Gear Music tech Tech
Roland TR-1000 1.5: keyboard mode, seamless kit switching, more
Roland has one more announcement — a 1.5 update for its flagship TR-1000 drum machine. That includes note sequencing, a must-requested keyboard mode for playing bass and melodic parts on the gear, the ability to swap patterns and kits with effects on without a hitch, and a lot of tweaks and UI improvements.
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Baby Roland is back: Boutique JUPITER-08, n/vision wavetable synths
The kawaii look of the mini Rolands in the Boutique series has returned. There’s one vintage remake — the JUPITER-08, this time with full polyphony and then some (up to 32 voices). And there’s something new: the n/vision wavetable synth.
Peter Kirn - October 20, 2026
Gear Music tech Tech
Kevin Saunderson teaches a free 909 workshop, online and in Detroit
The best 909 Day reveal yesterday was this: on Saturday, Kevin Saunderson, techno originator and one of the Belleville Three, teaches a free workshop on the 909 with Roland (with Dustin Good). You can tune in online, and until tomorrow, there are in-person slots in Detroit, at Waajeed’s Underground Music Academy.
Peter Kirn - September 10, 2026
Gear Music Music tech Tech
Blind musician Jason Dasent worked with Roland to make a guide for V-STAGE
Peter Kirn - August 12, 2026
Gear Music tech Tech
The TR-808 is getting an MSW open-source firmware and a Tubbutec mod
Peter Kirn - August 11, 2026
DIY + Unusual Gear Music tech Tech
Strange, wonderful #808day creations from Japan — and a DIY D-Beam!
Peter Kirn - August 9, 2026
Gear Music Music tech Tech
808 Day: free Roland e-Bjook, NTS Radio jams, animation
Peter Kirn - August 8, 2026
Gear Music Music tech Tech
