Roland
Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer
$699
Released 2018-11
Best Drum Machines · head-to-head
Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer vs Akai Professional MPC One+
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer is cheaper at $699. Every spec and price links to its source.
Akai Professional
Akai Professional MPC One+
$699
Released 2023-05
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer | Akai Professional MPC One+ |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $699 | $699 US MSRP at launch (May 2023) |
| Brand | Roland | Akai Professional |
| Released | 2018-11 | 2023-05 |
| Sound engine | Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) modeling of the TR-808/909/707/606/727 and CR-78, plus an FM synthesis engine and sample playback | Sample-based MPC production engine with bundled plugin instruments (Bassline, Electric, Tubesynth, etc.) |
| Voice count | 11 | 8 audio tracks / 128 total sequencer tracks |
| Sequencer steps | 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) | — |
| Sample playback | Yes | Yes |
| Onboard effects | 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills | AIR FX mastering processor, plus drum-pad effects including ring mod, bit crush and decimator |
| Output count | 8 individual analog outs + stereo master + headphone | 2 main (1/4in TRS stereo) + 4 stereo CV/Gate pairs |
| Midi support | Yes | Yes |
| Battery powered | No | No |
| Pad count | 16 | 16 |
Sources — Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer: roland.com (verified 2026-08-01). Akai Professional MPC One+: akaipro.com (verified 2026-08-01).
What's the difference between the Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer and Akai Professional MPC One+?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 9). Matching specs are omitted.
- Sound engine: Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) modeling of the TR-808/909/707/606/727 and CR-78, plus an FM synthesis engine and sample playback vs Akai Professional MPC One+ Sample-based MPC production engine with bundled plugin instruments (Bassline, Electric, Tubesynth, etc.)
- Voice count: Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer 11 vs Akai Professional MPC One+ 8 audio tracks / 128 total sequencer tracks
- Onboard effects: Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills vs Akai Professional MPC One+ AIR FX mastering processor, plus drum-pad effects including ring mod, bit crush and decimator
- Output count: Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer 8 individual analog outs + stereo master + headphone vs Akai Professional MPC One+ 2 main (1/4in TRS stereo) + 4 stereo CV/Gate pairs