & civil of you I suppose.

[virtual_flannel]

Sorry about my comment coming out too harsh and points taken, thanks!

I think the TR8 is a good machine, especially how it replicates the original sounds - however I just do not agree with paying for OS upgrades as the machine is already bought. The reason for this negativity would be my memory of buying the another OS upgrade in the past and feeling totally ripped off. But thats just me… of course, others will like and purchase such upgrades.

I mean for example OP1, monotribe and some gear- they had tremendous upgrades since launch, but I did not pay anything. Sure its very different circumstances, business, styles etc… But that is the style I personally really dig.

Agreed, the OP-1 has added several effects, synths, LFOs, etc since it was released. These all could have easily been payed update, they are also a small company. Roland is huge, they don’t need to rip their customers off for an extra 80 bucks. Don’t think your comment was at all harsh DL. Roland should be ripped for this. Like you don’t have to play for the SH101 plug out so why for this.

[djsm]

I’m done with Roland.

Not paying them another cent, 30 sounds for $115 is completely scabby.

I’ll wait until they come to their senses and reduce the price to something more reasonable or I’ll just find the torrent…

[Honeysmack]

Hey Honeysmack - thanks for the video - what are you using to get the audio into your video? Via a recorder? Any post processing? I’m listening just on my iPad and I have to say it sounded excellent - very crisp and well defined.

Thanks friend. Audio is straight off the desk (Mackie 1640i) into the camera. No post production at all. These videos are quickly put together.

[Orwell]

what are your thoughts honeysmack, sounding good next your ORGs?

Thanks HS

[Honeysmack]

what are your thoughts honeysmack, sounding good next your ORGs?

Thanks HS

It’s sounding good. Having tunable 707+727 sounds (and more 808/909 variants) is a great feature which was not present on the original boxes.

My 808/909/707/727/606 were bought at time when they were more affordable a very long time ago. The TR8 is a great way to get these sounds and the performance interface if one hasn’t already established a work flow with alternatives like a sampler or MD, OT, AR, MPC etc.

To be super fucking critical the TR8 doesn’t replace the originals - and it’s somewhat unfair to compare old to new as people have stated previously. But the TR8 comes as close to anything I’ve heard in the last 25+ years. TR8 design also has the performance interface which is omitted on many new devices… sounds might be easy to find but the interface a little more challenging and personal for some.

My ASR-10 is still pretty good though

I’m not a fan of computers for composing or performance, but that’s my thing/background. People will make their own choices, naturally!

[Orwell]

thanks for the objective opinion HS

nothing will ever beat that asr-10 for sampling!!!

sell it to me if you ever want to get rid of it

[Honeysmack]

This one I call techno

[KOTARE]

This one I call techno

http://youtu.be/XibAF9zQ2yQ

VERY FUCKING GOOD.

[sixto]

Honesymack what do you think about the new “improved kicks” in this update for the 808 and 909 ? . The new 808 kick sound very well for me but the new 909 kick sound a bit diferent right? , i mean the second 909 kick , i love the new 909 snare

[Honeysmack]

Sounds great. It’s totally subjective area as to what might be ‘better’ - every person will have a different opinion. Genreally speaking more sounds = more scope.

[Honeysmack]

[quote=“Honeysmack”]This one I call techno

VERY FUCKING GOOD.[/quote]
Thanks mate

[Orwell]

VFG techno: because honeysmack was/is part of techno when Melbourne was the “techno city”