Good news for all TR-6S and TR-8S users: Roland surprisingly released a new firmware update for both machines in which they added 14 ACB instruments of the CR-78! We wonder if they saw this video... I always felt it was a big omission to not include the CR-78. And yes, the "metal beat" component of the Hats and Cymbals is adjustable :) The second addition - an 808 chromatic bass - is a bit of a mixed bag. It has an "ACB Coarse" parameter, which means you can automate its tuning in semitones and play 808 basslines with it if you sacrifice the assignable automation lane. But in my opinion it doesn't sound as good as the regular 808 Kicks, which still pack more punch.
Thanks to everyone who recommended the ASIO4ALL driver!! Using that you can use both your audio interface and the USB audio of the TR-6S at the same time under Windows. Just activate all inputs and outputs you want to use and ASIO4ALL will make them available to your DAW. Do note that the latency and sample rate is determined by the "worst" device of the aggregation.
I use ASIO all from maybe 2002 lol and it was a magic in those times for VST plugins, but it's cool that this old technology same can do a magic for newest hardware things)
I came here to comment that on Mac being limited to one audio interface is a non-issue as they support creating an aggregate interface device so you can combine multiple audio interfaces into one mega audio interface. You may want to add that as an update because it’s kind of important that there is a solution to the outdated information in the video for both windows and Mac.
Do you know why I love the videos on this channel, besides the content? The fact that I don't have to constantly adjust the volume between the talking and the sound from the instrument, unlike other channels… Little attention to detail like that, lets me know you're not just throwing videos together and you actually care about sound
@@CaptainPikant I know someone already told you this, but creating an aggregate device will solve your interface issues, but I have no idea how to do it on Windows, I do think it is dependent on your DAW though
@@oddcircuit I was under the impression that aggregate devices are a MacOS only thing. If you know if another solution (apart from the pinned ASIO4ALL), would love to know!
@@GuidoGautsch sorry I have no idea about anything windows, but PT has limited functionality with aggregate stuff, I think it depends on what DAW you use... I am sure someone has figured out some way to make it work with windows, but sorry, I do not know if so
I agree. I expect presenters to at least know basic do's and dont's of presenting. A few thing that turn me of are 1. Distracting background music. 2. Speaking too fast or shouting. 3. Overuse of "f" words 4. Not taking care of plosives. 5. Putting captions that overlap with the titles or are too wordy, which is very distracting because you can't read them anyway.
While listening to the example patterns on our smartphones we noticed that the stereo spreader effect of the TR-6S is NOT mono compatible. When the left and right channels are summed to mono this almost kills the snare (really noticeable on "When the Levee Breaks").
2:17 - on MAC you can create so called "aggregated sound device" - you easily connect multiple physical soundcards which they behave like one big soundcard with all inputs and outputs together .. so on MAC this is much more useable in daw enviroment ..
@@Nsr3liasthere’s a stock application on macOS called audio midi settings. Go to the audio section. Click create aggregate device. Add the two or more interfaces you want. Name that “device” whatever you want. It will now be in your DAWs dropdown for interface selection.
This is easily one of the best TR6S videos on youtube! Most videos on it are great sound demos or chances to show off the fun, positive parts of its workflow, but so few really go in-depth on its pros and cons like this. Bravo! I bought one back when they first came out as my first hardware drum machine. I've learned a lot since then and started hitting against its limitations, but it's a fun little box that I still keep around and mess with for fun, and if you can tolerate the stereo mixdown instead of individual outs it does a great job recreating those old-school Roland sounds.
Just bought one of these on sale mostly inspired by your channel and the drum machine 101 videos. Thanks for your terrific content! And the Patreon content has helped us learn how to use our new drum machine 😊
This sure is by far the most comprehensive and masterfully directed walkthrough/review for the TR-6S on TH-cam yet! Thank you!! I have only one wish for this machine though, to add the ability to trigger (2 or more) "alternate" samples (like on the 707 and 727 instruments) in a pattern/variation per channel/track. I think such an ability can bring a lot of creative possibilities to the device.
Hey captain, I found your channel when I searched for a good drum Review of an RD 9 and your channel is genuinely the best Synth channel I know. You can really feel the effort you put in your Videos and I loved your drum maschine basics series. I hope you get a lot more recognition in the Synth tech scene and just wanted to let you know how much i appreciate your videos. I wish you the best!
25:50 you can get this effect by actually holding the TR-REC button, instead of the variation button, to change which variation you're editing, even during playback. Little odd that it's there instead of the variation button, but cool that the feature is there. It's cool that you can edit a variation while a different one is playing. Handy for live jamming
the TR6s (and TR8s for that matter) are excellent inspiration machines. They are great for when I don't want to get too far up my own ass doing sound design and I just need one of those simple, classic Roland drum machine sounds. I've got the Elektron boxes for I want to get in and craft my own, but I find they take more up front investement to get to a result. I keep the TR8s in the jam rig.
