What to know about the Roland TR-1000, from voices to slicing to samples

Roland’s new flagship drum machine leaked everywhere. But we’ve got details on what’s new under the hood, including specifics on analog voices, expanded ACB modeling and other digital features, and new sampling powers, direct from the source. You wanted a new monster from Japan? You got it.

Roland gear gone tiny in new Bandai capsule collection for Japan

Here’s the Roland news we really need: Bandai is expanding the ridiculously detailed miniature gear for miniature capsule machines. There’s a tiny TR-808, plus the JC-120 Jazz Chorus and Blues Cube Artist 212 amps and the JUPITER-X. Gotta catch ’em all. Here’s the full view. You’ll need to find a capsule machine, of course, so […]

Peter Kirn - August 8, 2025

Roland’s 808 Day: animated films, apparel collabs, patterns, parties, software deals

Roland has largely shifted product announcements to other dates, but 808 Day is still a party. And every year brings some left-field surprise. This year, it’s animated films. But that’s perfect for your 808 Day celebration, even if it’s just a party of you, a drum machine, and a night off.

Peter Kirn - August 8, 2025

Roland’s Tadeo Kikumoto on 808, part by part: the ukiyo-e drum machine

Peter Kirn - August 8, 2025

MD1: classic drum machine kits for Ableton Move, Note, and more

Peter Kirn - May 28, 2025

Roland 808: sneakers, fashion, and Twitch

Peter Kirn - August 5, 2024

Nepheton 2 is here: D16’s perfect, booming 808 recreation joins 909

Peter Kirn - December 4, 2023

RP-8 is a “demake” of the ReBirth RB-338 for the PICO-8 fantasy console

Peter Kirn - March 14, 2023

XODES are helping make 1U Eurorack a thing with tiny 808 modules – and more [hands-on]

Peter Kirn - November 15, 2022

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