Roland TR-6S Rhythm Composer Overview
The compact and affordable TR-6S Rhythm Composer packs the iconic, room-filling sound of its TR-8S predecessor, offering powerful, hands-on beat-making capabilities in a truly portable drum machine.
The TR-6S brings the renowned heritage of Roland’s TR series drum machines into a portable and cost-effective package. A descendant of the iconic TR-8S, the compact TR-6S delivers room-filling, body-grooving beats that made its forerunner famous. Ideal for on-the-go beat-making and tactile in-studio creation, the TR-6S puts the pulse of both timeless classics and modern hits right at your fingertips.
TR-6S v2.0 - CR-78 and Chromatic 808
As of September 2023, Roland have launched a free software update for the TR-6S that takes this acclaimed drum machine to a whole new level.
This software adds the highly requested CR-78, a coveted unit used by Blondie, Phil Collins, Hall & Oates, Roxy Music and more, to the onboard ACB drum machines roster. With 14 new instruments and the original preset patterns, adding these vintage analogue drum sounds to your music has never been easier. You can also go further with a host of additional parameter controls, including tuning, decay, gain tweaks and motion recording.
As well as the ACB CR-78, TR-8S v2.0 introduced TR-808 Chromatic Bass, a staple of trap, hip-hop and electro music. Finally, you can program TR-808 basslines using tactile TR hardware, the onboard step pads, probability, step loop and more. Designing powerful 808 basslines has never been more immediate and inspiring.
Click here to visit the Roland website and update your TR-6S firmware to v2.0 now.
Six Tracks to Groove Heaven
Enjoy six tracks of superior drum sequencing in a portable package that runs on batteries and fits almost anywhere. The TR-6S offers an intuitive interface complete with faders and knobs, making it a breeze to dial in your ideal beats with hands-on flair.
Sound Spectrum Mastery
The TR-6S boasts authentic emulations of legendary Roland classics like the TR-808, TR-606, TR-909, TR-707, and TR-727, along with the CR-78 CompuRhythm. These aren’t mere samples but dynamic, responsive sound replicas that bring vintage vibes into the modern age. Elevate your rhythm with a blend of these iconic sounds, cutting-edge FM tones, and your own custom samples for truly personalized kits.
Next-Level Drum Programming
Using the iconic “TR-REC” step sequencer, the TR-6S offers traditional sequencing enhanced by contemporary features. Experiment with sub-steps, add randomness with probability settings, and bring dynamic motion to your 808 basslines and beats.
Audio Sculpting
Unleash your creativity using the TR-6S’s suite of top-notch effects. From compressors and EQs to lush reverb and delay, plus experimental filters and LFOs, the device equips you with everything you need to shape your sound to perfection.
Compact Yet Capable
Besides its powerhouse features, the TR-6S doubles as a high-quality USB audio/MIDI interface, making it a perfect companion for minimal setups. Its small footprint ensures it fits into even the tightest spaces, allowing you to capture inspiration wherever it strikes.
Total Control with TR-EDITOR
Augment your creative process with TR-EDITOR, the free, downloadable computer-based software that serves as an advanced pattern and kit designer for the TR-6S. Navigate your sound library effortlessly through its large, user-friendly display and delve deeper into FM editing for endless possibilities.
- Six-track version of the TR-8S in a compact and affordable package
- Detailed circuit models of the Roland TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707, CR-78, and more
- Large preset sample library with support for custom user samples
- Editable FM sound engine for futuristic tones
- Program basslines with the newly developed TR-808 chromatic bass instrument
- Mix and match sounds for exotic hybrid drum kits
- Advanced sequencer with sub steps, flam, step loop, motion recording, probability, sub step probability, master probability, and more
- Runs on four AA batteries or USB bus power
- Also functions as a high-quality USB audio/MIDI interface
- User Settings:
- - User Drum Kits: 128
- - User Patterns: 128
- Step Sequencer:
- - Instrument Parts: 6
- - Steps per Variation: 16
- - Variations per Pattern: 8 (A-H)
- - Fill-in Patterns per Pattern: 2
- Instrument Tones:
- - BASS DRUM: 11 ACB tones
- - SNARE DRUM: 8 ACB tones
- - TOM: 19 ACB tones
- - RIM SHOT: 3 ACB tones
- - HAND CLAP: 5 ACB tones
- - HI HAT: 8 ACB tones
- - CYMBAL: 8 ACB tones
- - PERCUSSION: 24 ACB tones
- - FM: 66 tones
- - PRESET SAMPLE: 300 or greater
- - USER SAMPLE: Import from SD Card, Supports WAV & AIFF
- - Total Time for All Samples: ~600 sec
- Effects:
- - INST FX: Various
- - REVERB: Various
- - DELAY: Various
- - MASTER FX: Various
- - Other: SCATTER, SIDE CHAIN
- Display:
- - Screen: 16 characters, 2 line (backlit LCD)
- External Storage:
- - Supported Storage: SD Card (SDHC supported)
- Connectors:
- - PHONES Jack: Stereo miniature
- - OUT Jacks: 1/4-inch type
- - MIDI: IN, OUT
- - USB: USB B type (Audio, MIDI)
- Power Supply:
- - Battery Types: Ni-MH or Alkaline
- - USB Bus Power: Supported
- Current Draw:
- - Current: 500 mA
- Battery Life:
- - Alkaline: Approx. 4.5 hours
- - Ni-MH: Approx. 5.5 hours
- Dimensions:
- - Width: 224 mm
- - Depth: 132 mm
- - Height: 60.1 mm
- Weight:
- - Weight Including Batteries: 705 g
- Accessories:
- - Included: Read Me First leaflet, Alkaline batteries (x4)