Great review Captain! I love your ACB acronym. It's a mystery why Roland took what were once sample drum sounds and made them ACB, but I like it, A LOT! I got the TR-8S a year ago and the 707 and 727 sounds are my favorite. Please ACB the CR-78 with a future update.
Hey jeff, thank you so much :) I can only speculate that with the samples of the 909, 707 and 727, the ACB performs some mojo like a simulation of the specific D/A-converters.
Bizarre Roland has never done ACB on the 78. But that’s why i bought the TT-78, which is analog and just sounds wonderful. (In fact the earlier video on the TT-78 is what convinced me to get one.)
I know that the Digitakt is an alrady well reveiwed instrument, but I would love to see how you approach that instrument. Your perspective and performance over the instruments really helps me to feel familiar with the drums production. Now I own a Digitakt and I feel like your approach on how to work with the different sound design options and tools the Difgitakt has (and also how you recognize the equipment's limitations) could elevate my performance. To sum it up I would love to see you working with the Digitakt as I saw you working with the Syntakt.
Thank you so much! We'll probably not do a whole review so soon after the Syntakt review since they're very similar, but the Digitakt is one of my favourite machines so it will certainly make more appearances on the channel. It already served us well in the "Drum Patterns Explained" episode on "Axel F" for example :)
@@CaptainPikant Yes, I really love that video! It was quite useful. I could get an idea on how to scape the 4 on the floor and start playing with some groove Thank yo for answering me!
Thanks! We only had the TR-8S for a very short time but as far as I recall live recording rolls was possible. The TR-8S also has dedicated buttons for the variations, but apart from that the other points from the "Room for Improvement" segment apply.
Wow, what a quality video, not just content-wise, but the color grading and editing are spot on, congrats. Also, you can use the audio interface in conjunction with other interfaces by creating an aggregated interface in your computer which basically creates a virtual interface combining all the interfaces you want. I have the TR8s, but the TR6s is pretty impressive. Even with the TR8s I have all the same gripes you have. While the new firmware upgrade is cool and probability is a huge add (although it should have been there already) For me the things that still really need to be addressed are 1. Sample management, disk streaming would be best, but if that isn't possible, then kits with loaded samples should be able to be created in the companion app and transferred easily. Can't believe they didn't do this with the new version of the companion app. 2. Swing should be on a per instrument basis and not global. 3. Microtiming would be a nice addition. 4. A "follow" mode while playing through the variations instead of always only showing one selected variation even while it plays through the others. At least on the TR6s you get to use that nice knob as the value knob, you have to use the value knob a lot on these machines and on the T8Rs you only have a small value knob which needs to be turned a lot, and yet they have this big nice knob which for some reason is only dedicated to tempo, and if the TR8s is in receive midi clock than the knob serves no function at all. They need to allow a setting to use the tempo knob as the value knob, Overall, the Tr8s and TR6s are really high quality drum machines.
Thank you so much! Do you have any tips on how to create an aggregate device under Windows? I absolutely agree on your points, the follow mode would be especially helpful!
@@CaptainPikant I have not used Windows for so long I can't speak much on it, I know it isn't as seamless as it is on a Mac since it is native in a Mac, but I think you can do it through 3rd party apps. It is super helpful in the studio. I actually run my Focusrite 18i8, Octopre, TR8s, MODx, SE-02, and iPad all at the same time as interfaces over USB. I just have different types of templates setup for what I want to do and can switch with a single click. I don't mind if something is difficult to setup once, but if it is difficult to use I just won't ever use it, so if I couldn't use the TR8s with my audio interface I just never would, but since it is easy now it is basically just always ready to go and makes processing the drums so much easier. With regards to the follow mode, the reason I know it would be helpful is because I also use a KeyStep Pro which has it and I use it all the time. Not sure why the TR8s doesn't have it.
@@LuchoDa It worked! I just activated all inputs and outputs I wanted to use in ASIO4ALL and it made them available to the DAW. Do note that the latency and sample rate is determined by the "worst" device of the aggregation.
did you encounter a low volume issue ? I am using headphones and have the volume all the way up. I wonder if there is a master volume setting I am missing
Headphone volume was normal for us, even with high impedance headphones. The kits have their own volume setting, but that should affect the main outs as well.
Enjoyed watching the video! While the size of the TR-6S appeals to me, I feel like I'm leaning towards the TR-8S for less menu diving and better hands-on experience. Do you feel like the TR-8S fixes some of the other negatives you came across?
Once again visiting here and wanted to thank you for the high value content. Helped a lot. Especially the Velocity trickery. If it only had micro timing it would become amazing!
