Roland TR-8S V2.0 review + exclusive Patreon downloads
Added 2020-08-11 07:13:53 +0000 UTCHi!
I find FM synthesis incredibly interesting. Not because of a fondness for 80's video games or DX7 nostalgia (both of which I admit to having), but because of the surprises and happy accidents that lurk in between operator ratios and different algorithm configurations.
The TR-8S is 80's nostalgia in product form... it was released two years ago and combines virtual analog models of Roland's classic drum machines, including the 808, 909 and 606, along with sample playback capabilities.
Roland has just released firmware 2.0, with major updates - namely multiple FM based drum synths and other FM synths in the form of "mini-engines" - each controllable with a single Morph knob. They've also added a few interesting effects and performance short cuts.
If you have one, you should definitely check it out, and if you don't - it's still an interesting take on FM drum synthesis that you're welcome to explore with me in-depth in this video! This video also includes a few performance tips and ideas, many of which are applicable to other drum machines (and will of course be added to the next book update...)
Attached to this post are the kit and pattern I used in the intro/outro jam and a standalone video of it for those interested.
All my best,
Ziv (searching for FM quirks and craziness on youtube as "Loopop"...)
