Roland Reboots Iconic TR-808 Drum Machine and SH-101 Synth
Roland reanimates two iconic machines
You don't have to look too hard to hear the influence of Roland's TR-808 drum machine and SH-101 synthesizer. Bedrock to hip-hop and house for the last 30 years, the pair of Roland machines has left an irrefutable mark on music decades on. And now you won't have to break the bank to cop.
Today, Roland has unveiled rebooted and revamped versions of both systems as part of their Boutique series. The SH-101 returns as the SH-01A -- a shrunken, albeit powerful recalibration of the original, sporting MIDI and USB inputs, as well as battery power for those on the go -- while the freshly repackaged TR-808 storms back as the TR-08 -- also a fraction of original size with all of the modern-day bells and whistles contemporary producers need -- and both perfectly integrate into one Voltron of vintage sounds.
Roland has also released a DJ-friendly version of the TR-808, the aptly titled DJ-808, for $1,299, combining the machine with a DJ-controller for live on-the-fly drum programs and mixes. See the rebooted TR-808 and SH-101 synth in action in the clip above and scroll on for a demo with the DJ-808. For more specs and pricing, hit the link below.