@@CaptainPikant of course! Also you give me ideas. Like , I tried the probability feature. I would like it even more if I could choose a predetermined probability. Like adding an extra step that will be triggered "every 2" or "every 4" beats etc. The way it is now if I don't get it wrong, the probability is a bit random. The option I wish for would let you have a "fixed" variation every 4 bars always in the same order, which would be equal to using 4 Variation steps as it is now. Unless I have a "thinking error " like they say in German
Been eyeing the tr-8s for awhile, but just found one of these used and mint for $250 at the music store, so picked it up. Figure I can play around with this and it'll give me a head start on tr-8s
Great tr6s aside can we have more of your impressions please:) Thank you for doing that and being an amazing meme free audio channel. it is great to be able to watch the video without having to pause and check the meme....
I haven't laughed so hard in a while. The Phil Collins torture test was wonderful. Aaaaaand I had to pause to go listen to the real song, a few times. 🤣 I now give that song so much more credit. No idea why it never occurred to me that those sounds were from old Roland machines. 🤦♂️😱🤷♂️😄 Go the moo cow bells and that smooth sexual healing.
Hi, nice video! One question: I believe that the samples on the SD card must be imported, so how much internal memory is available? I wouldn't want to make a wrong purchase. Thanks
I think I need your help: I’m a guitar player and I want a DM to play along that is really focused on randomness of both pattern and kit, something like the feature you showed where you quickly select random instruments or random kits. I just wanna select bpm and meter, press play and have a drum sound that changes as much as possible to make every performance almost unique! In your experience, what’s the best DM to do what I’m looking for? I’ve heard some cool things from the Elektron Model serie, but this little Roland seems great too on that regard. I hope I was clear… Thank you very much!
Very, very good video! I still wonder if I should exchange my 707 and 727 with either this or maybe TR-8S. This would give me loads of new features, but I like the original machines so much... Bizarre inner question marks 😅
Thank you for this very detailed review/tutorial. I’ll be coming back to it while I learn the TR-6S. Just bought one used. @2:46 What batteries did you use? Alkaline? Rechargeable NiMh? How many mAH?
Can you recommend a good drum machine for trance and breakbeats. I don't really like working on the xonouter much, so something with a good sequencer to make full tracks would rock, if that is possible.
I own a TD30 V Drums module which is quite extensive (and expensive) piece of gear. But I’m currently using it mainly for producing House music so basically a lot of 909 and 808 drums, as well some very nice percussions on board. Am I missing something from not having the TR8s/TR6s? I know I have a quite professional drum module in my hands but have some doubts lately.
The lack of CR-78 sounds baffles me. The only option would be MC-101 which has it or TT-78. I‘d instabuy a boutique CR-78 or consider the one Behringer is teasing since a few years.
I’ve been following your content and it’s been super helpful as I’m learning more about DJing. I currently own an XDJ-RR, and I’m considering purchasing the Roland TR-8S to add live elements to my sets. However, since the XDJ-RR doesn't have MIDI sync, I'm a bit concerned about how difficult it might be to incorporate the TR-8S smoothly into my workflow. Do you think it's a smart choice to get the TR-8S for someone like me who wants to learn live performances, or would you recommend a different approach? Thanks so much for your time and advice!
Hi Joey! I'm not really familiar with DJ systems like these but I can imagine that without a way to sync it with the drum machine you're going to be very busy adjusting the tempo by hand. Personally I'd look for a solution where everything is synced automatically so you can focus on the important stuff :)
Sadly we currently don't have access to one. But it's almost the same as the TR-6S with a few differences (as mentioned in the video) so I don't think the verdict would be much different :)
Hello, there, Captain. Great videos !!!! I'd like to know if the TR-6s can be controlled with a external Control Midi Keyboard. I mean, with the Keystep Pro, for example. Does the TR-6s need that each instrument of the six parts be assigned with a different Midi Channel each one or they can be controlled with just one Midi Channel and can be played with 6 different keys of the keyboard or more. ;) Thank you very much in advance.
Yeah, it would be great if Roland could make it a little more accessible like their boutiques. I really appreciated the simplicity of the TR-08 which we had in the studio for a short while.
@@CaptainPikant I love you work btw. Older musician, started up electronic music after the pandemic hit. Tr-6s was my first drum machine. Everything was dependent a two line display. Making beats was like programming a TRS-80 to make a stick figure
That's true, we also show that feature in the performance segment when selecting the fill patterns. But I think it would be great if you could also use the variation button as a momentary switch (like the "sub" button).
Hello! Have you done a review of the Roland TR-8S Aira, preferably with the latest (CR78) firmware released at the end of last year? If so, I can't find it!
