Tag Archives: 8-bit

Truly A Hit Record Maker- The Classic Roland TR-707

Released by the Roland Corporation in 1985, the Roland TR-707 Rhythm Composer contains 8-bit samples of real drums. This low resolution gives it a lo-fi sound that sets it apart from later and cleaner sounding sample playback drum machines.

A desirable, vintage drum machine spotlight via our friends at tonetweakers.com

The 707 sounds similar to other classic early to mid ’80s digital drum machines like the LinnDrum, Oberheim DMX and Oberheim DX (which is also available on tonetweakers website), but with a lower price tag. Professionally serviced and systematically tested to ensure full functionality, this classic unit now works like new again and is ready to play.

Little brother to the legendary Roland TR-808 and Roland TR-909, the 707 fits perfectly into the iconic Roland X0X ecosystem and is a must for any serious fan of Roland machines from that era. This example also includes its original cardboard box — a rare bonus for collectors.

The 707 was featured on classic pop (you might be surprised to learn that many rock and pop hits did not use acoustic drums but sample based drum machines and drum computers instead) and house tracks like “Need You Tonight” by INXS, ”Move Your Body” by Marshall Jefferson, and “Washing Machine”. Also reportedly used by electronic music legends Vince Clarke, Aphex Twin, Daft Punk and Jay Wires 😀

Much like the classic TR-909, this MIDI drum machine is a classic. 

Used on countless pop, techno, house, new wave, synthpop, hip hop and other recordings from the mid 80s thru today. Its appearance and user interface are best compared to that of the 909. It’s a great studio drum machine but also an excellent portable live tool with the ability to trigger external sounds on a MIDI sampler or synth – perfect for the gigging techno musician.

Features:
15 great drum sounds
16 pads for tap entry or step entry (lights indicate position)
Can also be used to sequence your MIDI synthesizer or sampler – great for live use!
Pattern Mode – create lots of your own loops!
Track Mode – arrange your loops into songs!
Accent
Shuffle (variable)
Flam
Cartridge Port (fits the optional M-16c, see my other auctions below!)
MIDI In / Out
DIN sync output to synchronize with TB-303, TR-808, TR-606, CR-8000 and other fashionable Roland gear!
stereo out
10 additional individual audio outputs
phone out
start/stop input jack
sync out/tape save jack
sync in/tape load jack
DC in

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Beautiful Minecraft Coffee Table Book Features Stunning In Game Built Art

Twelve years ago to the day,  back in the year 2009 – a Video game called #Minecraft was unassumingly released. The sandbox video game became the second best selling PC-based game in history and was bought by Microsoft for $2.5B usd in 2014. 

In keeping with our look back celebration, let’s check out this wonderful book for Minecraft lovers everywhere: Beautiful Minecraft ($19.95, 112 pp., 4C, hardcover).

minecraft book page example1

As they pore over the pages in this remarkable collection, Minecraft lovers of all stripes will find themselves immersed in a world of astonishing creations like floating steampunk cities, massive alien worlds, detailed classical sculptures, fantastical landscapes, and architectural marvels. The sculptures and scenes throughout the book are built from thousands to millions of blocks and represent months and even years of design work on the part of their creators.

I wanted to show how a video game can become a true artistic medium…how players can become artists.

beautiful minecraft book cover“Beautiful Minecraft is the sort of thing that fans of the game are sure to love because it brings them even closer to the game they love,” said No Starch Press founder Bill Pollock. “Since my first visit to MineCon in 2011, I’ve been inspired by the passion Minecraft fans have for something that is much more than a game. Beautiful Minecraft shows us how in game creations can be high art, and the results are nothing less than amazing.”

For the Silo, James Delaney-author, managing director of BlockWorks: a team of Minecraft artists from around the world. BlockWorks has created artwork for companies like Disney, Microsoft, Warner Brothers, and The Guardian.

Publisher: No Starch Press
Author: James Delaney
Print ISBN: 978-1-59327-765-9
Price: $19.95
Specs: 112 pp., 4C, Hardcover

You Might Also Be Interested In:

other cool books via no starch
The Game Console by Evan Amos
The Arduino Inventor’s Guide by Derek Runberg and Brian Huang
The Hardware Hacker by Andrew “bunnie” Huang

Available in fine bookstores everywhere and from http://www.oreilly.com/nostarch, or by contacting [email protected]

About No Starch Press
No Starch Press has published the finest in geek entertainment since 1994, covering topics like LEGO, hacking, science, math, and programming for all ages. Our titles have personality, our authors are passionate, and our books tackle topics that people care about.