Hey there, when you say “set the kit level to max 128” I’m assuming you mean to set the kit gain to +10 db? (Isn’t +10 the max?)
Thanks
Yep. Maximum. Just turn it up.
(Why kit level is at -7db by default is beyond me)
If you max the kit level then add any master effects that add gain (compressor, drives, distortion etc) you can really get this machine pumping and breathing. Its gorgeous.
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10.0dB often already distorts quite a bit!
I just went back to not using individual outputs for that reason, to get the kit to glue well together and to be able to use reverb, delay and master effect… there’s something quite special in that!
I get “Sys mem damaged” when I turn my TR-8S ON, seems to work alright, but that doesn’t sound good. Anybody seeing that? Or know what it’s about?
From the manual (not had this myself) - try a backup to SD card first then do a factory reset maybe?
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Thanks! Will try (and I feel stupid, should have searched the manual)
Don’t feel stupid! The hive mind is here to help and the manual isn’t that helpful really! Real world experience of your issue can only be gleaned by asking real people and there might be other tips / thoughts that the hive mind can offer. 
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A MPC-FORUMS member made a
TR-8 & MX-1 CC map that some may find useful. I only got the TR8S so I didn’t download it but said I would share it:
https://www.mpc-forums.com/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=217756&p=1880149#p1880146
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There is a Midi CC map for TR8S here:
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Don’t you bums forget to heart all the hommies putting in the research for ya’ll.
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Here is a direct link to Roland’s page with the manuals and other info.
https://www.roland.com/us/products/tr-8s/support/
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Thank you so much for these tips, I’ve always felt the tr8s could not compete with my drum sample library, I’d always just add the needed saturation/compression after recording into the DAW. It got tiresome and found myself just using my samples again but your tips are god sent. Now tr8s is slamming right from the get go! Thank you!
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Here is the “Drew Groove” on the TR8S
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man, i was getting a bit frustrated with the lack of “bump” on my 909s, i spent an hour going through these tips and adjusting them to taste and i have to say this is fantastic advice, really appreciate it!
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Ahem,
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haha sorry for not giving credit, i found this useful too! didn’t even know about the soft clipper!
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It’s not well advertised. I only found about from reading the signal flow diagram in the manual. Right there at the end of the signal chain, master output, soft bloody clipper.
If you want a clean sound leave your kit level at 0 db or less. If you want to hit the soft clipper, punch it chewy.
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Silly question, maybe - does it also depend on what your master volume knob is at?
Or, will setting the kit gain to +10 hit that soft clipper, regardless of the master volume knob setting?
No.
If you think about it, master volume is master volume. Its the level of the signal at the ouput. Not before. And not before the soft clipper.
Gotcha, thanks for confirming