# TR-8S Rhythm Performer vs volca drum: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the TR-8S Rhythm Performer (Roland) and volca drum (Korg) among drum machines. volca drum is the cheaper of the two at $129.

## Side by side

| Spec | TR-8S Rhythm Performer | volca drum |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $699 | $129 |
| Brand | Roland | Korg |
| Released | 2018-11 | 2019-03 |
| 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 | Digital percussion synthesis (DSP analog modeling: oscillator waveforms, wave folder, overdrive, waveguide resonator) |
| Voice count | 11 | 6 parts x 2 layers |
| Sequencer steps | 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) | 16 steps per pattern, chainable up to 256 steps across 16 sequences |
| Sample playback | Yes | No |
| Onboard effects | 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills | Waveguide resonator (tube/string modes) with decay, body and tune controls |
| Output count | 8 individual analog outs + stereo master + headphone | 1 |
| Midi support | Yes | Yes |
| Battery powered | No | Yes |
| 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 volca drum Digital percussion synthesis (DSP analog modeling: oscillator waveforms, wave folder, overdrive, waveguide resonator)
- Voice count: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 11 vs volca drum 6 parts x 2 layers
- Sequencer steps: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) vs volca drum 16 steps per pattern, chainable up to 256 steps across 16 sequences
- Sample playback: TR-8S Rhythm Performer Yes vs volca drum No
- Onboard effects: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills vs volca drum Waveguide resonator (tube/string modes) with decay, body and tune controls
- Output count: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 8 individual analog outs + stereo master + headphone vs volca drum 1
- Battery powered: TR-8S Rhythm Performer No vs volca drum Yes

## Sources

- TR-8S Rhythm Performer: https://www.roland.com/us/products/tr-8s/ (roland.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- volca drum: https://www.korg.com/us/products/dj/volca_drum/ (korg.com, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/roland-tr-8s-vs-korg-volca-drum/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, TR-8S Rhythm Performer ($699) vs volca drum ($129) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/roland-tr-8s-vs-korg-volca-drum/
License: CC BY 4.0.