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)
4. orange: 707
5. blue: 727
6. yellow: 909 (alternate)

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.

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.

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

• 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