# TR-8S Rhythm Performer vs Digitakt II: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the TR-8S Rhythm Performer (Roland) and Digitakt II (Elektron) among drum machines. TR-8S Rhythm Performer is the cheaper of the two at $699.

## Side by side

| Spec | TR-8S Rhythm Performer | Digitakt II |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $699 | $999 |
| Brand | Roland | Elektron |
| Released | 2018-11 | 2024-06 |
| 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 drum computer and stereo sampler |
| Voice count | 11 | 16 |
| Sequencer steps | 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) | 128 |
| Sample playback | Yes | Yes |
| Onboard effects | 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills | Saturator delay, Supervoid reverb, Panoramic chorus, bit reduction, sample-rate reduction, overdrive, master compression |
| Output count | 8 individual analog outs + stereo master + headphone | 2 |
| Midi support | Yes | Yes |
| Battery powered | No | No |
| Pad count | 16 | 16 |

## 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 Digitakt II Sample-based drum computer and stereo sampler
- Voice count: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 11 vs Digitakt II 16
- Sequencer steps: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) vs Digitakt II 128
- Onboard effects: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills vs Digitakt II Saturator delay, Supervoid reverb, Panoramic chorus, bit reduction, sample-rate reduction, overdrive, master compression
- Output count: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 8 individual analog outs + stereo master + headphone vs Digitakt II 2

## Sources

- TR-8S Rhythm Performer: https://www.roland.com/us/products/tr-8s/ (roland.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- Digitakt II: https://www.elektron.se/en/digitakt-ii-explorer (elektron.se, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/roland-tr-8s-vs-elektron-digitakt-ii/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, TR-8S Rhythm Performer ($699) vs Digitakt II ($999) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/roland-tr-8s-vs-elektron-digitakt-ii/
License: CC BY 4.0.