The R-8 Human Rhythm Composer is an electronic

drum machine A drum machine is an electronic musical instrument that creates percussion sounds, drum beats, and patterns. Drum machines may imitate drum kits or other percussion instruments, or produce unique sounds, such as synthesized electronic tones. A d ...

introduced in 1989 by

Roland Corporation is a Japanese multinational manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, electronic equipment, and software. It was founded by Ikutaro Kakehashi in Osaka on 18 April 1972. In 2005, its headquarters relocated to Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefect ...

, using

PCM Pulse-code modulation (PCM) is a method used to Digital signal (signal processing), digitally represent analog signals. It is the standard form of digital audio in computers, compact discs, digital telephony and other digital audio application ...

voices. The R-8 features velocity- and pressure-sensitive trigger pads, and the ability to create loops of beats. The device has eight individual outputs, 32-voice

polyphony Polyphony ( ) is a type of musical texture consisting of two or more simultaneous lines of independent melody, as opposed to a musical texture with just one voice ( monophony) or a texture with one dominant melodic voice accompanied by chord ...

, and four-part

multitimbral Monotimbral (from the root prefix ''mono'' meaning one, and ''timbre'' meaning a specific tone of a sound independent of its pitch) is usually used in reference to electronic synthesizers which can produce a single timbre at a given pitch when pre ...

MIDI.

Sounds and features

The Roland R-8 Human Rhythm Composer utilizes PCM voice technology and includes 68 built-in sounds. It supports expansion via

ROM Rom, or ROM may refer to: Biomechanics and medicine * Risk of mortality, a medical classification to estimate the likelihood of death for a patient * Rupture of membranes, a term used during pregnancy to describe a rupture of the amniotic sac * ...

cards, which allow users to incorporate additional sounds. The machine offers extensive sound customization options through adjustable parameters such as pitch (which spans +/- four octaves), decay, and Nuance. The Nuance parameter modifies the timbre by simulating different strike positions on acoustic instruments. The R-8 features velocity and pressure-sensitive pads, which are used for capturing the dynamics of a performance by mimicking the expressiveness of live percussion. The device is four-part

, enabling simultaneous playback of multiple sounds. The drum machine supports both real and step-time sequencing, with the capacity to create patterns up to 99 bars in length. It accommodates various time signatures and includes a micro-timing feature that allows adjustments to a resolution of 1/384th of a note for precise rhythmic placement. The R-8 is equipped with Feel Patches that introduce variable changes in velocity, pitch, and other parameters to sequences, aiming to replicate the natural fluctuations of human playing. This function enhances the realism of the drum tracks produced by the R-8. It also features eight individual outputs, stereo outputs, and a headphone jack. It includes

MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface (; MIDI) is an American-Japanese technical standard that describes a communication protocol, digital interface, and electrical connectors that connect a wide variety of electronic musical instruments, ...

In, Out, and Thru ports, as well as FSK tape sync in and out, supporting synchronization with other devices and recording systems.

Variants

The R-8M, a

rackmount A 19-inch rack is a standardized frame or enclosure for mounting multiple electronic equipment modules. Each module has a front panel that is wide. The 19 inch dimension includes the edges or ''ears'' that protrude from each side of the ...

variant of the R-8 also introduced in 1989, omits the trigger pads and sequencer found in the desktop model. It features three front-facing ROM card slots, six individual outputs, and is designed to integrate with MIDI sequencers. Unlike the R-8, it lacks built-in pattern and song-recording capabilities, appealing to users who manage rhythm programming externally. The device includes a backlit LCD for navigation and editing. In 1992, Roland released a second version of the R-8 drum machine, the R-8 MKII. The MKII version offers enhancements to the original R-8 drum machine, including additional sounds, more pattern memories, and refined programming features. It retains essential characteristics such as adjustable sound parameters—Pitch, Decay, and Nuance—and comprehensive rhythm programming capabilities. Roland also released a trimmed-down version of the R8 in the form of the Roland R-5, which had fewer sounds and features than the R-8

Sound cards

Below are the cards developed by Roland compatible with the R-8, R-8 MKII, and R-8M models: * Roland SN-R8-01 - Contemporary Percussion * Roland SN-R8-02 - Jazz Brush * Roland SN-R8-03 - Sound Effects * Roland SN-R8-04 - Electronic * Roland SN-R8-05 - Jazz * Roland SN-R8-06 - Ethnic Percussion * Roland SN-R8-07 - Mallet * Roland SN-R8-08 - Dry * Roland SN-R8-09 - Power Drums U.S.A. * Roland SN-R8-10 - Dance * Roland SN-R8-11 - Metallic Percussion

Sounds and features

Variants

Sound cards

References

Further reading