Roland Unveils First Analog Drum Machine in Over 40 Years
▼ Summary
– Roland has launched the TR-1000 Rhythm Generator, embracing true analog sound after largely avoiding the analog synth revival of the past decade.
– The TR-1000 recreates 16 analog sound circuits from iconic Roland machines like the TR-808 and TR-909, combining them with digital ACB, FM percussion, and PCM samples.
– It includes extensive sampling tools for time stretching loops and chopping drum breaks, offering a wide range of percussive sound creation methods.
– The instrument features a stereo analog filter and drive section for adding grit, plus many knobs and faders to reduce menu diving, making it studio-focused due to its bulk.
– Priced at $2,699.99, the TR-1000 is expensive and not for casual hobbyists but is about half the cost of vintage TR-808 or TR-909 units.
Roland has officially broken its decades-long silence in the analog drum machine arena with the debut of the TR-1000 Rhythm Generator. While the company largely avoided the analog synth revival of the past ten years, this new release represents a significant return to its roots. Departing from recent digital-focused offerings that relied on technologies like the Zen-Core engine, ACB modeling, and the Roland Cloud subscription service, the TR-1000 delivers the genuine analog character of legendary Roland models such as the TR-808 and TR-909.
Earlier TR-branded instruments often used the name without the original circuitry, but the TR-1000 changes that entirely. It faithfully reproduces 16 distinct analog sound circuits sourced directly from the 808 and 909, while integrating modern sound-design and sequencing capabilities. Alongside these authentic analog voices, the machine incorporates digital ACB sounds, FM percussion, PCM samples, and a comprehensive suite of sampling tools. These include functions for time-stretching loops and slicing drum breaks, making it an all-in-one percussive workstation. Essentially, Roland has packed nearly every conceivable method for generating rhythm into this substantial, professionally-styled gray enclosure.
The commitment to analog extends to the inclusion of a stereo analog filter and drive section, allowing producers to inject warmth, grit, and dynamic buildups into their tracks. The front panel is densely populated with knobs, buttons, and faders, indicating a design philosophy that prioritizes hands-on control over navigating complex digital menus. Although it does offer some features geared toward live performance, its considerable size and heft suggest it will most often find a permanent home on a studio desk.
All these high-end features come at a premium price. The TR-1000 carries a sticker price of $2,699.99, positioning it well beyond the reach of the casual hobbyist. However, when compared to the soaring cost of a functional vintage TR-808 or TR-909 on the collector’s market, which can easily run twice as much, this modern analog powerhouse might just be considered a surprisingly reasonable investment for serious musicians and producers.
(Source: The Verge)
