Vintage TR Sounds and Modern Performance in a Streamlined Package

Powered by Roland’s proprietary Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, the Roland TR-6S delivers the entire coterie of classic TR drum machines — including the 606, 707, 808, and 909 — in a streamlined unit. However, the TR-6S is so much more, arming users with the ability to upload their own samples and construct custom kits alongside the iconic kicks, claps, snares, and hats from the TR series — a feature that impressed synthesists at Music Experience. Moreover, the TR-6S boasts a massive effects section, with numerous filter effects, dynamics processors, reverbs, delays, modulation effects, and a host of audio distorters, crushers, and manglers. With access to loads of sounds, modern and vintage, and limitless ways to manipulate them, the Roland TR-6S is the new-school drum machine with an old-school flair you’ve been looking for!

Combine Your Samples with Classic TR Drum Machine Sounds

Crafting your own signature sound in the modern musical landscape calls for layering individual elements, and the TR-6S Rhythm Performer is ready with support for WAV and AIFF samples. Packing every single sound from Roland’s entire range of TR drum machines, plus the ability to use your own samples, the TR-6S Rhythm Performer offers massive creative potential. Thanks to Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior technology, the TR-6S drum machine not only delivers all the authentic TR series sounds you know, but it also gives you a level of control and flexibility never before possible.

Old-school Sequencing for the 21st Century

Modern step sequencing would never have come about if it weren’t for the original TR-808 drum machine, and the TR-6S’s bank of 16 backlit, per-step pads instantly conjure up images of this beloved analog classic. In addition to the old-school TR-REC recording method that set the stage for many drum machines to follow, the TR-6S includes intuitive hands-on controls for programming each step with its parameter settings. Choose pattern sizes up to 32 steps long, with A and B parts and simple chaining to create longer progressions. What’s more, thanks to its flexible architecture, you can seamlessly switch back and forth between performing and sequencing to create and tweak your grooves on the fly.

Cutting-edge Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) Technology

Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology captures the essence of their legacy synths, emulating every step in those units’ signal paths, down to the individual circuit board components. The Roland TR-6S leverages that technology to deliver a spot-on re-creation of the sound of the original TR drum machines. In fact, many synthesists at Music Experience were unable to determine which were which in side-to-side comparisons. And unlike the original TR drum machines, the TR-6S is consistent across units, so you’re guaranteed to get the highest-quality tones possible for building epic patterns and sequences.

What Roland Says...

Small Size. Big Beats.

Roland TR drum machines have impacted music for over 40 years—and they’re as influential now as ever. Based on the much-loved TR-8S, the compact and affordable TR-6S delivers the same speaker-pummeling, window-rattling, body-moving sound of its bigger sibling. Elevate your drum tracks, make beats on the go, and experience the joy of hands-on production. With the TR-6S, the sound of classic tracks, today’s trends, and tomorrow’s hits are always within reach.

• Six-track version of the TR-8S in a compact and affordable package
• Detailed circuit models of the Roland TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707, CR-78, and more
• Large preset sample library with support for custom user samples
• Editable FM sound engine for futuristic tones
• Program basslines with the newly developed TR-808 chromatic bass instrument
• Mix and match sounds for exotic hybrid drum kits
• Advanced sequencer with sub steps, flam, step loop, motion recording, probability, sub step probability, master probability, and more
• Runs on four AA batteries or USB bus power
• Also functions as a high-quality USB audio/MIDI interface

Six Tracks of Rhythmic Bliss

With the TR-6S, you get six tracks of advanced drum sequencing and the most iconic rhythm sounds in music history—all in a battery-powered box that fits just about anywhere. With the familiar step sequencer plus dedicated faders and knobs, it’s easy to craft custom beats with visceral, hands-on control.

All the Sounds and More

The TR-6S includes faithful recreations of the TR-808, TR-606, TR-909, TR-707, TR-727, and CR-78 CompuRhythm, along with several modified versions. These aren’t sample packs or cheap knock-offs—they’re living, breathing replicas that sound and behave just like their vintage counterparts. Go further by combining these sounds with preset and custom samples and futuristic FM tones to create exotic hybrid kits that reflect your unique style.

The Gold Standard in Drum Programming

The TR-6S employs the classic TR-REC step sequencer, enhanced with real-time recording and modern features such as sub steps for ratcheted parts, probability for evolving grooves, and motion recording for dynamic basslines and moving rhythms.

Positive Effects

Create punch, space, warmth, or grit with the TR-6S’s high-quality effects. Compressors and EQs sit alongside lush reverbs, delays, and modulation effects, while filters, LFOs, and experimental processors push your beats into bold new territory.

Convenience and Flexibility

The TR-6S also functions as a high-quality USB audio/MIDI interface, making it ideal for mobile or minimal production setups. Its compact footprint fits easily into tight studio spaces and live rigs, so you’re always ready when inspiration strikes.

Hardware Meets Software

Enhance your workflow with TR-EDITOR, a free computer-based editor and librarian for the TR-6S, available via Roland Cloud Manager. Design and edit patterns and kits with an intuitive graphical interface, access deeper FM editing, and manage your entire library with ease.