Originally conceived as a drum machine companion to the Roland TB-303 Bassline Synthesizer, the Roland TR-606 was compact, visually inviting, and simple to program. Though initially overlooked, it was later rediscovered by a new generation of artists who cemented its legacy in electronic music. Using Roland’s cutting-edge Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, the TR-06 Rhythm Performer faithfully recreates this sleeper classic, delivering the tight kick, popcorn snare, crunchy claps, and signature analog hi-hats. With a powerful 32-step sequencer, support for up to six instruments, eight variations per pattern, two fills per pattern, and storage for up to 128 patterns, the TR-06 is equally at home in the studio or on stage. Add in advanced sequencer functions and built-in effects, and you’ve got a modern rhythm machine rooted in iconic heritage.
The TR-06 delivers the authentic sound and intuitive workflow of the original TR-606 while expanding its creative potential with a deep effects engine. Shape your beats using reverbs, delays, saturation, distortion, fuzz, transient shapers, dynamics, EQ, ring modulation, phasing, flanging, and more—many assignable per instrument. Whether you’re crafting classic post-punk rhythms, acid house grooves, or modern electronic beats, the TR-06 gives you the tools to push far beyond vintage limitations.
Roland’s ACB technology meticulously models every stage of the original hardware’s signal path, down to individual circuit components. The result is a remarkably accurate recreation of the TR-606’s sound and behavior—so authentic that many musicians can’t tell it apart from the original in side-by-side comparisons. Unlike vintage units, the TR-06 offers consistency and reliability across every device, ensuring premium sound quality for building timeless and forward-thinking rhythms.
The TR-06 is a detailed replica of the classic Roland TR-606—with some major modern upgrades. This Roland Boutique version delivers the distinctive tone and iconic look of the original, enhanced with expanded sound-shaping options, innovative sequencing capabilities, and multiple trigger outputs for driving modular gear.
Released in 1981 as a companion to the TB-303 Bass Line, the TR-606 was a programmable drum machine whose compact size, affordable price, and ease of use made home music production accessible to a wider audience. Its punchy midrange kicks, popping toms, and sizzling hi-hats became staples for DIY musicians, appearing across genres from ’80s new wave and punk to a wide range of electronic styles.
The sound of the 606 is unique within the TR family and forms the backbone of countless classic and underground tracks. While loved for its distinctive tone, the original wasn’t especially versatile. The TR-06 reimagines the classic with new sound-crafting potential and rich onboard effects. Adjust tuning, decay, and pan per instrument, or increase internal gain to push the circuit model into warm overdrive or aggressive distortion. An onboard compressor adds warmth and punch, while tempo-synced delay creates anything from subtle ambience to controlled chaos.
The TR-06 retains the familiar and intuitive step sequencer of the original, allowing you to create beats quickly and easily. Modern enhancements include adjustable sub-steps for ratcheted patterns, step-loop for instant pattern slicing, and per-step probability to keep rhythms evolving and unpredictable.
Many modular and tabletop setups lack a dedicated, easy-to-use drum sequencer. The TR-06 fills this gap with five trigger outputs and one trigger input, making integration with external gear simple and inspiring. Fast, fluid sequencing lets you mix and layer external modules with the TR-06’s internal sounds for powerful, complex rhythmic structures.
Like other Roland Boutique instruments, the TR-06 features a solid metal top and a color-matched case with three adjustable tilt positions. It functions as a high-quality USB audio interface for effortless computer recording, runs for hours on standard AA batteries, and even includes a built-in speaker for instant, on-the-go jamming.
Pair the TR-06 with the TR-606 Software Rhythm Composer on Roland Cloud to unlock seamless hardware and software integration. The TR-606 plug-in offers expanded sequencing capabilities, while the TR-06’s controls are pre-mapped for a smooth, hands-on workflow.
| Type | Drum Composer Sequencer |
|---|---|
| Pads | 16 x Sequencer Trigger Buttons |
| Sounds | ACB TR-606 Models; Bass Drum, Snare, Low Tom, Hi Tom, Cymbal, Open/Closed Hi-hat (with variations) |
| Patterns | 128 x Patterns (16 patterns x 8 banks) |
| Sequencer | 32-step sequencer, adjustable sub-steps, step-loop |
| Effects | Delay, Tape Echo, Reverb, Flanger, Saturator, Bit Crusher, Distortion, Filters, Compressor |
| Analog Inputs | 1 x 1/8" TRS (Mix In) |
| Analog Outputs | 1 x 1/8" TRS (Main Out) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/8" |
| MIDI I/O | In / Out / USB |
| Other I/O | 5 x 1/8" Trigger Out (AC, BD, SD, LT, HT), 1 x 1/8" Trigger In |
| USB | 1 x Micro-B |
| Power Source | USB bus powered / 4 x AA batteries |
| Height | 2.06" |
| Width | 12.12" |
| Depth | 5.12" |
| Weight | 2.68 lbs. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | TR06 UPC: 761294517468 |
