Roland
TR-8S Rhythm Performer
$699
Released 2018-11
Best Drum Machines · head-to-head
TR-8S Rhythm Performer vs DrumBrute Impact
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. DrumBrute Impact is cheaper at $299. Every spec and price links to its source.
Arturia
DrumBrute Impact
$299Cheaper
Released 2018-08
Which is better: the TR-8S Rhythm Performer or DrumBrute Impact?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The DrumBrute Impact is the cheaper at $299.
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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 | 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 |
Sources — TR-8S Rhythm Performer: roland.com (verified 2026-08-01). DrumBrute Impact: arturia.com (verified 2026-08-01).
What's the difference between the TR-8S Rhythm Performer and DrumBrute Impact?
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 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 true vs DrumBrute Impact false
- 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