The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer is one of the most influential drum machines ever made. Produced from 1980 to 1983, it helped redefine the sound of electronic music with a completely analogue voice architecture, distinctive step sequencing, and a collection of synthetic percussion sounds that remain instantly recognisable more than four decades later. Rather than using samples, the TR-808 generates its drum sounds electronically, giving it a character that is unmistakably its own. The deep, resonant bass drum, crisp snare, metallic cowbell, distinctive handclap, toms, congas, cymbal and hi-hats have become foundational sounds across electronic music, hip-hop, pop and countless other styles. Its programming system was equally important. Patterns can be built directly on the 16-step interface, accented, varied and chained into longer rhythm tracks, making the TR-808 a genuinely compositional instrument rather than a simple preset rhythm box. Individual level controls and extensive voice shaping allow each percussion sound to be balanced and tuned within a pattern, while dedicated outputs make multitrack recording and external processing straightforward. Comprehensive sync and trigger connectivity also allows the TR-808 to act as the rhythmic centre of a larger vintage electronic setup, integrating easily with sequencers, synthesizers and other drum machines. Specifications Sound Generation: Fully Analogue Pattern Memory: 12 Basic Rhythms with A / AB / B Variations Intro / Fill Patterns: 4 Step Length: 1-32 Steps Rhythm Tracks: 12 Tracks Track Length: Up to 64 Measures per Track Total Rhythm Track Capacity: 768 Measures Tempo Range: 40-300 BPM Auto Fill: Manual, 16, 12, 8, 4 or 2 Measure Intervals Bass Drum Controls: Level, Tone, Decay Snare Drum Controls: Level, Tone, Snappy Low Tom / Conga: Level, Tuning Mid Tom / Conga: Level, Tuning High Tom / Conga: Level, Tuning Rim Shot / Claves: Level Hand Clap / Maracas: Level Cowbell: Level Cymbal: Level, Tone, Decay Open Hi-Hat: Level, Decay Closed Hi-Hat: Level Accent: Adjustable Level Main Output: High and Low Level Individual Outputs: Bass Drum, Snare, Toms/Congas, Claves/Rim Shot, Maracas/Clap, Cowbell, Cymbal, Open Hi-Hat, Closed Hi-Hat Trigger Outputs: Cowbell, Hand Clap / Maracas, Accent Sync: DIN Sync In / Out Footswitch Inputs: Start / Stop, Intro / Fill Power Consumption: 8W Dimensions: 508 × 305 × 105 mm Weight: 5 kg One of the yellow keys (number 10) in the step sequencer section has been replaced. One of the white keys (number 16) is loose. Video: https://youtu.be/jxz0CljLrb0Product Specs Item Number: 43635 Make: Roland Model: TR-808 Rhythm Composer Condition: Good Finish: Black Categories: keyboards-and-synths ⇒ drum-machines Function: Drum Year: 1982 Made In: Japan MPN: 43635 Modular Grid: Pedals ⓘ ＋ Dimensions*: 508 mm wide 305 mm high Power*: ? mA / ? V AC/DC * User contributed details
