I did this with the MC-707 which allows 4 sounds per drum which can be random or velocity sensitive. I can make it sound super old with a lot of random variation or like a new machine.
TR-8S is really practical machine, good choice for you and yours gigs. Im honestly very happy with the Behringer 808 clone, was pretty cheap to get on used market, sounds and works awesome. All the best!
Yeah, when using samples from the TR-808 on the Tr-8s, it will sound like any sampled 808. In other words, they sound the same all the time, while the real 808 will have slight variations with every hit, because of its analog nature. You can clearly hear that in how the clap sounds different with every hit, on the TR-808 but sounds the same and bland when using samples. Using the built-in ACB engine will get the sound closer to the real 808 in terms of analog variations, but the modeling isn't 'perfect' . Although it also needs to be said that every TR-808 will sound a little different from another TR-808. That's part of the charm of analog stuff.
Agree. ACB sounds great, especially when using individual outs. There's also a FATTENER Master FX added in later firmware that I found makes it sound more like the original.
The samples sound ever so slightly duller to my ears. I would be truly interested to know how the modelled sounds on the TR-8S stack up against the 808. A bandmate of mine feels that the main difference is in the sequencer rather than the noises themselves. I feel that this could be remedied with strategic use of mute groups but he's unconvinced. I think he's just pining for the 808 he sold for peanuts back in the '90s.
So listening by me ,myself and I (and my subwoofer) - I hear that when the OG 808 is playing the Kick has a bit of a longer low thump-decay. I don't know how it is possible that the Tr 8s sound shorter. In general it sounds tighter. I cannot imagine that it cant reproduce such a simple sample in full resolution so that confuses me. It the sample release on the Tr8s turned all the way up-open? Having said that the OG 808 sounds less "tight" to the grid. A bit like its drunk , which is in my opinion one of the cool things about it. Also it might be that because it is so much older analog circuitry that the output line amp ads more saturation. The Tr8s sounds more pristine. I think for a busy mix I would prefer the Tr8s but for playing around I would love to try a real 808 out. Have never touched one thank you for this really cool demonstration. Much enjoying . Now I have to watch the last half :-)
For the way I work, the TR-8S is the perfect drum machine. The way it handles copying patterns alone is worth the price. Love the sounds too. Sold my super minty 626 because the 8S sounded identical to my ears.
In some part in the video i couldn't see the difference but generally the real 808 sounds more powerful than tr8s. You're so lucky having a real 808. Thanks for the video
The whole problem with using your own samples is that it’s dependent on your recording setup. So for classic drummachines for most people getting a high quality drumpack from Samples from Mars or the old Goldbaby would be the better choice imo.
@@SPAZZOID100 in the end, each sample sounds great, but its still kinda plastic , and not alive, since theres no analog power moving and creating it. after 8 years of producing i just realised i need this feeling to be inspired, and i guess im not the only one. nevertheless, so many sick guys dont need this, and makle sicksick music without this analog vibe.
Nice demonstration, are you happy with the TR8S in general? Been thinking about it for years, to use it as a sampler sequencing it from an external midi sequencer, but never bought it
For my needs it fills to void nicely. TR-styling of sequencing my own sampled drums from the unit. Does it very well and I have good control over the sounds. If I'm to sequence sampled drums in a production I do so in other ways.
There is a lot more "boom" to the 808. Not sure if you trimmed the snare, but it's a lot shorter decay. The 8S may be better on the software side and workflow, but the sound just doesn't compare.
Yes. There were some obvious and clearly audible differences here. I also think the clap sounded way different. Both the bottom end but there also seems to be a longer decay on the real 808 with some reverb/room on it that just isn't there. It must have been some setting changing the samples because they sound very different. And I can't believe reading the comments where many say they are identical or "close enough".' I'm usually the one who think this is the case with emulations or hardware clones where some people say that there are big differences when there isn't. Here it clearly was!
@@Magnus_Loov Agree 💯. I think maybe a lot of people are happy with the extra functionality and arguably better workflow you get with the new fangled devices, but I just want an 808. Always have. I will get an RD-8, not so much for price (but it's a bloody good one) but I think it's, again arguably, the best copy of the original, and that's as near as I'll get to one since playing with one in a shop in my late teens.
