---
lang: en
type: Product
record_kind: entity-profile
title: "Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer | Showcase product profile"
description: "ACB modeling plus per-track sample loading: 11 configurable tracks, TR-808/909 voices, 6 assignable direct outputs, and USB audio/MIDI. Structured Pages showcase entity."
llms_summary: "Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer. (Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan). Product. Brand Roland. Depth 263 mm. Form Factor Desktop drum machine. Height 58 mm. Instrument Voices 11. Power Source DC wall adapter (included); no battery. Release Date February 20, 2018. Sequencer Steps 16. Sound Engine ACB + sample playback. Weight 2.1 kg. Width 409 mm. ACB modeling plus per-track sample loading: 11 configurable tracks, TR-808/909 voices, 6 assignable direct outputs, and USB audio/MIDI. Structured Pages showcase entity.  canonical profile on Structured Pages"
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site: structured-pages
slug: roland-tr-8s
date_created: 2026-09-11
date_modified: 2026-09-11
license: Product facts from Roland Corporation documentation; demo catalog presentation by site operator
entities:
  -
    role: subject
    slug: roland-tr-8s
    name: Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer
    type: Product
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      - "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q848490"
---
# Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer

The Roland TR-8S combines Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) drum modeling with per-track sample loading, letting producers assign built-in TR-808 or TR-909 ACB voices, other ACB instruments, or custom WAV files to any of its 11 configurable instrument tracks.

*Last updated: 2026-09-11*

## Record

- **Title**: [Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer](https://structuredpages.com/roland-tr-8s/index.md)
- **Place**: Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
- **Website**: https://www.roland.com/
- **Contact address**: 1-6-4 Shinmiyakoda, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-2103, Japan
- **Coordinates**: 34.8200576, 137.7339166
- **CTA**: [View product](https://www.roland.com/us/products/tr-8s/)
- **CTA note**: Roland TR-8S official product page

### Description

#### What it is

The **Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer** is a full-size desktop drum machine combining Roland's Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) modeling with per-track sample playback. Roland introduced the TR-8S as the successor to the 2014 TR-8, adding the ability to assign custom WAV files to any track alongside the built-in ACB voice library.

*Release date note: Roland's MIDI Implementation Chart for the TR-8S is dated February 20, 2018 (version 1.02), confirming a 2018 release. Last verified: 2026-09-04.*

*Specifications sourced from [Roland's TR-8S spec page](https://www.roland.com/us/products/tr-8s/specifications/) and the [TR-8S MIDI Implementation Chart](https://static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/TR-8S_MIDIImpleChart_eng01_W.pdf) (Feb 2018).*

#### Specs that matter

Roland's spec page lists **11 instrument parts** (plus one exclusive part for trigger out). Each of the 11 tracks can be assigned any ACB instrument from the built-in library, which covers TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707, and other TR-series voice sets. Any track can alternatively be loaded with a custom **.WAV file** from an SD card, so ACB voices and sample content coexist within the same pattern.

The **16-step sequencer** supports sub-step resolution and pattern chaining. On-board effects include scatter, compression, reverb, delay, and sound modify controls.

Connectivity: **6 ASSIGNABLE OUT/TRIGGER OUT** jacks (1/4-inch, configurable per track) plus a stereo **MIX OUT (L/MONO, R)**, phones out, EXT IN (L/MONO, R), and a miniature-phone trigger-out jack. USB carries both multi-channel audio and MIDI (class-compliant on macOS; Roland driver required on Windows). Full DIN **MIDI IN/OUT** jacks are present. Power requires a **DC adapter** (included); no battery option.

Physical dimensions per Roland spec: **409(W) x 263(D) x 58(H) mm**, weight **2.1 kg** (sourced from roland.com/us/products/tr-8s/specifications/).

#### What's in the box

- TR-8S Rhythm Performer unit
- AC adapter
- Owner's Manual
- Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"

#### Design context

The Roland TR-8S sits at the intersection of classic TR-series sequencer workflow and modern sample-based production. The 2014 TR-8 introduced ACB modeling in a full-size format; the TR-8S extended that model by making ACB voices and sample playback interchangeable on the same track.

Within Roland's drum machine lineup, the TR-8S occupies the professional desktop tier: more connectivity-rich and more track-capable than the compact Boutique-format TR-08, and more capable than the six-track TR-6S released in 2020. It targets producers who want TR-808 or TR-909 character as a starting point but need the flexibility to replace or augment any voice with session-specific material.