@@CaptainPikant I would really like to see / hear your opinion on it. I've watched countless reviews elsewhere, in order to try and avoid the 'mistake' I made with my Arturia DrumBrute (it's good ... but missing that certain 'je ne sais quoi') but am not 100% sold on it, which is why I keep reverting back to the DrumBrute coupled with GrooveAgent bundled with my Cubase DAW. It's tolerable in my studio ... but I don't want to employ this as a solution 'live' and can't really afford to get this decision wrong!
Absolutely the best electronic drum related content on the internet. Always entertaining and useful! I always click when I see a squinting rabbitish thing pop up. :D
Loved the sound, hated the workflow and all the weird little things like delay and reveb sends on by default.... Ended up getting rid of mine. Miss it, but I know I won't gel with it
Man I so much wish for microtiming support and what would be ultra awesome would be warping of samples. This way you could use a drum loop and use it in different Tempo projects cause it would be grid locked. Don’t know if it’s technically possible though
The main pattern of Hunter is totally doable, but since there's no microtiming on the TR-6S the other parts will be harder to program (as described in our episode on Hunter). And since you can't have different scales on the 8 variations inside of a pattern you'll have to program each part in a new pattern slot.
Good news for all TR-6S and TR-8S users: Roland surprisingly released a new firmware update for both machines in which they added 14 ACB instruments of the CR-78! We wonder if they saw this video... I always felt it was a big omission to not include the CR-78. And yes, the "metal beat" component of the Hats and Cymbals is adjustable :)
The second addition - an 808 chromatic bass - is a bit of a mixed bag. It has an "ACB Coarse" parameter, which means you can automate its tuning in semitones and play 808 basslines with it if you sacrifice the assignable automation lane. But in my opinion it doesn't sound as good as the regular 808 Kicks, which still pack more punch.
Crazy it still is getting firmware updates
@@eightcoins4401the machine is 3 years old? How is it a surprise?
This alone is a reason to buy a 6s. Just decided to do it, since i have live shows.
Bought it after watching this.
Am now referring back frequently, as a tutorial.
The quality on this channel is absolutely astounding.
Same! Back for review! Captain Pikant’s channel is a lecture series on music production.
Thanks to everyone who recommended the ASIO4ALL driver!! Using that you can use both your audio interface and the USB audio of the TR-6S at the same time under Windows. Just activate all inputs and outputs you want to use and ASIO4ALL will make them available to your DAW. Do note that the latency and sample rate is determined by the "worst" device of the aggregation.
I use ASIO all from maybe 2002 lol and it was a magic in those times for VST plugins, but it's cool that this old technology same can do a magic for newest hardware things)
Mac aggregate device works well also. On Macs of course.
ASIO4ALL = fun for all
@@mirojaroszak6239 lol, buy one more mac, noob)
I came here to comment that on Mac being limited to one audio interface is a non-issue as they support creating an aggregate interface device so you can combine multiple audio interfaces into one mega audio interface.
You may want to add that as an update because it’s kind of important that there is a solution to the outdated information in the video for both windows and Mac.
Do you know why I love the videos on this channel, besides the content? The fact that I don't have to constantly adjust the volume between the talking and the sound from the instrument, unlike other channels… Little attention to detail like that, lets me know you're not just throwing videos together and you actually care about sound
Thank you so much for noticing! :)
@@CaptainPikant I know someone already told you this, but creating an aggregate device will solve your interface issues, but I have no idea how to do it on Windows, I do think it is dependent on your DAW though
@@oddcircuit I was under the impression that aggregate devices are a MacOS only thing. If you know if another solution (apart from the pinned ASIO4ALL), would love to know!
@@GuidoGautsch sorry I have no idea about anything windows, but PT has limited functionality with aggregate stuff, I think it depends on what DAW you use... I am sure someone has figured out some way to make it work with windows, but sorry, I do not know if so
I agree. I expect presenters to at least know basic do's and dont's of presenting. A few thing that turn me of are
1. Distracting background music.
2. Speaking too fast or shouting.
3. Overuse of "f" words
4. Not taking care of plosives.
5. Putting captions that overlap with the titles or are too wordy, which is very distracting because you can't read them anyway.
Your dialogue is the absolute pinnacle of clarity and the smoothness of the video's volume profile is liquid velvet.
Super easy on the ears!!!👂❤
Thank you so much :)
Your staging and backdrops are some of the cleanest on the platform. Always a joy to watch your videos
yes
Using Voodoo child and When the levee breaks as examples for a drum machine is genius!
While listening to the example patterns on our smartphones we noticed that the stereo spreader effect of the TR-6S is NOT mono compatible. When the left and right channels are summed to mono this almost kills the snare (really noticeable on "When the Levee Breaks").
Seems to be Roland issue because the new Aira Compact T8 has an issue with the snare when adding snap. Sucks because snares are super important.
