Items Included
- Roland AIRA TR-6S Rhythm Performer
- Limited 1-Year Warranty on Parts, Limited 90-Day Warranty on Labor
- Machine Models: 808, 606, 909, and 707
- 128 User Drum Kits + 128 User Patterns
- 6 Instruments with Multiple ACB Tones
- Preset Samples: 300 Tones or Greater
- FM Tones, Master and Instrument Effects
- SD Card Plays 256×256 180-Second Samples
- 16 Steps per Measure with 8 Variations
- Motion Recording Function
- Scatter and Auto Fill In Features
- USB Audio and MIDI
The Roland AIRA TR-6S Rhythm Performer is a 6-track version of the popular TR-8S drum machine in a scaled down, more portable chassis. Well suited to both stage and studio, the unit combines the legendary sound, form, and function of the vintage TR-808, TR-606, TR-909, and TR-707 rhythm machines with cutting-edge performance and live pattern manipulation capabilities.
Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology faithfully recreates the tonality and behavior of true-analog circuits. With ACB, every detail of these original machines is captured, including the variations in tone that occur when multiple instruments are entered in accented steps. Build your dream kit with the onboard drum sounds, tones from the futuristic FM engine, or peruse Roland’s vast stereo sample collection to create original sounds never heard before. What’s more, the SD card slot allows you to import your own samples.
The TR-6S features 128 user kits made up of 6 instruments, each assigned a tone. What’s more, each tone has several variations and each tone is freely assignable to any of the 6 instrument slots. Each channel offers controls for tune, decay, and an assignable customized control knob, which places all the sound-shaping power within easy reach. The velocity-sensitive performance pads can be played live or you can record into the sequencer. You can move seamlessly between playing and editing, allowing you to reshape your drum parts without ever interrupting your flow. Each of the 128 patterns can store eight variations and two kinds of fills. Patterns and variations can be played or chained in any order, plus the auto-fill function automatically plays a fill every 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, or 32 measures.
The sounds can be step recorded or recorded in real-time to a 16-step sequencer with eight (A-H) pattern variations. Additional pattern variations are available through rolls and the Scatter function, which can reverse, glitch, gate, truncate, and stutter sounds in perfect synchronization. The TR-6S features the ability to record motion into patterns to create everything from subtle movements to dramatic tonal shifts. You can automate bass-drum tuning, snare pitch, panning, effects, or create melodies and basslines. The motion recording is simple to use and motion playback can be instantly enabled or disabled.
The TR-6S features two 1/4″ outputs on the back and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the front. Power is supplied via the USB port or from four AA batteries. The machine will operate for approximately 4.5 hours on NiMH batteries or 5.5 hours on alkaline batteries.
- The TR-6S has every sound from the most sought-after TR drum machines, with detailed ACB circuit-models of the 808, 606, 909, and 707 and even several modified versions
- Create a kit entirely from samples or mix and match with TR sounds for genre-defying drum tracks that demand attention
- Adjust decay, tuning, and alter sample start points, speed, and direction
- Pull from the extensive collection of preset stereo samples or import your own using the SD card slot
- Make a drum part stand out by creating depth and space
- Add delay on a rim-shot, overdrive on a kick, filters on toms and cymbals, or just the right amount of reverb on select instruments
- In addition to the Master FX knob, the channel section has a customizable CTRL knob, placing all this sound-shaping power within easy reach
- Assign any parameter needed for direct and immediate access to the CTRL knob or Master FX knob
- Both Instrument and Master Effects, along with their precise settings, are saved with each kit, making your productions always performance-ready
- You step program or use the velocity-sensitive performance pad to play live, or record into the sequencer.
- Move seamlessly between playing and editing
- Reshape your drum parts without ever interrupting your flow
- Create intricate grooves and detailed fills using velocity, accents, flams, and adjustable sub-steps for modern rolls and ratcheting
- Get experimental with unusual polyrhythms and complex meters by adjusting the length or last step of each drum part
- The TR-6S can store 128 patterns, each with eight variations and two kinds of fills
- Patterns and variations can be played or chained in any order
- Copy patterns on the fly, stay ahead of the beat, and work on patterns that aren’t currently playing
- Each pattern can include the kit, knob positions, effect settings, and tempo, providing instant recall and enough storage and flexibility to play an entire set without ever repeating a measure in the same way
- Each pattern can contain two fills, which you can customize or create from scratch
- Adjustable Scatter fill slices and dices a measure into short bursts of cool and controlled chaos
- Hands-free Auto-Fill: Automate fills every 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 or 32 measures for interesting dynamics to your performances
- Recording motion into patterns can give you everything from subtle movements to dramatic tonal shifts
- Automate bass-drum tuning, snare pitch, panning, effects
- Create melodies and basslines
- Change the sound of a kit for different song sections
- Motion recording is immediate and effortless, and motion playback can be instantly enabled or disabled
- The TR-6S has two analog outputs on the back and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the front
- The sounds are big, punchy, and spacious thanks to its high-resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz digital-to-analog converters
- The USB port provides power and is used for both MIDI and audio data
- Record each drum instrument to a different channel for individual processing and recording
- Automate parameter movements from your DAW by CC messages
- The TR-6S offers crucial visual feedback about what’s playing, what’s muted, which instruments are grouped, and more
- Every kit, pattern, and setting can be backed up on an SD card
- The compact, portable chassis is great for traveling DJs and musicians and can fit into cramped studio spaces with ease
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Bret –
It’s a great sounding drum machine for this price point. Initially I was second guessing if 6 instrument slots would be enough vs buying the more expensive TR-8s with 11 instrument slots but it hasn’t been an issue since you can sub the slots out for other instruments. Stock patterns are good starting points. Effects are excellent. Don’t forget there’s software for it if needing to program much more elaborate patterns. Good feel on the buttons and faders. Slight learning curve but there’s a free online course when you register the device with Roland. Overall very happy with this little thing.
Bret –
Anderson –
I love that I can throw it in my bag and take it with me everywhere. It is a lot of fun to play with.
Anderson –