Roland
TR-8S Rhythm Performer
$699
Released 2018-11
Best Drum Machines · head-to-head
TR-8S Rhythm Performer vs PO-32 tonic
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. PO-32 tonic is cheaper at $89. Every spec and price links to its source.
Teenage Engineering
PO-32 tonic
$89Cheaper
Released 2017-04
Which is better: the TR-8S Rhythm Performer or PO-32 tonic?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The PO-32 tonic is the cheaper at $89.
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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 | 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 |
Sources — TR-8S Rhythm Performer: roland.com (verified 2026-08-01). PO-32 tonic: teenage.engineering (verified 2026-08-01).
What's the difference between the TR-8S Rhythm Performer and PO-32 tonic?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (8 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 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 true vs PO-32 tonic false
- 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 true vs PO-32 tonic false
- Battery powered: TR-8S Rhythm Performer false vs PO-32 tonic true