@@danteben most stereo enhancers or wideners we use are mono compatible and don't collapse when summed to mono, that's why I was surprised :)
2:17 - on MAC you can create so called "aggregated sound device" - you easily connect multiple physical soundcards which they behave like one big soundcard with all inputs and outputs together .. so on MAC this is much more useable in daw enviroment ..
This works great. It does mean that you’ll have had to install the Roland drivers however, which are far from great.
I came to see if anyone mentioned this. I’m an avid (pun intended) mac user and this changes the game.
How did I do that I have Mac and also thinking to buy this pls help! 🙌🏽
@@Nsr3liasthere’s a stock application on macOS called audio midi settings. Go to the audio section. Click create aggregate device. Add the two or more interfaces you want. Name that “device” whatever you want. It will now be in your DAWs dropdown for interface selection.
@ thank you!
This is easily one of the best TR6S videos on youtube! Most videos on it are great sound demos or chances to show off the fun, positive parts of its workflow, but so few really go in-depth on its pros and cons like this. Bravo!
I bought one back when they first came out as my first hardware drum machine. I've learned a lot since then and started hitting against its limitations, but it's a fun little box that I still keep around and mess with for fun, and if you can tolerate the stereo mixdown instead of individual outs it does a great job recreating those old-school Roland sounds.
This channel has some of the highest quality content I've seen on the music tech side of TH-cam. Keep it up!
I like your tone and humorous yet professional way to present!
Auuugh….my mental debate about TR-6S v. TR-8S resumes!!! (love the vides ;)
I wish all product reviews were this entertaining. It's nice to LOL for a change!
Just bought one of these on sale mostly inspired by your channel and the drum machine 101 videos. Thanks for your terrific content! And the Patreon content has helped us learn how to use our new drum machine 😊
Thank you so much :)
Damn you're doing a GREAT job, this is so clear, and deep as well.
This is hands down the best Roland TR-6S video review/tutorial. I learned so much.
Thanks! We're happy it was useful to you :)
love your cover of classic rock songs! would love to see a full length cover of these songs!
I love this channel. I love the focus on drum machines.
This sure is by far the most comprehensive and masterfully directed walkthrough/review for the TR-6S on TH-cam yet! Thank you!!
I have only one wish for this machine though, to add the ability to trigger (2 or more) "alternate" samples (like on the 707 and 727 instruments) in a pattern/variation per channel/track. I think such an ability can bring a lot of creative possibilities to the device.
Hey captain, I found your channel when I searched for a good drum Review of an RD 9 and your channel is genuinely the best Synth channel I know. You can really feel the effort you put in your Videos and I loved your drum maschine basics series. I hope you get a lot more recognition in the Synth tech scene and just wanted to let you know how much i appreciate your videos.
I wish you the best!
Thank you so much :)
Check out his videos on Thomann. Amazing lessons on music production.
25:50 you can get this effect by actually holding the TR-REC button, instead of the variation button, to change which variation you're editing, even during playback. Little odd that it's there instead of the variation button, but cool that the feature is there. It's cool that you can edit a variation while a different one is playing. Handy for live jamming
the TR6s (and TR8s for that matter) are excellent inspiration machines. They are great for when I don't want to get too far up my own ass doing sound design and I just need one of those simple, classic Roland drum machine sounds. I've got the Elektron boxes for I want to get in and craft my own, but I find they take more up front investement to get to a result. I keep the TR8s in the jam rig.
at 12:17 this is the most amazing version of 'When the Levee Breaks' drum loop I ever heard in my life! Thumbs Up!
Great review Captain! I love your ACB acronym. It's a mystery why Roland took what were once sample drum sounds and made them ACB, but I like it, A LOT! I got the TR-8S a year ago and the 707 and 727 sounds are my favorite. Please ACB the CR-78 with a future update.
Hey jeff, thank you so much :) I can only speculate that with the samples of the 909, 707 and 727, the ACB performs some mojo like a simulation of the specific D/A-converters.
Bizarre Roland has never done ACB on the 78. But that’s why i bought the TT-78, which is analog and just sounds wonderful. (In fact the earlier video on the TT-78 is what convinced me to get one.)
Love the Skinny Puppy beat! Thanks for posting, very insightful...
made a deal for 225 euro second hand. very happy!
Great video entirely. Even with all the flaws I see myself getting one and watching this multiple times. Thank you
What an excellent video, thank you.
Fantastic review / Thank you for the comprehensive breakdown!
Groovebox review as comedy sketch. Love it! Genuine chuckles. 😆
I love your jokes combined with a very good knowledge about the product!
12:07 I like your version. Very interesting 12:53 Another great rendition. Great Review as always.
