The sounds in the TR8 are modeled from the original Roland sounds. You can read up on their ACB technology here :
I suspect that, even though the originals used samples for some of their voices, the TR8 uses the ACB technology for all their voices, therefore modeling the behavior of PCM samples running through analog circuitry and interacting with each other in an “interesting” way. The new sounds are not samples, but modeling of the originals, recreating not only the sound, but the quirks and unstability of samples running through an analog machine.
One could draw a parallel between this and the AR, where digital samples are passed through analog filters / overdrive / distortion, and are played in conjunction with analog voices, creating a compound sound that is certainly far greater than its constituents in isolation.
I find this new ACB concept fascinating, and I have to say that it does create a very lively sound. It sounds to me that Elektron have tried their own version of this unstable behavior with the Random parameter for the Claps machine, where it does indeed sound like every hit is a bit different, while still keeping the clap consistent. Of course, Elektron’s live recording of p-locks puts them in a league of their own when it comes to subtle (or drastic) variations of sounds over time.
The TR8 expansion is indeed somewhat similar to buying another drum machine. What I do love about it is the easiness with which one can mix and match those classic sounds, and the way they are reproduced in a faithful, loving (!) and legitimate way. I have a feeling that, in a few years time, the TR8 will be a staple in electronic music making studios, not only for its sounds, but for its playability. The inclusion of reverb and delay, although seemingly innocuous, adds incredible depth to those classic sounds, and makes the machine sound decidedly “up to date”. There is room for both the AR and the TR8 in anyone’s studio.
Most of my students still are way more attracted by the TR8, simply because :
- it’s dead easy to use
- it’s got faders
- the sound is just “right”
Interestingly, one could think that Roland may not stick to their classic sounds, and maybe introduce some wildly new, never heard before sounds that could push the envelope a bit further. Right now we’re in safe territory. Further, I see an opportunity for Elektron to take advantage of this and push the envelope by introducing new machines that would really define a new era of electronic music. Let’s see what they got !
Cheers.
