# TR-8S Rhythm Performer vs DrumBrute Impact: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the TR-8S Rhythm Performer (Roland) and DrumBrute Impact (Arturia) among drum machines. DrumBrute Impact is the cheaper of the two at $299.

## Side by side

| Spec | TR-8S Rhythm Performer | DrumBrute Impact |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $699 | $299 |
| Brand | Roland | Arturia |
| Released | 2018-11 | 2018-08 |
| 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 | Fully analog synthesis, 10 fixed analog voices |
| Voice count | 11 | 10 |
| Sequencer steps | 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) | 64 |
| Sample playback | Yes | No |
| Onboard effects | 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills | Output distortion (bypassable), per-step/per-instrument 'Color' drive/snap/crack shaping, Swing, Pattern Looper and randomness generator |
| Output count | 8 individual analog outs + stereo master + headphone | Master out + 4 optional individual outs (Kick, Snares, Hi-Hats, FM) + headphone |
| Midi support | Yes | Yes |
| Battery powered | No | No |
| Pad count | 16 | 8 |

## 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 DrumBrute Impact Fully analog synthesis, 10 fixed analog voices
- Voice count: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 11 vs DrumBrute Impact 10
- Sequencer steps: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) vs DrumBrute Impact 64
- Sample playback: TR-8S Rhythm Performer Yes vs DrumBrute Impact No
- Onboard effects: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills vs DrumBrute Impact Output distortion (bypassable), per-step/per-instrument 'Color' drive/snap/crack shaping, Swing, Pattern Looper and randomness generator
- Output count: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 8 individual analog outs + stereo master + headphone vs DrumBrute Impact Master out + 4 optional individual outs (Kick, Snares, Hi-Hats, FM) + headphone
- Pad count: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 16 vs DrumBrute Impact 8

## Sources

- TR-8S Rhythm Performer: https://www.roland.com/us/products/tr-8s/ (roland.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- DrumBrute Impact: https://www.arturia.com/products/hardware-synths/drumbrute-impact/overview (arturia.com, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/roland-tr-8s-vs-arturia-drumbrute-impact/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, TR-8S Rhythm Performer ($699) vs DrumBrute Impact ($299) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/roland-tr-8s-vs-arturia-drumbrute-impact/
License: CC BY 4.0.