Roland TR-8

Don't worry, no one else likes the green either.

I've started using Reaper to sequence the TR-8. Makes it less fuss to save and backup presets, lets you store knob positions, lets you change those values over time.

→ Add the .INS and other files I use.

→ Add table of MIDI CC info, etc.

On a drum kit a flam is when you hit a drum with both sticks almost at the same time.

You can add flams on the TR-8 by holding TR-REC then hit the step you want to add it on.

Holding TR-REC and turning the dial will let you set the timing too. I think that's global for all flams.

Ghost notes are extra samples you can use for you selected drum. Depending on the kit you're using they can be really different. To use, just hold down the the instruments button (the one under the slider: BD, SD, LT, etc.).

The 'DRUM SELECT' section lets you select different drums and drum kits (and effects; see §Effects).

1. pink: 808
2. yellow: 909
3. pink: 808 (alternate, with maracas, clave, and congas instead of clap, rim shot and toms)
4. orange: 707
5. blue: 727
6. yellow: 909 (alternate)

To change kits over MIDI send a program change (PC) command with the number of the kit (0-15).

As well as using STEP to have reverb and delay only on certain steps, you can can limit them to certain instruments (very handy!). Press KIT, then hold STEP on reverb or delay, then toggle things on and off with their buttons under the sliders.

You can also use different reverbs and delays. Go into instrument mode (INST), then press STEP in the reverb or delay areas.

To enter settings hold PTN SELECT when turning on, and keep held until it's booted. From there:

Hold DEPTH and rotate the SCATTER dial to select from different colours for the lights. When selected let go of DEPTH and hit START/STOP

1. Standard red, orange yellow, blue
2. Dimmer version of standard
3. Dimmed blue, purple, pink, peach
4. Two alternating brightness greens
5. Dimmed white, red, green, white
6. Dimmed pink, purple, peach, blue

When booted into settings, if the first button is unlit it will use it's own clock.

Press first button to sync to devices plugged into 'MIDI IN', or USB.

Also, if the second button is lit you can use the MIDI OUT like a MIDI THRU. This means it will pass-through MIDI signals from MIDI IN without effecting them. Usually hardware has ports for IN, OUT, and THRU.

I guess it always sends clock via MIDI OUT?

Press START/STOP to save any changes you make.

Instead of send all the instruments to both channels you can send particular ones (including the external in/s) to particular channels, allowing you to mix them differently.

After booting into settings hold the A and B buttons to assign things.

By the default the volume is boosted. I'd found myself getting lots of distortion.

You can disable the boost by deselecting Step 3 (AKA Low Tom).

• Roland TR 8 boot mode, hidden functions part 1 and part 2

You can check your firmware by holding 14 and 16 which powering on. When on press start/stop and the version will be displayed in the tempo window.

Release notes are: https://www.roland.com/global/support/by_product/tr-8/updates_drivers/9d8e26ad-8810-479e-84d7-13d3f1362497/

Updating works fine with Linux (they only mention Windows and Mac), you're just putting it into a mode where the OS will see it as a storage device and moving a file over.

• Producer's Guide To... Roland TR 8 - Nice intro video to using the TR-8
• Roland AIRA TR-8 Tutorial (Settings, Sequencing, FX, Sidechain) - Another one.
• https://www.rolandcorp.com.au/blog/ultimate-guide-aira-tr-8
• https://www.roland.com/global/support/by_product/tr-8/owners_manuals/
• Roland TR-8 guide on tinyloops.com.
  • The MIDI page is nicely laid out (but pre 7×7 update).