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.