This must be the only time that I got a piece of gear before you did - or at least, before you published a video about it. 🙂 That TR-8S is a bit of a revelation. It's probably the only drum machine I'll ever need (other than the AirBase 99, which sits happily in a rack and could be triggered by it). Computer integration is top-notch, and it's just fun to use.
Minor differences can add up if you are doing it across different tracks. If everything is replicas or emulations then the sum of all them differences can leave the track a bit stale sounding. Just something to keep in mind. You have marginal gains with analog but across a whole tune that's where things can get interesting I find.
I’m not sure about that. They do sound different - I was closing my eyes and even with YT mangling the sound I could tell. The 808 sounds a little harder and a little more focused and slightly less polite.
@@leob9675You can emulate analogue stuff with oodles of plugins at post-production. I usually add various tape tube accents, reverb tweaks and so on. There are tonnes of paid/freeware cassette emulating plugins nowadays as well. So, neither of my tracks sound stale/similar. And I use only VST plugins. Even the worst VST synth plugin can be tweaked via a good set of SFX plugins.
The TR808 sounds a little more substantial in the lower midrange, especially noticeable on the snare. I’m listening through the RU-vid compressed audio through an Avid 16x16IO through several different monitors in my studio.
It's ridiculously noticeable to me. The TR8S misses the low end and heft of the original. (In principle, we should consider how the samples were recorded, as well... but let's say they're indistinguishable.) As much as I love the interface of the TR8S, *every* demo of it reinforces how poor it's conversion/output stages are. That said, I'm exceedingly picky in this regard, and have very well-trained ears and better monitoring than your average bedroom producer.
I lost faith in humanity for a moment because no one was mentioning the lower midrange thing. Not even Espen. I'm glad I'm not the only one that noticed.
I don't hear any difference. Maybe it's also because on the computer every recording is digital. I'd take the TR-8S, because it can do so much more than only 808.
There is clear difference in hihats. Overall sound is a bit different (frequency/impulse response?). Also, when Espen tweaked parameters there was different behavior (value ranges). But is that big enough difference - that’s another question.
It's because there isn't any difference. Purists will swear they can hear differences. It's like dealing with audiophiles who swear they can hear what gauge of speaker cable was used. I don't own one but the TR8s sounded great.
The TR8S is so underrated! It's basically a one box techno system for me. FX are killer, has sidechaining, parameter locks, ratchets etc. Plus the new FM synths turn it into something completely different. If I could only have one drum computer, TR8S would be it.
The ACB samples does not sound like this particular 808- At least not for sounds that has some higher frequencies. That's why I'm using samples. I'm not going to use the ACB sounds at all for any of the classic drum machines, only my own samples.
@@EspenKraft Yes, ACB sounds pretty bad, are sounds as the 707 copy , being digital the original that even does not resemble to a real 707. ACB and virtual analogue is crap from TRolland ( not real Roland) and those who say this unit does real TR sounds needs an implant of new ears ( or neurones) asap. Sorry, I love the unit as drum sampler, but no way I would use the TR sounds on it, ( I yet own several TRs, miss my 808). best
@@falangistavaleroso9689sorry but this is a seriously bad take. For starters the TR8S isn't a sampler, and Roland ACB is highly regarded, just look at the acclaimed System -8. It makes zero sense to load the TR8S with samples unless it's from a non Roland kit like the Linn Drum or DMX. The sample handling on the TR8S is not its strength. The ACB is, and its powerful performance and sequencing features.
@@paul-78 "makes zero sense load the trs with Roland samples", shut up you troll, "highly regarded ACB" . Regarded from who, from rookies who have never owned the originals and all what they do are Ableton +VST? Sure regarded by collectors and pros NO way. You can load my TR8S with samples of my own TR909 and it makes a difference, you rookie VST man.
thats exactly the point. u wont hear it in a track, but many people will miss this "aliveness" as an inspiration while doing music. doing great music is all about fun, and in the end this difference makes the difference.
