The Roland TR-909 drum machine, like other pieces of now iconic Roland gear, was not embraced by the masses when it came out. It received mixed reviews, and like the TB-303 before it, Roland scrapped ...

NAMM 2026: Released in 1980, the TR-808 might be remembered as the device that (eventually) became Roland ’s first classic ...

In the 80s, Roland drum machines were at the epicenter of hip hop, house, techno, acid house and other music genres. The 808, 909, 707, and 606 helped create the beats of some of your favorite songs.

After a brief teaser campaign, Roland has revealed a new addition to the company's iconic digital drum machine portfolio – the Aira TR-8S Rhythm Performer. As well as emulating classic 80s drum ...

Roland has announced the release of the TR-909 Rhythm Composer, an update of the classic 909 drum machine, and a new TB-03 Bass Line synthesizer, a relaunch of the similarly classic 303. The ...

In 2018 Roland introduced the TR-8S drum machine and instantly won the heart of my colleague Roberto Baldwin. Then, last year it resurrected its MC line of grooveboxes, and launched the portable, ...

To celebrate 808 day, listen to a few important tracks that have utilised the Roland drum machine since its launch in 1980, including music by Afrika Bambaataa, Drexciya and Kanye West. The Roland ...

The TR-808 is the Fender Stratocaster of electronic music. The programmable drum machine was heavily used by pioneers like Afrika Bambaataa, the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, and Derrick May, and its ...

Best of 2023: If they hadn't panned the 909, you might now be dancing to a very different beat… When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer is credited with more musical innovations than you can wave a plug socket at – even after its rocky start. After flopping commercially upon release in 1980, because ...