Roland Aira

OSCar · 2014-04-12T01:58:01.000Z

Spent close on 3 hours with Adrian Marsi (Roland Canada) on a prototype System (the code isn’t finished yet) but was really impressed.

1.It sounds crazy good without any effects what so ever - pitted against a Mopho and the X4 I’d easily pick the System 1 with the standard composite modelled configuration.

2.Key action is low slung without velocity but it is so hands on that it doesn’t really matter all that much.

3.The filter is buttery smooth and quite aggressive sounding for a modern Roland synth (acidic in all the sweet spots) less digital sounding than the JP8080 and can sound convincingly in the 101, 202, SH09 and SH2 ball park as is.

4.Amp Envelope is super snappy - crazy fast attack time (when programming kicks you get that nice clicky thunk on the attack portion). The bit reduction can sound very formant filter like at just the right settings and post filter there is a decocted tone knob which acts like a parametric eq after the filter contour.

Filter is low pas in 12 or 24db configs (resonance that self oscillates and key tracks) + a non resonant high pass filter - this thing throws out some seriously low end and is 96khz output at that DA converter

6.Oscilators tune @ 64’,32’,16’,8’,4’ - with OSC 2 having a fine tune.
OSC 2 can do Sync & Ring Mod
Cross modulation is also possible as well as PWM
You can PWM, Crossmod, Rigmod and Sync all at the same time

7.Single LFO goes into audio rate modulation Tri, Sin, Saw, Sq, S&H + Random with pos/neg polarity on the filter, amp and pitch

It still needs some ironing out the Sync doesn’t sound quite how I’d expect it too but it is super fun to use and the scatter function works on Midi Data only on this unit which makes for far more interesting results - the Arp is loads of fun to.

On the up side it sounds killer with the TR8 - they gel together in the pocket in ways you wouldn’t imagine and for all intents and purposes should be viewed a bit like an SH2 straight t out the box structure wise.

No plug outs as yet but I was incredibly impressed with what I heard and the time flew by having a jam with Adrian (who knows his gear incredibly well).

To me it is the unit to look out for and can already sound very 101/202-ish as is. Personally I’d love one and the bass on the the thing is literally earth shudderingly deep.

Bk9j0YHIEAATEdl.jpg600×800 70.7 KB

Me on the System 1 - via twitter (this is a development model only that needs to go back to Japan) and won’t be for sale but it should be ready to go in around 1-2 months time.

sol-bass-rec · 2014-04-12T02:47:17.000Z

""jonah"":

[quote=“MK7”][quote=“jonah”]Can you do multiples of the same sound ? Like 8 bass drums pitched differently?

It’s not a Machinedrum.
[/quote]
haha! but you can do 808 and 909 kicks at the same time right?[/quote]
Jonah,
Somewhere (can’t remember) maybe Sonic State, that this wasn’t available. Something about compression and side chaining. Something to that effect.
In other words you’d like that low end of the 8 and keep the 9 BD a little higher.
I may be wrong but it was one of the notes that may me

invisible_acropolis · 2014-04-12T06:40:08.000Z

""sol-bass-rec"":

[quote=“jonah”][quote=“MK7”][quote=“jonah”]Can you do multiples of the same sound ? Like 8 bass drums pitched differently?

It’s not a Machinedrum.
[/quote]
haha! but you can do 808 and 909 kicks at the same time right?[/quote]
Jonah,
Somewhere (can’t remember) maybe Sonic State, that this wasn’t available. Something about compression and side chaining. Something to that effect.
In other words you’d like that low end of the 8 and keep the 9 BD a little higher.
I may be wrong but it was one of the notes that may me :([/quote]
no you cant do that because the kick slot is for one kick sound only
also some other sounds replace others, like you can have either a marimba or a clap, not both at same time

and other quirks like that

Mathazzar · 2014-04-12T13:19:32.000Z

""VennDiagram"":

Spent close on 3 hours with Adrian Marsi (Roland Canada) on a prototype System (the code isn’t finished yet) but was really impressed.

1.It sounds crazy good without any effects what so ever - pitted against a Mopho and the X4 I’d easily pick the System 1 with the standard composite modelled configuration.

2.Key action is low slung without velocity but it is so hands on that it doesn’t really matter all that much.

