Roland · Updated August 2026
TR-6S Rhythm Performer: price, specs & release date
TR-6S Rhythm Performer, released 2020-11. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: roland.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
Is the TR-6S Rhythm Performer a good buy?
At $400, the TR-6S Rhythm Performer is #9 cheapest of the 13 drum machines we track, where the median is $399. On the spec sheet, its pad count of 16 is at the median of the 12.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $399.99 US MSRP at launch (Nov 2020), Sweetwater/Roland current list price |
|---|---|
| Brand | Roland |
| Released | 2020-11 |
| Sound engine | Circuit modeling of the TR-808/909/707/606/727 and CR-78, plus an FM synthesis engine and sample playback |
| Voice count | 6 |
| Sequencer steps | 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern |
| Sample playback | Yes |
| Onboard effects | Compressor, EQ, reverb, delay, modulation and filter chains per track, plus Scatter live-remix fills |
| Output count | 2 (L/mono, R 1/4in) + stereo headphone |
| Midi support | Yes |
| Battery powered | Yes |
| Pad count | 16 |
Source: roland.com (verified 2026-08-01) · corroborated by musicradar.com. Roland's product page confirms the 6-track engine (same modeled machines as the TR-8S minus its 727/808 breadth trimmed to 6 tracks), 16-step/8-variation sequencer, WAV/AIFF sample import (~600s capacity), 2 main outs + headphone, MIDI I/O, and 4xAA/USB battery power. A separate search of Roland's marketing copy and press coverage (MusicRadar, Engadget) confirms 16 backlit, individually velocity-sensitive step pads and explicitly notes the TR-6S has no dedicated 808-style tap/scatter touchpad (unlike the TR-8S) — so pad_count reflects only the 16-step row. $399.99 US price corroborated via Sweetwater's listing referenced in press coverage.
Is the TR-6S Rhythm Performer worth it vs cheaper drum machines?
TR-6S Rhythm Performer against its closest cheaper and pricier drum machines on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 13 ranked
| Product | Price | Sound engine | Voice count | Sequencer steps | Sample playback | Onboard effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TR-6S Rhythm Performer this | $399.99 | Circuit modeling of the TR-808/909/707/606/727 and CR-78, plus an FM synthesis engine and sample playback | 6 | 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern | Yes | Compressor, EQ, reverb, delay, modulation and filter chains per track, plus Scatter live-remix fills |
| SR-18 | $399 | Sample-based ROM drum, percussion and bass-synth playback | 32 | Variable pattern length, 1-128 beats (no fixed step grid); 16th-note default quantization/resolution | Yes | Reverb, EQ and compression (switchable per-sound send/insert processing) |
| TR-8S Rhythm Performer | $699 | Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) modeling of the TR-808/909/707/606/727 and CR-78, plus an FM synthesis engine and sample playback | 11 | 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) | Yes | 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills |
Frequently asked questions
How much does the TR-6S Rhythm Performer cost?
The TR-6S Rhythm Performer has a US price of $399.99 (US MSRP at launch (Nov 2020), Sweetwater/Roland current list price), as of 2026-08-01.
How does the TR-6S Rhythm Performer compare on price?
At $400, the TR-6S Rhythm Performer is #9 cheapest of the 13 drum machines we track, where the median is $399.
When was the TR-6S Rhythm Performer released?
The TR-6S Rhythm Performer was released 2020-11.
What are the TR-6S Rhythm Performer's key specs?
TR-6S Rhythm Performer (Roland): sound engine Circuit modeling of the TR-808/909/707/606/727 and CR-78, plus an FM synthesis engine and sample playback, voice count 6, sequencer steps 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern, sample playback Yes, onboard effects Compressor, EQ, reverb, delay, modulation and filter chains per track, plus Scatter live-remix fills. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-08-01.
Price of record: $399.99 at roland.com, 2026-08-01. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
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