Roland
TR-8S Rhythm Performer
$699
Released 2018-11
Best Drum Machines · head-to-head
TR-8S Rhythm Performer vs SR-18
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. SR-18 is cheaper at $399. Every spec and price links to its source.
Alesis
SR-18
$399Cheaper
Released 2008
Which is better: the TR-8S Rhythm Performer or SR-18?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The SR-18 is the cheaper at $399.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
Sources — TR-8S Rhythm Performer: roland.com (verified 2026-08-01). SR-18: alesisdrums.com (verified 2026-08-01).
What's the difference between the TR-8S Rhythm Performer and SR-18?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (7 of 9). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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 false vs SR-18 true
- Pad count: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 16 vs SR-18 12