3.The filter is buttery smooth and quite aggressive sounding for a modern Roland synth (acidic in all the sweet spots) less digital sounding than the JP8080 and can sound convincingly in the 101, 202, SH09 and SH2 ball park as is.

4.Amp Envelope is super snappy - crazy fast attack time (when programming kicks you get that nice clicky thunk on the attack portion). The bit reduction can sound very formant filter like at just the right settings and post filter there is a decocted tone knob which acts like a parametric eq after the filter contour.

Filter is low pas in 12 or 24db configs (resonance that self oscillates and key tracks) + a non resonant high pass filter - this thing throws out some seriously low end and is 96khz output at that DA converter

6.Oscilators tune @ 64’,32’,16’,8’,4’ - with OSC 2 having a fine tune.
OSC 2 can do Sync & Ring Mod
Cross modulation is also possible as well as PWM
You can PWM, Crossmod, Rigmod and Sync all at the same time

7.Single LFO goes into audio rate modulation Tri, Sin, Saw, Sq, S&H + Random with pos/neg polarity on the filter, amp and pitch

It still needs some ironing out the Sync doesn’t sound quite how I’d expect it too but it is super fun to use and the scatter function works on Midi Data only on this unit which makes for far more interesting results - the Arp is loads of fun to.

On the up side it sounds killer with the TR8 - they gel together in the pocket in ways you wouldn’t imagine and for all intents and purposes should be viewed a bit like an SH2 straight t out the box structure wise.

No plug outs as yet but I was incredibly impressed with what I heard and the time flew by having a jam with Adrian (who knows his gear incredibly well).

To me it is the unit to look out for and can already sound very 101/202-ish as is. Personally I’d love one and the bass on the the thing is literally earth shudderingly deep.

Bk9j0YHIEAATEdl.jpg600×800 70.7 KB

Me on the System 1 - via twitter (this is a development model only that needs to go back to Japan) and won’t be for sale but it should be ready to go in around 1-2 months time.

Hey, that’s the downtown Toronto L&M, isn’t it?
They didn’t have the System-1 in to play with when I was there toying with the rest of the Aira line-up…do you happen to know how long it’ll be in there for?
It’s the only Aira box I haven’t played with yet and your notes just made me want to try it even more.

OSCar · 2014-04-12T15:20:47.000Z

""Mathazzar"":

[quote=“VennDiagram”]Spent close on 3 hours with Adrian Marsi (Roland Canada) on a prototype System (the code isn’t finished yet) but was really impressed.

1.It sounds crazy good without any effects what so ever - pitted against a Mopho and the X4 I’d easily pick the System 1 with the standard composite modelled configuration.

2.Key action is low slung without velocity but it is so hands on that it doesn’t really matter all that much.

3.The filter is buttery smooth and quite aggressive sounding for a modern Roland synth (acidic in all the sweet spots) less digital sounding than the JP8080 and can sound convincingly in the 101, 202, SH09 and SH2 ball park as is.

4.Amp Envelope is super snappy - crazy fast attack time (when programming kicks you get that nice clicky thunk on the attack portion). The bit reduction can sound very formant filter like at just the right settings and post filter there is a decocted tone knob which acts like a parametric eq after the filter contour.

Filter is low pas in 12 or 24db configs (resonance that self oscillates and key tracks) + a non resonant high pass filter - this thing throws out some seriously low end and is 96khz output at that DA converter

6.Oscilators tune @ 64’,32’,16’,8’,4’ - with OSC 2 having a fine tune.
OSC 2 can do Sync & Ring Mod
Cross modulation is also possible as well as PWM
You can PWM, Crossmod, Rigmod and Sync all at the same time

7.Single LFO goes into audio rate modulation Tri, Sin, Saw, Sq, S&H + Random with pos/neg polarity on the filter, amp and pitch

It still needs some ironing out the Sync doesn’t sound quite how I’d expect it too but it is super fun to use and the scatter function works on Midi Data only on this unit which makes for far more interesting results - the Arp is loads of fun to.

On the up side it sounds killer with the TR8 - they gel together in the pocket in ways you wouldn’t imagine and for all intents and purposes should be viewed a bit like an SH2 straight t out the box structure wise.

