• Home
  • Roland TR-08 Roland Boutique TR-808 Rhythm Composer
Home

Roland TR-08 Roland Boutique TR-808 Rhythm Composer

£331.00

Loading...

FREE UK Delivery

Free & Next Day delivery to most UK locations when spending over £149

Earn 993 Loyalty Points

You’ll get £9.93 to spend on your next order.

Click and Collect

Available to collect by request.
Looking to try or buy at our Guildford store?
How does click and collect work at Andertons?

SKU: TR-08

Product Description

The Legendary Boom and Sizzle of the Most Famous Drum Machine Ever Made—Now in an Affordable and Modern Format

The TR-08 is an obsessively detailed and faithful replica of the legendary TR-808—easily the most famous and influential drum machine ever made. After creating a monumental shift in the sound of music, the “808” has continued to shape and define entire genres. Beloved by musicians and producers the world over, it’s one of the most revered and sought-after electronic musical instruments of all time. The TR-08 brings the look, sound, and feel of the original 808—with stunning accuracy—to the Roland Boutique format. It blends attention to detail and respect for legacy with modern convenience and reliability.

youtube video thumbnail

  • Ultra-compact recreation of the legendary TR-808 drum machine
  • Retains the sound, character, and user interface of the original TR-808
  • Hands-on control including tone, level, tuning, and decay
  • Added Compressor, Gain, Tune, and Pan for selected instruments
  • Programmable via classic Step and Tap write modes
  • Sequencer has 16 steps with 16 sub-steps for detailed patterns and rolls
  • Continue playing beats even while switching between write modes
  • LED display for easier navigation and fine control of tempo and shuffle
  • Ten separate outputs via USB audio
  • Dedicated, track-selectable trigger output for controlling external instruments
  • High-quality construction with metal front panel
  • Highly portable for mobile music making
  • Includes DK-01 Boutique Dock for multiple-angle viewing
  • Battery-operated (4 x AA) or USB powered
  • Built-in powered mini-speaker for instant enjoyment

The Boom in the Room

The TR-808 arrived in 1980 to an unsuspecting and somewhat bewildered public. To many at the time, its purely analog sound and range of tweakable parameters didn’t exactly deliver “traditional” drum sounds. It wasn’t until adventurous musicians and producers got their hands on the TR-808 and started tweaking those knobs that the world would fully realize the sonic impact it would leave on music forever. For the next three decades, the sizzling hi-hats and snappy snare, the robotic, clicky rim shot, the unmistakable cowbell, and yes, that booming bass drum, would be heard on many thousands of tracks. Worldwide hits, underground classic, and entire genres were spawned. Its influence is so deep that it’s been name-dropped in famous tracks, had albums dedicated to it and bands named after it, and even been the subject of a feature-length documentary film.

A New Generation of 808

Time has not diminished the TR-808’s influence. New genres continue to make use of the 808, with some utilizing it as the main instrument and defining sound of the style. Sure, you can use samples of a TR-808, but there’s nothing quite like the real thing. The 808’s user interface with its buttons, knobs, and switches, and the odd quirks of how the sounds interact with each other—they’re all vitally important to conjuring up that real 808 mojo. And you know it when you hear it.

The new TR-08 adds some thoughtful and modern touches to the classic formula. The sequencer has 16 sub-steps per step, so you can create detailed snare fills and intricate, rolling hi-hats. It also has a track- selectable trigger out for working with other instruments like the TB-03, SH-01A, or modular gear. An unobtrusive LED display provides finer control of tempo and shuffle. You can step-program or tap in your parts in real-time without stopping to change modes. Everything sends and receives MIDI control messages and it even supports audio and MIDI over USB.

Portable. Affordable. Authentic.

Original TR-808s are big and heavy, and their rarity makes them extremely expensive and sought-after on the used market. Because of this, many have resorted to 808 sample packs or hardware knockoffs. But there’s something about the colors and controls and, of course, the sound of a genuine TR-808 that brings home the sound of so many classic tracks. The TR-08 accurately recreates the ingredients that make an 808 so special. The interface, while miniaturized, is 100% authentic. The sound is vibrant and alive thanks to our proprietary Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology. We use ACB to carefully recreate all the details and quirks of the original hardware by modeling each analog circuit, right down to the component level.

Not only does the TR-08 look and sound the part, but it also has some modern features and conveniences. With all this beat-making power, it would be a shame to keep it shackled to the studio. After all, inspiration can strike anywhere, and drum machines are fun to play live. The TR-08 is literally small enough to take just about anywhere. It’s ruggedly built with sturdy knobs, buttons, and switches. It has several tilt options for easy viewing in various live and studio scenarios. It can be a low-latency, portable audio interface. It has a built-in speaker, and even runs on batteries for when the beat absolutely must go on. With all this power and flexibility, you may be most surprised by the TR-08’s affordable price, which puts the legendary 808 vibe within reach of just about anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning the iconic original.

Elliot Stent author picture

Written by Elliot Stent

Specifications
Brand
Roland

Customer Reviews

5.0

5 reviews

Value

Looks

Durability

Sound

Trusted Customer7th Oct 2023

Value 5Looks 4Durability 4Sound 5

Trusted Customer31st Jan 2021

Value 5Looks 5Durability 5Sound 5

Trusted Customer4th Jul 2020

It has alot of features that can be utilised to make new beats, it's awesome!

Value 5Looks 5Durability 5Sound 5

Trusted Customer17th Jan 2019

Legendary sounds in a small and powerful box perfect for live sets.

Mr Russell Young28th Sep 2018

It's well made, compact in size, but a huge sound. The missing link in my rig (for now!) Only gripe is the 3.5mm jack size for output, but 5 minutes with a soldering iron sorted that one out.

Finance Options

Select deposit amount

0% = £0.00

Total amount payable £0.00. APR representative. Finance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

Total Cash Price
£0.00
Deposit
£0.00
Amount of Credit
£0.00
Duration of Agreement
0 Months
0 Monthly Repayments
£0.00
Cost of Credit
£0.00
APR Representative
0%
Annual Rate of Interest (Fixed)
0%
Settlement Fee
£0.00
Total Amount Payable

£0.00

How do I use instant finance?

It's simple! Just add the products you want to your basket and click the "Checkout" button in your basket. Go through the checkout process and tick the "Finance" option under "Select Your Payment Method". You can then choose which finance term you'd like to apply for, and change your deposit if you wish.

At the end of the checkout you'll be taken to the V12 Finance web site. This is where your finance application is processed. Assuming your application is accepted you'll be able to place your deposit and confirm your order right there.

Then, your order will come through to Andertons and we'll send you the goods. Get approval before 3pm and we'll send your order out the same working day (stock permitting) for next working day delivery!

Who can apply for finance?

You must: spend over £300, be at least 18 years of age, have been a UK resident for 3 years or more, be able to make repayments by Direct Debit, be in regular employment (minimum of 16 hours per week) including self-employment, or in permanent residence with your partner who is in regular employment.

Read More About Online Finance

Andertons Music Company's Registered Office: 58-59 Woodbridge Road, Guildford, GU1 4RF. Andertons Music Company acts as a credit broker and not a lender and only offers credit products from Secure Trust Bank PLC trading as V12 Retail Finance. Not all products offered by Secure Trust Bank PLC are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Andertons Music Company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, firm registration number 716155. Credit provided subject to age and status.