The built-in ACB library spans TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707, and additional TR-series voices; Roland has expanded this library via firmware updates since launch. Check the current Roland product page for the full current list.

#### Sources

- [Roland TR-8S specifications](https://www.roland.com/us/products/tr-8s/specifications/) -- track count, connectors, dimensions, accessories (confirmed 2026-09-04)
- [Roland TR-8S MIDI Implementation Chart](https://static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/TR-8S_MIDIImpleChart_eng01_W.pdf) -- MIDI note assignments, version 1.02, dated Feb 20 2018
- Roland TR-8S owner's manual (downloadable from Roland support portal) -- full feature documentation

### Categories

- drum machines
- roland tr series
- hybrid drum machines

### Attributes

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Brand | Roland |
| Depth | 263 mm |
| Form Factor | Desktop drum machine |
| Height | 58 mm |
| Instrument Voices | 11 |
| Power Source | DC wall adapter (included); no battery |
| Release Date | February 20, 2018 |
| Sequencer Steps | 16 |
| Sound Engine | ACB + sample playback |
| Weight | 2.1 kg |
| Width | 409 mm |

## Instrument tracks (default TR-808 kit)

The TR-8S provides 11 configurable instrument tracks. Assignments shown reflect the factory TR-808 ACB kit. Each track can be freely reassigned to any built-in ACB voice or custom WAV sample. HC = Hand Clap (MIDI 39) in the TR-8S mapping, distinct from the TR-808's HC (Hi Conga).

| Track | Default Voice | Family | Tags | MIDI Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| BD | Bass Drum (TR-808 ACB) | Kick | 808-kick; acb | 36 |
| SD | Snare Drum (TR-808 ACB) | Snare | 808-snare; acb | 38 |
| LT | Low Tom (TR-808 ACB) | Tom | tom; acb | 43 |
| MT | Mid Tom (TR-808 ACB) | Tom | tom; acb | 47 |
| HT | Hi Tom (TR-808 ACB) | Tom | tom; acb | 50 |
| RS | Rim Shot (TR-808 ACB) | Percussion | rim; acb | 37 |
| HC | Hand Clap (TR-808 ACB) | Percussion | clap; acb | 39 |
| CH | Closed Hi-Hat (TR-808 ACB) | Hi-Hat | closed-hat; acb | 42 |
| OH | Open Hi-Hat (TR-808 ACB) | Hi-Hat | open-hat; acb | 46 |
| CC | Crash Cymbal (TR-808 ACB) | Cymbal | crash; acb | 49 |
| RC | Ride Cymbal (TR-808 ACB) | Cymbal | ride; acb | 51 |

## Frequently asked questions

### Can the TR-8S load custom drum samples?

Yes. Any of the 11 instrument tracks can be loaded with a custom WAV file from an SD card. Sample content and ACB voices coexist freely within the same kit and pattern.

### What built-in voice sets does the TR-8S include?

The TR-8S ships with ACB voices from the TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707, and additional TR-series instruments. Roland has expanded the library through firmware updates; check the current Roland product page for the full list.

### How is the TR-8S different from the TR-08 Boutique?

The TR-08 is a compact Boutique module with a fixed TR-808 voice set. The TR-8S is a full-size desktop machine with 11 configurable tracks, a broader ACB voice library including TR-909, per-track sample loading, 6 assignable direct outputs, and a more complete effects section.

### Does the TR-8S work as a USB audio interface?

Yes. Connected via USB, the TR-8S presents multi-channel audio to the DAW. Class-compliant on macOS; the free Roland USB driver is required on Windows.

### Does the TR-8S have individual outputs for each instrument?

The TR-8S has 6 ASSIGNABLE OUT/TRIGGER OUT jacks (1/4-inch), each freely routable to any of the 11 tracks. This allows multi-track hardware recording without a large interface, though it does not provide a separate physical jack for every track simultaneously.

### Can the TR-8S run on batteries?

No. The TR-8S requires a DC wall adapter (included). There is no battery option.

### When was the TR-8S released?

Roland's MIDI Implementation Chart for the TR-8S is dated February 20, 2018 (version 1.02), confirming a 2018 release. Exact retail availability should be verified against Roland's press release archive.

### What are the physical dimensions of the TR-8S?

Per Roland's spec page: 409 mm wide, 263 mm deep, 58 mm tall, weight 2.1 kg.