Roland TR-8S

Operating:
I needed a couple of days to get a grip of the TR-8S, simply because you can do SO much with it, but now (3 weeks later) I can do anything I want with it.
I'd recommend downloading some extra patterns from learn how to program the effects etc. (I LOVE the liquid D&B ones!)
The one point of improvement (hence the 4 stars) would be seperat knobs for parameter and value, so you wouldn't have to press Enter all the time for switching between.

Features:
With Motion and Coarse control you can even program simple melodies using the included synth and bass patches! And I love to fact that I can hook up my Minilogue and use the TR-8S effects on it as well!
This 'drum machine' is a complete studio!

Sound:
The included sounds are great and completely tweakable. Haven't tried the v2.0 included FM-synth yet, I'm still on v1.13. Awesome that you can upload samples. Some of the effects could do with less parameters (the compressor and drive f.i.) but I guess all those tweakable frequency's etc. are necessary for live usage?

Build:
Roland robust, as usual.

Thanks to Thomann by the way for the smooth delivery (and that they're cool with the fact that I've retoured at least 3 other machines before buying this one, which is a stayer).

and the verdict is: it's an extremely capable drum machine that can find a home in any electronic setup *(what I use it for). It's clearly designed for both studio use and performance.

Configurability is definitely it's biggest strength.
-It plays well with other hardware, the assignable outs and external inputs are great to have.
-Being able to bring audio/MIDI into a DAW is good. For example, I can split the audio into Kick, Snare, and a mix of everything else on another channel. Makes side-chaining in the DAW much easier.

OK, so lets talk about the sound.
-The ACB instruments are pretty great, watch some videos and decide with your own ears. I reach for them by default.
-It's nice to have sample import but it requires a bit of preparation. I don't use them often.
-The FX are good for the most part. Delay and reverb are much improved from the TR-8. Sometimes I find the distortion just too digital for a kick, and the bitcrush also (the reverb one on the TR-8 rocked); they're both good on Snares tho.
Overall the sound is great
The quality is grand. Hard plastic but feels nice. Much improved aesthetic.
A+ drum machine.

Very nice drum machine with lots of features. I use it in my home studio, sometimes to record performances or just to make beats in Cubase, through usb-midi or directly to audio interface stereo inputs 3/4. I also use it live without computer and i am satisfied with results. Sound quality is very good, there are plenty of presets already installed and you can make your own preaty easily. Handling is little hard at first, you will need some time to learn all key commands and menu diving. Build quality is good and knobs are well made too, no wobling and moving, sliders are good too. Instrument pad could be a little more sensitive, so i dont need to press it so hard and more responsive. I am satisfied with purchase, its my first drum machine so i dont have much reference to compare, but like most Roland products it is very good product. Price is maybe a little to high, but it is worth it.

It's like Roland listened to our critics about the original TR8 and finally added them in!

Here is what I like:

1. 8 separate outputs. Awesome, exactly what I was waiting for. I can finally separate my kicks, snares and cymbals and process them further in my mixer.
2. Variations, adds more flexibility.
3. Inclusion of all of the classic machines, as well as some of the less appreciated (like the 626).
4. Ability to import our own sounds! This is HUGE! And it works perfectly.

The sounds: Perfect. Yes they are ACB, this is not analogue Bassdrum (looking forward to Behringer RD-9 and RD-8) - but sounds are VERY convincing.

The FX: Perfect.
The sample playback: Perfect.
Now you just need to buy the machine! I suggest you visit official website and educate yourself. This drum machine is truly amazing and creativity booster.

I don't like:

1. well it's plastic case. Good one, but still plastic case. When you add wooden sides this is even better.
2. Tap tempo led blinking. I can't find a way to turn it off. Not showstopper.

Speaking from my experience as a first-time owner of a drum machine, and while being used to use only samples within daw with no midi controller before.
Quality is excellent, no comments about that. The package, manual instructions, everything is on point.
Sound quality, also excellent. No comment about that.
Features of this device are the ones that keep me from not preferring to use it in in my regular workflow. I am just not used to searching drum kits & samples, trying them out, switching patterns, figuring out each knob, and then having no "undo" option as I have it in the box (DAW). Do not get me wrong, I love this device and it does a great job! But, I originally thought this device is going to be my GO to drum machine and will use it instead of my VST or sample packs. However, is simply cannot do my fast & effective workflow with this. I use it mostly to jam in my studio, and have fun, maybe for some inspiration. I even connect it to my XDJ- RX2 with an aux cable and try to sync it manually and jam to it. But for fast production, it is no for me and would be probably happier if I invested the money in pair of avantone mix cubes as for 2nd monitors.