# TR-8S Rhythm Performer vs SR-18: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the TR-8S Rhythm Performer (Roland) and SR-18 (Alesis) among drum machines. SR-18 is the cheaper of the two at $399.

## Side by side

| Spec | TR-8S Rhythm Performer | SR-18 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $699 | $399 |
| Brand | Roland | Alesis |
| Released | 2018-11 | 2008 |
| 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 ROM drum, percussion and bass-synth playback |
| Voice count | 11 | 32 |
| Sequencer steps | 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) | Variable pattern length, 1-128 beats (no fixed step grid); 16th-note default quantization/resolution |
| Sample playback | Yes | Yes |
| Onboard effects | 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills | Reverb, EQ and compression (switchable per-sound send/insert processing) |
| Output count | 8 individual analog outs + stereo master + headphone | 2 (1/4in stereo main pair) + stereo headphone |
| Midi support | Yes | Yes |
| Battery powered | No | Yes |
| Pad count | 16 | 12 |

## Key differences

- Sound engine: 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 SR-18 Sample-based ROM drum, percussion and bass-synth playback
- Voice count: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 11 vs SR-18 32
- Sequencer steps: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) vs SR-18 Variable pattern length, 1-128 beats (no fixed step grid); 16th-note default quantization/resolution
- Onboard effects: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills vs SR-18 Reverb, EQ and compression (switchable per-sound send/insert processing)
- Output count: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 8 individual analog outs + stereo master + headphone vs SR-18 2 (1/4in stereo main pair) + stereo headphone
- Battery powered: TR-8S Rhythm Performer No vs SR-18 Yes
- Pad count: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 16 vs SR-18 12

## Sources

- TR-8S Rhythm Performer: https://www.roland.com/us/products/tr-8s/ (roland.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- SR-18: https://www.alesisdrums.com/multipads-and-drum-machines/sr18/ (alesisdrums.com, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/roland-tr-8s-vs-alesis-sr-18/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, TR-8S Rhythm Performer ($699) vs SR-18 ($399) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/roland-tr-8s-vs-alesis-sr-18/
License: CC BY 4.0.