This is just a tricky and super individual topic with no right and wrong. Just thought about the tr 707, and that this machine is the same unlive Plastik Sound like the tr 8s, to me. But this tr 707 has this very fun layout and Looks just so great. Again, to me. Never generalize something in this digital/ analog Diskussion. Me Im just a bit Angry on myself that i listend too much ob people that dont feel a difference from analog to digital. For them its the truth, but they generalized, and so they they didnt say the truth.
I got a TR8S 6 months ago, I consider it the best Roland product since the JD800 and I love it ( I also consider trash all the following bad imitation of real analogues they do, TRolland, not real Roland). The imitation of TR sounds leave a lot to be desired for one who has done records with all the TRs but the unit is great as drum sampler. I dreamed in the 90s with a sampler with dedicated decay knobs and 909 way to program notes and 30 years later its done. It yet needs some OS updates, specially for the sampler function, too may bugs yet. best
very informative and a bit depressing to me. ;) I guess it varies from person to person. To me, the 808 is alive, it is a living creature that is inspiring - and fun to use. The Tr8s ist just a drum machine, thats perfect to make a rhytm, and in compagnion with analog "living" synth, its a great deal, but not an inspiration by itself. Are there any analog powered drumsequencer with a 16-step-buttons, for samples, to get this living vibe? something that has this analog energy like an mpc 60/3000, just with 16th steps to put? cheers, feelix
Hm that's weird ..02:00 THe snare sound on the tr8-s is pitched slightly higher , did you (accidentally ) adjust the tuning ? Also the bass drum on TR8-S has less bottom end
The samples sounded close enough. Perhaps a tad duller. The 808 seemed slightly higher level. The snare didn't really carry over perfectly as a sample. The real question: Is it $5000 greater difference? I suppose that depends if you have the money, and whether you care about having the original with all it's non linearity and idiosyncracies, or you just want something close and modern, but way more practical.
Overall thoughts on the S2400? I’m tempted to sell mine but not sure if I’ll end up regretting it as I’m also using it as my main sequencer/song writing tool as well as a drum machine. Any advantages the TR8S has over the S2400?
It's a personal choice. The S2400 is great, but the way I used it left much of its greatness untouched and my needs are just as served with the TRS8 with cash left over for something else.
I hear you. It’s been my problem with workstations. So many features and power I barely use. That being said, I think once the expansion boards come out (for on-board effects and different filters)for it and with ISLA’s new Caladan synth, I’ll likely see the benefit of having so many features. But for pure simplicity and ease of use, the TR8S is fantastic.
You would think that a sample should sound 100% identical, and all you lose are the sound design functions, but the TR-8S seemed to have less sustain on the cowbell.
Could be the decay I set on the TR-8S. I have at least 10 different variations of each sound sampled and I had to chose one for each sound in this test.
May I ask you why you don’t use the ACB emulation of TR-808, instead of samples? And this video is excellent opportunity to ask you what do you think about ACB emulations of analog Roland synths and drum machines? Especially because we know that you don’t like Roland’s Zencore emulations of their classic analog synths, you demonstrated it with the video: JX-08 vs JX-8P. 😆
My own samples are unique. They're almost the only sampled drum sounds I use in my own productions, and the only sounds I want to use as well. I have a vast library of my own sampled drum sounds. Going back to the mid 80s.
@@EspenKraft I expected this kind of answer on my first question and I agree about that. What about second question? What do you think about the Roland’s ACB emulations of their classic analog synths and drum machines? Are they OK for you and your standards? Would you use them in your music if you would not have originals, or you prefer some other software versions of Jupiter 8, Juno 106/60 etc like you prefer JX-8P from third part developer? I’m asking you, because you spent (owned/borrowed) a lot of time with the originals, so you know their character and how they really sound.
Sure, just about any synth on the market can be put to good use. We all have different things we do with our synths and ways to use them. Some prefer a synth that sits well in the mix, while others want it to sound good when in solo. I think the ACB sounds "better" than the Zencore, which is more general in approach and is made to cater for all types of Rolands back catalog as well as new ones. I will always prefer the original hardware to any clone, but I'm also a realist so I understand why they exist. Recent history has shown us that it's sometimes a 3rd party that can make the best emulations of a classic. Not surprising as the makers (men and women) of the originals are no longer with us.