I know that the Digitakt is an alrady well reveiwed instrument, but I would love to see how you approach that instrument. Your perspective and performance over the instruments really helps me to feel familiar with the drums production. Now I own a Digitakt and I feel like your approach on how to work with the different sound design options and tools the Difgitakt has (and also how you recognize the equipment's limitations) could elevate my performance. To sum it up I would love to see you working with the Digitakt as I saw you working with the Syntakt.
Thank you so much! We'll probably not do a whole review so soon after the Syntakt review since they're very similar, but the Digitakt is one of my favourite machines so it will certainly make more appearances on the channel. It already served us well in the "Drum Patterns Explained" episode on "Axel F" for example :)
@@CaptainPikant Yes, I really love that video! It was quite useful. I could get an idea on how to scape the 4 on the floor and start playing with some groove Thank yo for answering me!
Hope Roland is paying attention to this!
The tune at the end is really dope!
04:33 -> and there goes my coffee all over my laptop screen again...
Hi, the room from improvement in the TR-6S is the same in the TR-8S ?, great channel!❤
Thanks! We only had the TR-8S for a very short time but as far as I recall live recording rolls was possible. The TR-8S also has dedicated buttons for the variations, but apart from that the other points from the "Room for Improvement" segment apply.
Hi there, I just bought one of these based on your ace review/tutorial. Do you have CR78 patterns?
Wow, what a quality video, not just content-wise, but the color grading and editing are spot on, congrats. Also, you can use the audio interface in conjunction with other interfaces by creating an aggregated interface in your computer which basically creates a virtual interface combining all the interfaces you want.
I have the TR8s, but the TR6s is pretty impressive. Even with the TR8s I have all the same gripes you have. While the new firmware upgrade is cool and probability is a huge add (although it should have been there already) For me the things that still really need to be addressed are
1. Sample management, disk streaming would be best, but if that isn't possible, then kits with loaded samples should be able to be created in the companion app and transferred easily. Can't believe they didn't do this with the new version of the companion app.
2. Swing should be on a per instrument basis and not global.
3. Microtiming would be a nice addition.
4. A "follow" mode while playing through the variations instead of always only showing one selected variation even while it plays through the others.
At least on the TR6s you get to use that nice knob as the value knob, you have to use the value knob a lot on these machines and on the T8Rs you only have a small value knob which needs to be turned a lot, and yet they have this big nice knob which for some reason is only dedicated to tempo, and if the TR8s is in receive midi clock than the knob serves no function at all. They need to allow a setting to use the tempo knob as the value knob,
Overall, the Tr8s and TR6s are really high quality drum machines.
Thank you so much! Do you have any tips on how to create an aggregate device under Windows? I absolutely agree on your points, the follow mode would be especially helpful!
@@CaptainPikant I have not used Windows for so long I can't speak much on it, I know it isn't as seamless as it is on a Mac since it is native in a Mac, but I think you can do it through 3rd party apps. It is super helpful in the studio.
I actually run my Focusrite 18i8, Octopre, TR8s, MODx, SE-02, and iPad all at the same time as interfaces over USB. I just have different types of templates setup for what I want to do and can switch with a single click. I don't mind if something is difficult to setup once, but if it is difficult to use I just won't ever use it, so if I couldn't use the TR8s with my audio interface I just never would, but since it is easy now it is basically just always ready to go and makes processing the drums so much easier.
With regards to the follow mode, the reason I know it would be helpful is because I also use a KeyStep Pro which has it and I use it all the time. Not sure why the TR8s doesn't have it.
@@CaptainPikant Please try ASIO4ALL and let us know if it is possible to aggregate the TRS and your audio interface at the same time
@@LuchoDa It worked! I just activated all inputs and outputs I wanted to use in ASIO4ALL and it made them available to the DAW. Do note that the latency and sample rate is determined by the "worst" device of the aggregation.
@@CaptainPikant Nice, glad you got it working. Can be a bit of a game changer in your workflow, at least it was for me.
did you encounter a low volume issue ? I am using headphones and have the volume all the way up. I wonder if there is a master volume setting I am missing
Headphone volume was normal for us, even with high impedance headphones. The kits have their own volume setting, but that should affect the main outs as well.
@@CaptainPikant thank you. Excellent video too
I always liked the tr6s don’t own one have a mpc but it looks like a great mobile option
24:50 Yes, Tuning /Melody needs improvement, with Playing Melodies using the keys! as most grooveboxes have for the last 20 years...
Enjoyed watching the video! While the size of the TR-6S appeals to me, I feel like I'm leaning towards the TR-8S for less menu diving and better hands-on experience. Do you feel like the TR-8S fixes some of the other negatives you came across?
very nice walk through....thanks for all the details. it sure is pretty
I think these kind of reviews are really important, rather than just trying to get out the first ones for the algo.
Love the channel, great presentation. May it grow and prosper!
