Roland · Updated August 2026
TR-8S Rhythm Performer: price, specs & release date
TR-8S Rhythm Performer, released 2018-11. 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-8S Rhythm Performer a good buy?
At $699, the TR-8S Rhythm Performer is #10 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) | $699 US MSRP at launch (Nov 2018), still current list price |
|---|---|
| Brand | Roland |
| Released | 2018-11 |
| 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 |
| Voice count | 11 |
| Sequencer steps | 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC) |
| Sample playback | Yes |
| Onboard effects | 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills |
| Output count | 8 individual analog outs + stereo master + headphone |
| Midi support | Yes |
| Battery powered | No |
| Pad count | 16 |
Source: roland.com (verified 2026-08-01) · corroborated by reverb.com. Roland's own product page confirms the ACB modeling of six classic TR/CompuRhythm machines plus FM and sample playback, 11 instrument parts, the 16-step/8-variation TR-REC sequencer, the effects counts (13/7/4/21), 8 individual outs, MIDI I/O, and AC-only power (2000mA draw, no battery slot). The page's own spec text separately lists a single dedicated velocity-sensitive 'INST PAD' for live performance in addition to the 16-step trigger-button row; pad_count here reflects the 16-button playing surface (consistent with the TR-6S), with the extra single INST pad noted but not double-counted. $699 launch price corroborated by Reverb's announcement coverage; Roland's own store no longer lists a US price directly, so no separate current-price divergence could be confirmed.
Is the TR-8S Rhythm Performer worth it vs cheaper drum machines?
TR-8S 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-8S Rhythm Performer this | $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 |
| TR-6S Rhythm Performer | $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 |
| Digitakt II | $999 | Sample-based drum computer and stereo sampler | 16 | 128 | Yes | Saturator delay, Supervoid reverb, Panoramic chorus, bit reduction, sample-rate reduction, overdrive, master compression |
Frequently asked questions
How much does the TR-8S Rhythm Performer cost?
The TR-8S Rhythm Performer has a US price of $699 (US MSRP at launch (Nov 2018), still current list price), as of 2026-08-01.
How does the TR-8S Rhythm Performer compare on price?
At $699, the TR-8S Rhythm Performer is #10 cheapest of the 13 drum machines we track, where the median is $399.
When was the TR-8S Rhythm Performer released?
The TR-8S Rhythm Performer was released 2018-11.
What are the TR-8S Rhythm Performer's key specs?
TR-8S Rhythm Performer (Roland): 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, voice count 11, sequencer steps 16 steps per variation, 8 (A-H) chainable variations per pattern (TR-REC), sample playback Yes, onboard effects 13 instrument FX types, 7 reverbs, 4 delays, 21 master FX, plus Scatter live-remix fills. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-08-01.
Price of record: $699 at roland.com, 2026-08-01. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See TR-8S Rhythm Performer on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar drum machines
Nearest in price — swipe to browse. Every pick sourced and dated.
All drum machines ranked · Open data & methodology · Queryable via MCP
Compare with
Head-to-head
Cheaper drum machines
- TR-6S Rhythm Performer $399.99
- SR-18 $399
- Circuit Rhythm $399
- DrumBrute Impact $299
- LIVEN Lofi-12 $239
- RD-8 MKII Rhythm Designer $229
Step up
- Digitakt II $999
- Analog Rytm MKII $1599
More from Roland
- TR-6S Rhythm Performer $399.99