@@EspenKraft I’m asking you mostly because I’ve bought System 8 recently and classic analog synths definitely sound much better (I know It’s a matter of taste) than those in Zencore based Jupiter X/Xm. ACB emulations have much more presence and character in the sound than Zencore classic synth models. I can’t afford myself the originals and even if I could, I’m not sure that I’m ready to take care and regularly service them that they would work properly. That’s why synths like Jupiter X/Xm and System 8 are the best for my needs. In addition to that, before I played arrangers and workstations, so I’m used on one synth having several different instruments/synths in one device, which I can split how I wish. I know that they are digital clones and sound the same as softwares, but still I simply prefer hardwares more than any software, because I’m on the first place a keyboard player and when I want to play an instrument, I want just to turn on the keyboard and play it, without too many cables, turning on the computer etc etc (it’s simply different mindset). BTW I know that JX-8P is one of your favorite synths (although you sold it). It’s one of my favorite synths as well (from classic synth emulations in Jupiter Xm) and that’s why I really miss it in the System 8! Particularly because even S8 native synth engine doesn’t have some features that JX-8P had. I really hope Roland is going to make JX-8P available in ACB format and as plugout for System 8. I would like to hear that beautiful pads, strings, French horns and pianos and many other sounds from JX-8P in System 8. Cheers and thank you for honest reply! 🙂
I do a little bit of Linndrum in this video, as a teaser. If you watch it all you'll see and her it. That's taken directly from the Linndrum. I'll come back to this in later videos.
The sampled 808 totally missed the bottom end of the kick. Seemed to me it was a different setting on the original when sampled without decay. I'd probably use the ACB. We all have trillions of better or worse sampled 808s. I like when sounds are generated in real time and not just repeated, so ACB for me.
The OG does sound better and a bit more ‘musical’ or punchy in the way it spits it out somehow. But…I also think it was a bit louder in these examples? So that might be tainting my perception a bit
Answered that already in the comments. I want to use my own samples from my own drum machines. That's very important to me. I want to sequence them TR style, hence the TR-8S.
Ive got an original 808 ive had since 1994(now actually broken),can i tell the difference in a mix between my real 808 and 808 samples in ableton in a mixdown ???...yes slightly to be fair ....do i care one little bit ? hell no !😂
@@EspenKraft Check.. So this unit, as a replacement for the ISLA, is for different use from how you considered implementing the Akai force then?... Wasn't sure if the ISLA was a replacement for the AKAI.. I ask b/c the MC-707 seems like a capable playback machine. I thought perhaps you might use the ISLA in place of the Force... Any candidates for those duties yet? and/or upon your assessment, do you think the MC-707 might do the trick for such duties? thx.
No, the ISLA I only use as a drum machine to flesh out drum patterns (with my own samples) before starting any actual recording. And I found it was too expensive to just getting that kind of use. I find a TR-style of pattern programming just as easy, if not easier to do and I just like how the TR-8s works in that regards. Not using a drum machine live now I've settled for drum and bass playback from a laptop. The MC-707 has never peaked any interest with me at all.
They both sound great. If you just want to make music, the TR-8S will not stand in your way. If you like to own a historic instrument, the OG is the way to go.
Now do another test: play a a/b pattern on both. See how long you can take the loop before bored. The 808 wins. Because it s not one sound. I can listen to the loop without a problem on my 808. Not on my tr8
Samples are the foundation of any mid-to late 80s pop production. Do you think analog synths ruled that era of 80s pop? Not at all. It was pretty much all samples of those analog synths, or even more, layers of those synths sampled and played back.
@@EspenKraft There's no law stopping you from using both, but I know how particular you are about how you won't use the best feature of some of your gear so whatever. I got the TR8S because it had ACB drums & I never load samples into it, that's the Force job. Nice demo.
Thanks. Yes, I have my own ideas I pursuit to the full. Some like that and some don't, the nature of a comment section. I have to live with that since being here is my choice of course. ;-)
Я в России купил tr8s за 45000 руб б/у а новый на тот момент стоил 70000 руб. Для сравнения оригинальный Роланд 808 на тот момент 200000 руб Мне кажется мир ебонулся😂😂😂😂