Paul Revere… loved it. Subbed
Comprehensive and Informative
…loved the Oliver joke 😆
Nice work.
Thanks, glad you liked it 😄
Once again visiting here and wanted to thank you for the high value content. Helped a lot. Especially the Velocity trickery.
If it only had micro timing it would become amazing!
Glad the review was useful to you :)
@@CaptainPikant of course! Also you give me ideas. Like , I tried the probability feature. I would like it even more if I could choose a predetermined probability. Like adding an extra step that will be triggered "every 2" or "every 4" beats etc. The way it is now if I don't get it wrong, the probability is a bit random. The option I wish for would let you have a "fixed" variation every 4 bars always in the same order, which would be equal to using 4 Variation steps as it is now. Unless I have a "thinking error " like they say in German
@@saardean4481Yes iteration dependence would be really great. The Elektron devices have it and many of the pad matrix sequencers.
Been eyeing the tr-8s for awhile, but just found one of these used and mint for $250 at the music store, so picked it up. Figure I can play around with this and it'll give me a head start on tr-8s
Great demonstration video. Excellent detail and clear explanations.
looks like someone had a lot of fun on this one hehe great job!
Fluent explanations and mesmerising videos as always. Love ur channel
Excellent video sooo helpful thx dude
26:06 Variation Snap! would be good
Great tr6s aside can we have more of your impressions please:) Thank you for doing that and being an amazing meme free audio channel. it is great to be able to watch the video without having to pause and check the meme....
another great vid.
great review!!
I haven't laughed so hard in a while. The Phil Collins torture test was wonderful. Aaaaaand I had to pause to go listen to the real song, a few times. 🤣 I now give that song so much more credit. No idea why it never occurred to me that those sounds were from old Roland machines. 🤦♂️😱🤷♂️😄 Go the moo cow bells and that smooth sexual healing.
You can make an aggregate device on mac in audio midi setup to use the tr6s usb and your normal audio device at the same time 😉
Hi, nice video! One question: I believe that the samples on the SD card must be imported, so how much internal memory is available? I wouldn't want to make a wrong purchase. Thanks
Can’t wait to get this and replace it with novation circuit tracks
I think I need your help: I’m a guitar player and I want a DM to play along that is really focused on randomness of both pattern and kit, something like the feature you showed where you quickly select random instruments or random kits. I just wanna select bpm and meter, press play and have a drum sound that changes as much as possible to make every performance almost unique! In your experience, what’s the best DM to do what I’m looking for? I’ve heard some cool things from the Elektron Model serie, but this little Roland seems great too on that regard. I hope I was clear…
Thank you very much!
Will this machine replace my the drum machine boutiques? Will I miss them?
have this one sounds from linndrum? also you can use it as sampler? like to upload wav files like files from linndrum and play them to it?
Very, very good video! I still wonder if I should exchange my 707 and 727 with either this or maybe TR-8S. This would give me loads of new features, but I like the original machines so much... Bizarre inner question marks 😅
i love your videos so much
Thank you for this very detailed review/tutorial. I’ll be coming back to it while I learn the TR-6S. Just bought one used.
@2:46 What batteries did you use? Alkaline? Rechargeable NiMh? How many mAH?
Thanks! We used Eneloop rechargeable NiMh batteries, but I'm not sure if they were the regular or the "pro" ones.
@@CaptainPikant Thank you for your reply. I see the batteries are white so that should be the regular eneloop. The Pros are black.
Can you recommend a good drum machine for trance and breakbeats. I don't really like working on the xonouter much, so something with a good sequencer to make full tracks would rock, if that is possible.
Hi can you understand how to sequence sections of a song together, that i could not understand without a song mode?
Amazing tutorial. I just ca from lmms (a free daw software) and i decided to switch since it didn’t offer enough convenience. It was
Can you do a review of the TR-8s please 🙏
I own a TD30 V Drums module which is quite extensive (and expensive) piece of gear. But I’m currently using it mainly for producing House music so basically a lot of 909 and 808 drums, as well some very nice percussions on board. Am I missing something from not having the TR8s/TR6s? I know I have a quite professional drum module in my hands but have some doubts lately.
24:30 yes! Better Roll is needed!
Amazing review! Thank you
just updated it from V1.0 to v2.0, now i can use Randomized, thats kinda cool :)
Ayo big respect for you to film over 7 hours of footage just to catch it dying, Cap'n.
Very helpful video - thanks
The lack of CR-78 sounds baffles me. The only option would be MC-101 which has it or TT-78. I‘d instabuy a boutique CR-78 or consider the one Behringer is teasing since a few years.
What kind of amp would you recommend in a live setting in a small room for a dozend or so people?
