Roland
TR-8S Rhythm Performer
$699
Released 2018-11
Best Drum Machines · head-to-head
TR-8S Rhythm Performer vs volca drum
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. volca drum is cheaper at $129. Every spec and price links to its source.
Korg
volca drum
$129Cheaper
Released 2019-03
Which is better: the TR-8S Rhythm Performer or volca drum?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The volca drum is the cheaper at $129.
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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 | volca drum |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $699 | $129 US MSRP |
| 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 |
Sources — TR-8S Rhythm Performer: roland.com (verified 2026-08-01). volca drum: korg.com (verified 2026-08-01).
What's the difference between the TR-8S Rhythm Performer and volca drum?
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 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 true vs volca drum false
- 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 false vs volca drum true