# TR-8S Rhythm Performer vs PO-32 tonic: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the TR-8S Rhythm Performer (Roland) and PO-32 tonic (Teenage Engineering) among drum machines. PO-32 tonic is the cheaper of the two at $89.

## Side by side

| Spec | TR-8S Rhythm Performer | PO-32 tonic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $699 | $89 |
| Brand | Roland | Teenage Engineering |
| Released | 2018-11 | 2017-04 |
| 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 | Sonic Charge Microtonic-derived digital drum/percussion synthesis engine (co-developed with Sonic Charge) |
| Voice count | 11 | 16 sound slots (unlimited additional sounds via Microtonic VST data transfer) |
| Sequencer steps | 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) | 16 |
| Sample playback | Yes | No |
| Onboard effects | 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills | 16 real-time performance/parameter effects (beat manipulation and sound distortion) |
| Output count | 8 individual analog outs + stereo master + headphone | 1 (3.5mm audio I/O) + built-in speaker |
| Midi support | Yes | No |
| 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 PO-32 tonic Sonic Charge Microtonic-derived digital drum/percussion synthesis engine (co-developed with Sonic Charge)
- Voice count: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 11 vs PO-32 tonic 16 sound slots (unlimited additional sounds via Microtonic VST data transfer)
- Sequencer steps: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) vs PO-32 tonic 16
- Sample playback: TR-8S Rhythm Performer Yes vs PO-32 tonic No
- Onboard effects: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills vs PO-32 tonic 16 real-time performance/parameter effects (beat manipulation and sound distortion)
- Output count: TR-8S Rhythm Performer 8 individual analog outs + stereo master + headphone vs PO-32 tonic 1 (3.5mm audio I/O) + built-in speaker
- Midi support: TR-8S Rhythm Performer Yes vs PO-32 tonic No
- Battery powered: TR-8S Rhythm Performer No vs PO-32 tonic Yes

## Sources

- TR-8S Rhythm Performer: https://www.roland.com/us/products/tr-8s/ (roland.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- PO-32 tonic: https://teenage.engineering/products/po-32 (teenage.engineering, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/roland-tr-8s-vs-teenage-engineering-po-32-tonic/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, TR-8S Rhythm Performer ($699) vs PO-32 tonic ($89) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/drum-machines/roland-tr-8s-vs-teenage-engineering-po-32-tonic/
License: CC BY 4.0.