I’ve been following your content and it’s been super helpful as I’m learning more about DJing. I currently own an XDJ-RR, and I’m considering purchasing the Roland TR-8S to add live elements to my sets. However, since the XDJ-RR doesn't have MIDI sync, I'm a bit concerned about how difficult it might be to incorporate the TR-8S smoothly into my workflow. Do you think it's a smart choice to get the TR-8S for someone like me who wants to learn live performances, or would you recommend a different approach?
Thanks so much for your time and advice!
Hi Joey! I'm not really familiar with DJ systems like these but I can imagine that without a way to sync it with the drum machine you're going to be very busy adjusting the tempo by hand. Personally I'd look for a solution where everything is synced automatically so you can focus on the important stuff :)
@@CaptainPikant thanks!!
Would love to see a TR-8S review from you guys
Sadly we currently don't have access to one. But it's almost the same as the TR-6S with a few differences (as mentioned in the video) so I don't think the verdict would be much different :)
Got mine used for $290 after tax and shipping, I can't imagine paying $400 for it
Roland not making an ACB CR78 is criminal. Good thing the TT-78 exists tho.
Behringer claim to have a CR78 clone coming. For me, the TT78 isn’t much like the real thing.
Hello, there, Captain. Great videos !!!! I'd like to know if the TR-6s can be controlled with a external Control Midi Keyboard. I mean, with the Keystep Pro, for example. Does the TR-6s need that each instrument of the six parts be assigned with a different Midi Channel each one or they can be controlled with just one Midi Channel and can be played with 6 different keys of the keyboard or more. ;) Thank you very much in advance.
Hi there, I was able to sequence the TR-6S via MIDI on a single channel. Different notes then correspond to different instruments :)
@@CaptainPikant Thank you so much for the answer. 😉😉👍👍
I sold my tr6s. I really like the faders and knobs, but you need to be a programmer to get the most out of it.
Too much menu diving for me.
Yeah, it would be great if Roland could make it a little more accessible like their boutiques. I really appreciated the simplicity of the TR-08 which we had in the studio for a short while.
@@CaptainPikant I love you work btw. Older musician, started up electronic music after the pandemic hit. Tr-6s was my first drum machine.
Everything was dependent a two line display. Making beats was like programming a TRS-80 to make a stick figure
You can actually momentary switch to another variation:
If you press and hold tr-rec you can switch to another variation.
That's true, we also show that feature in the performance segment when selecting the fill patterns. But I think it would be great if you could also use the variation button as a momentary switch (like the "sub" button).
You actually can make subpattern play N times before switching to another subpattern.
Hi Cookie Monster, I couldn't find any mention of this in the manual - do you have any pointers on how to do it?
@@CaptainPikant oops, my bad, looks like i confused it with mc101.
Love the video ❤
Hello! Have you done a review of the Roland TR-8S Aira, preferably with the latest (CR78) firmware released at the end of last year? If so, I can't find it!
Hi Stephen, no we haven't had that machine in our studio yet :)
@@CaptainPikant I would really like to see / hear your opinion on it.
I've watched countless reviews elsewhere, in order to try and avoid the 'mistake' I made with my Arturia DrumBrute (it's good ... but missing that certain 'je ne sais quoi') but am not 100% sold on it, which is why I keep reverting back to the DrumBrute coupled with GrooveAgent bundled with my Cubase DAW. It's tolerable in my studio ... but I don't want to employ this as a solution 'live' and can't really afford to get this decision wrong!
Can you control all channels on the 6s from one midi channel?
Absolutely the best electronic drum related content on the internet. Always entertaining and useful! I always click when I see a squinting rabbitish thing pop up. :D
Loved the sound, hated the workflow and all the weird little things like delay and reveb sends on by default.... Ended up getting rid of mine. Miss it, but I know I won't gel with it
Man I so much wish for microtiming support and what would be ultra awesome would be warping of samples. This way you could use a drum loop and use it in different Tempo projects cause it would be grid locked. Don’t know if it’s technically possible though
Yes, microtiming would be really awesome :) They could even use the "Nudge +/-" buttons for that...
I really hope they make a JD-Xi 2.0 either with analog part + zen core or just all ACB would be very awesome!
Is this better than the Drumbrute Impact?
How experimental can you go with it? Is something like Hunter doable here (considering it has substeps and flams)
The main pattern of Hunter is totally doable, but since there's no microtiming on the TR-6S the other parts will be harder to program (as described in our episode on Hunter). And since you can't have different scales on the 8 variations inside of a pattern you'll have to program each part in a new pattern slot.
@@CaptainPikant I'm very battled between this one and the RD-9 by behringer.. I'll have to choose meticulously!
🤣 just found you lol, subbed!🙌
Looking forward to your Korg Drumlogue review in November 2023!
😂😂😂 Don't hold your breath though, we're not planning to review this one.
you wont do a review on this one, you were my last ressort to get a quality and honest review 😢