No plug outs as yet but I was incredibly impressed with what I heard and the time flew by having a jam with Adrian (who knows his gear incredibly well).

To me it is the unit to look out for and can already sound very 101/202-ish as is. Personally I’d love one and the bass on the the thing is literally earth shudderingly deep.

Bk9j0YHIEAATEdl.jpg600×800 70.7 KB

Me on the System 1 - via twitter (this is a development model only that needs to go back to Japan) and won’t be for sale but it should be ready to go in around 1-2 months time.

Hey, that’s the downtown Toronto L&M, isn’t it?
They didn’t have the System-1 in to play with when I was there toying with the rest of the Aira line-up…do you happen to know how long it’ll be in there for?
It’s the only Aira box I haven’t played with yet and your notes just made me want to try it even more. :)[/quote]
It was brought in by Adrian, as I couldn’t get out to their head office ;).
So I am afraid you’re going to have to wait until they’re available.
To cut a long story short my invite to a vip event went AWOL so Paul Mc Cabe (President of Roland Canada) organized a hook up for me with their product specialist (one on one) for a few hours (well around 3,5 hours to be exact).
So you’re going to be a tad flat out of luck until it’s available as it is still a “return to Tokyo” prototype model as the massive and I mean massive yellow sticker underneath the unit said in rather bold type.
Had my name been “Tokyo Japan” I would have taken it with me.
Never fear it is by far the best unit of the bunch.

Mathazzar · 2014-04-12T16:00:23.000Z

Heh, okay back to the waiting game it is.

Note to self: become cool and get invited to launch parties…

OSCar · 2014-04-12T17:23:23.000Z

""Mathazzar"":

Heh, okay back to the waiting game it is.

Note to self: become cool and get invited to launch parties…

Seriously I doubt you’ll be disappointed - having tested this one for a little I’m going to have to hold out as long as anyone else to grab one but it is a pretty compact and nifty little synth.

Mathazzar · 2014-04-12T17:50:11.000Z

""VennDiagram"":

Seriously I doubt you’ll be disappointed - having tested this one for a little I’m going to have to hold out as long as anyone else to grab one but it is a pretty compact and nifty little synth.

Sonically I’m quite convinced, it was actually the keybed that has me most eager for a hands-on demo.

I’m not usually a fan of shallow keys, and the lack of velocity sensitivity seems strange to me, so the playability is going to be a major factor in how well I get along with it. Hearing you say that it didn’t impact things too much is reassuring.

kingjdub1978 · 2014-04-21T18:00:18.000Z

Got myself a TR-8 on Friday, and played around with it all weekend. review: I don’t hate it.

I should mention that the TR-8 is not an analog replica of an original 808, was this ever mentioned anywhere on the internet at all before I bought one? oh well, I still don’t hate it

Mathazzar · 2014-04-21T22:11:31.000Z

Replica or no, I’m having a ton of [url=“https://soundcloud.com/mathazzar/search-pattern”]fun with my TR-8, especially paired with the TB-3.

Question for other users: anyone else seeing a total audio dropout when adjusting shuffle whilst connected to Logic Pro X via USB?

Works as expected in Ableton, but in Logic I lose all audio as soon as I move the shuffle knob in either direction from center.

Geneoart · 2014-06-08T02:44:21.000Z

""blarue09"":

https://soundcloud.com/blarue09/scattered-light-v2

New track featuring the TR-8. I am really starting to enjoy the Scatter FX.

Sorry if this is a double post, I was having a hell of a time editing the soundcloud link.

Nice track. I like how the cymbals sound. Thats the TR8?

Barfunkel · 2014-06-08T08:58:22.000Z

Thanks for the writeup VennDiagram. I’m interested in the concept, but the System 1 demos I’ve heard so far haven’t convinced me yet (maybe a bit too aggressive sounding, though most demos of modern gear tend to be, as it’s a fashionable sound). Will watch out closely though, when better demos start to show up.

djadonis206 · 2014-07-07T11:45:20.000Z

The TR-3 and TB-3 are a load of fun! I love the faders on the TR-8.

The TB-3 is through the A4 - powerful! The A4 and TB-3 go into the OT then CUE out to the TR-8’s sidechain input. With the TR-8 coming back into OT. So sick!

