Have you tried the procedure described on page 16 of the manual (“Recording Knob Movements at Step”)?
I haven’t touched a TR-8S myself yet, and as usual with Roland, the manual isn’t exactly very well written, but it does seem that you can set values per-step as described under “Entering a value at a specified step”.
Yes you’re absolutely right, and I think thats what draws me too it, the simplicity of function. The simplicity looks fun, and thats cool.
One thing I noticed in one of the Roland demos was that a pitch lock seemed to affect steps after as well, it would be good to know how it works. I wondered if ctrl knobs could be assigned, recorded then re-assigned to record a different parameter and it seems to be the case. It is also unclear about how the LFO is implemented - is it a single LFO or per track? Can it be assigned to multiple parameters?
Regardless, the main appeal for me is the apparent ease of handling as a drum machine, in some ways it reminds me of an updated Machinedrum but with some +/-
It works like automation works in a DAW.
Single LFO per kit. Can be assigned (with depth) to a single parameter of your choice for each instrument.
Single parameter per instrument or single parameter across all instruments? From your description I’m thinking the former, right?
Single parameter per instrument. Depth is also unidirectional.
Please note that this is from the manual. Haven’t touched one yet.
No worries, I looked at the manual briefly but wasn’t able to find the info, so thanks 
It is interesting that Roland didn’t “go for the kill” on this one. The only things I think are missing from this that would bring it into Elektron territory for me are:
Again, that’s just for me. 
^ Who knows maybe they will add some extra stuff later, they seem to be pretty good at rolling out updates lately and listening to user requests.
Still very tempted by the TR-8S, have the money set aside but holding firm so far, I look forward to getting impressions and demos from users once they get them. One of main the appeals to me Is the number of dedicated controls and overall simplicity, I have plenty of gear that goes deep but it is sometimes at the expense of handling, having said this those extra features should not affect immediacy.
I suspect that if the TR-8S is anywhere near as fun to use as the MX-1 I will have to make some room for one, it certainly looks to be the case.
Well. I guess you have to come at this thing as a huge step above the TR-8. And that’s it.
Rather than, Elektrons do this and therefore I’ll work backwards to the TR-8S. If that makes sense.
It’s light years ahead of the original AIRA. Way behind any Elektron.
I’d say a “fairer” comparison would be to the MD.
With that said. I spent hours jamming on it. It is fun.
But try not to look at it like, Elektrons can do this. Why can’t the AIRA do that.
Finally, their onboard samples suck. I need to get a SD card and load my own samples. It doesn’t come with one.
It’s VERY Roland. Awesome concept. Weird implementation.
And the per step automation on the 8S works the same as it does on the SE 02.
Anyone remember when “per step” automation was introduced in NI’s Maschine? Yea. It’s like that. NI has since updated how all that works. Doubt Roland will do the same.
You can live automate any knob on the box. Per step is limited to Tune, Decay, and CTRL. CTRL can only have automation for 1 assigned parameter.
If there was a way to convert tuning that goes from -128 to 128 to tuning in semitones, you could write in melodies AND have the CTRL assigned to something else.
^ To be honest a better TR-8 is fine by me, updated and complete set of ACB sounds and hands on control, better sequencing than the original are the main appeal for me, I love those sounds.
The sample playback does not at the moment matter to me (although not had hands on it yet) as I’d see myself mainly using it for legacy x0x drum machine stuff anyway, still it will be fun to load in some Linn, DMX and other legacy beatbox sounds too, for synth/melodic stuff not sure if that is much use, but I guess we will find out soon enough.
If it’s the conclusive solution to the search for a x0x clone, that’s good enough for me.
All your Roland TR sound needs will be met. And you’ll be able to do more stuff for sure.
Prices of 707 and 727 got quite high in the past few years, always loved their sliders and interface, and the TR-8S has those and adds quite a lot more besides, even if we only looked at it like that it represents a more economical way to get those sounds and an improved sequencer.
Oh, don’t get me wrong. The TR-8S is exactly the update over the TR-8 that made me instantly order one.
I never got a TR-8 originally because I found it too ugly and because of the limited pattern length and storage. Both issues have been resolved and they’ve added a ton more on top.
First: Why do you know that? Why are there always random people having these machines already?? Although they are not available yet???
And second: Thats a shame! I assumed i assign a Parameter to CTRL, then p-lock it, then assign the next one and repeat. Quite a let down imho. But at least you can automate other Parameters on top of that?! Is there a way to edit automation? Motion sequences similar to the old Korg Electribe EMX?? Can you layer Samples? Or ist it “Sample or TR Model”?
I really need money! The TR8s, the Minibrute 2s with its awesome Rack Brute Idea, the Empress Zoia - totally interesting stuff going on. This year its all the other companies who slowly feed my GAS
Because I have one. Read my posts above the one you quoted.
They’re available.
I’m not random
They arrived in-store and were shipped out from most web stores to people who pre-ordered yesterday. Exactly as Roland announced when they’d be available.