Also, Scatters pretty fun with some practice. Combine that effect with the OT’s crossfader - wow!

sol-bass-rec · 2014-07-08T03:39:28.000Z

Btw…been spotting this in a few promo videos from Miami and Detroit

Pic

Screenshot_NormalAppImage3_zps937be62d.png833×402 226 KB

sixto · 2014-07-12T23:57:02.000Z

i want contribute with a comparison i made last month with the Aira TR-8 (in 808 mode) and nepheton (808 clone from d16 group) . I don´t have a 808 of course but i think nepheton is prety prety close to original to the Roland TR-808 , so i did a comparison between both (Aira TR-8 and nepheton) . Briefly, TR-8 sounds very nice especially in Kick, snare and claps (amazing and prety close)… rest of the sounds are decent but not so close , not so “warm” like Nepheton, specially in hi hats. Thanks you , hope you like my comparison :

switchbox · 2014-07-13T05:53:27.000Z

ok…but as an owner of both these machines i am very sure that d16 nepheton is not that close to an 808 than a tr-8 is…sure the tr-8 lacks some silky hihats and also the rimshot is somehow too harsh compared to my 808…but d16 is really not worth to compare…i really never understood that people are talking like “this vst sounds like the real thing”…also every 808 has its own soul…they all differ in sound caused by aged components…also its not all about the sound but also the magic in the sequencer, which in my opinion, roland pretty nailed it.

Lev7 · 2015-01-15T08:37:35.000Z

…had TR8 for 2 days and this machine rocks…today A4 come and see how these 2 go along XD

invisible_acropolis · 2016-08-03T11:57:45.983Z

rhizome:

i have no idea what component costs are like for these things, but how could anyone think that laughable “scatter” knob is more important for a drum machine than, say, another pair of outs or enough memory for more than 16 patterns??

so so so many people hating on the “scatter” - which is odd because it is exactly the same thing as “delay control” on the OT when “echo freeze delay” is engaged… or even the old “buffer override” VST effect

but Ive used such effects many times in the past, and i really enjoy it as a quick, easy and random way of adding fills and transitions to simple beats - yes the “scatter” effect can sound stupid as hell, or it can sound literally like a basic drum fill - it all depends on how you use it really…

one of the more recent updates gives you the option to make it a “momentary” switch rather than “on/off”, which is vital to using it in the way described above - so that may be the problem up until now

but honestly the ridicule surrounding it is pretty damn silly to me

so im gonna make a video to demonstrate use of the “scatter” to good effect (IMO), because i havent seen too many people using it that way and I wanted to show how it can be used “tastefully” or in a way that makes it sound like part of the beat, rather than just a super basic stutter fx

i just picked up a b-stock tr8 for 299, the price was right so i jumped on it… i’'ll post some more thoughts and reviews on it when i put up that video

stutech · 2016-08-04T11:07:11.925Z

Well IMHO the TR8 & D16 plugins are comparable in quality, as in, neither sounding like the real thing, but close enough to get sh*t done.

Never understood the appeal of the TR8 tbh - its way too expensive for what it is. Used prices are what the retail should have been.

invisible_acropolis · 2016-08-04T12:29:54.484Z

It doesnt sound like a 808 to me, but I dont care about that, Im not a gear snob… honestly I think thats because all the 808s now have plenty of degradation, which changes the sound output in the analog world

it doesnt even necessarily sound analog, but im ok with that because i find analog drum machines require a good deal of wrangling and processing to sit in a mix properly - unless you build your music around it in a minimal way

the appeal? thats more of a personal matter… if you arent interested, then just move along… pretty simple - for example - in my world, you should understand that a dedicated device with dedicated hardware controls and dedicated audio output will always trump a VST running in a computer

but yeh $300 was my upper limit for it, and i had some spendable money lying around

in my workflow, it fits so so perfectly because i almost always layer sampled beats with 808/909 sounds, and then when im not using sampled beats i almost always turn to 808/909 sounds anyways, also im extremely fluid with x0x style programming, and i wanted a super quick device to do it with - this nails it

honestly its a killer box in terms of workflow, it was even kinda surprising how awesome it just fits in, and “just works”