How Roland’s TR-1000 revives analogue drum machines for modern producersAd feature with Roland
It’s been over 40 years since Roland released an analogue drum machine, and there was always a danger that any new product would end up retreading old ground. On the other hand, if Roland strays too far from the originals, then it risks not satisfying the drum machine purists.
It’s a tricky tightrope to walk, but with the TR-1000, Roland has somehow managed to satisfy both crowds; modern producers get a comprehensive package with cutting-edge sounds, effects and connectivity, and the purists get the authentic analogue circuits.
Here’s how this flagship drum machine distinguishes itself from its predecessors and puts more power into the hands of modern-day producers.
Extended Analogue Sounds
The analogue sounds of the 808 and 909 have endured since the 1980s, so Roland didn’t need to reinvent the wheel here. A range of original units were tested to try and extract the essence of the originals, without trying to be exact copies. The controls have been extended to include wider tuning, decay and velocity response, making these sounds more flexible.

A prime example is that you can now tune your 808 kick drums to make genuine analogue 808 basslines. If you just want it to sound like a classic drum machine, though, then you can do that too.
New FM engines and Circuit-bent ACB
However beautiful they sound, analogue circuits will always be more limited than their digital counterparts. To widen the sonic palette further, Roland includes new circuit-bent versions of its ACB modelled drum machine sounds. Extra controls allow these to be pushed further than before into new experimental territories.

You can do interesting edits like individually tuning the three layers of a 909 Rim Shot, or play with the pitch envelope and wave folding on an 808 kick drum to get zappy, synth-like sounds. On top of this, there are seven FM percussion models that perfectly complement the rounded analogue sounds by generating precise, bright and aggressive tones. This variety, combined with the potential to have two layers on four of the ten tracks, allows you to quickly break away from the more familiar TR sound.
Sample Tricks
The ability to load up your own samples and loops massively opens up the TR-1000 and turns it into more of a workstation than its predecessors.
With a massive 46GB of user hard drive space, you can store thousands of samples, with a maximum length of 16 minutes. This means you could easily perform whole tracks live, using the sample playback to add extra instrument layers, effects or vocals.

You can also slice, stretch and resample the internal sounds, which could be used for wild sound design, or simply to sample off a bunch of analogue hits so that you can reuse the more limited analogue resources elsewhere.
The Sequencer
Hardware sequencing has come a long way since the original TR drum machines. The basics are still present, allowing you to quickly lay down patterns for each sound and add accents and fills. However, many extra features make this the most advanced Roland drum sequencer yet.
You now have extra per trig features such as probability, nudge and parameter editing, plus parameter motion recording and, for the first time, a fully fledged Song Mode. Being able to work off the grid and to add a touch of unpredictability can help to make your patterns feel much more alive than with older drum machines.
Image: Press
Performance Controls
The 808 and 909 have always been very hands-on machines, as anyone who’s seen a Jeff Mills performance will know. But the TR-1000 dramatically expands on this concept, allowing you to set up macros and assign any parameter to its many dials. Each sound can have up to 16 Snapshots that can be performed, and the incredibly fun Step Loop feature lets you loop any section of the sequence on the fly for instant glitch and stutter effects.
There’s also a mega macro that’s controlled with the Morph crossfader. This can control multiple parameters that completely transform the whole pattern for engaging live transitions and switch-ups. The vast array of options allows you to experiment with new ways to perform your beats.

Software Editor
Plugins didn’t exist back in the 80s, but these days, we’ve become accustomed to editing sounds on beautiful GUIs. Although it’s entirely possible to navigate the TR-1000 using its small screen, some may find it easier to do the bulk of the editing using the included software editor.
You simply connect via a single USB-C lead, and you’re good to go. This makes accessing the parameters much quicker, and can also be used to back up projects and transfer samples from your computer.
TR-1000 with companion app. Image: Press
Audio Over USB
Perhaps even more useful, though, is the ability to send audio over USB-C. You no longer need to have a wild spaghetti of leads connected to be able to stream high-quality audio for each of the 10 tracks. There are individual audio outs available should you prefer to go the old school way, or to process certain sounds through outboard gear.
However, if you have limited studio space or an interface with just a single stereo input, then having all the audio in one USB lead is a godsend.
Lots of Effects
Although there’s something to be said for the raw sound of an analogue drum machine, most modern tracks will include some kind of processing to get everything sitting right and sounding its best. Whether you’re looking to simply refine a sound or give it more character, Roland really pushed the boat out with the range of post-processing and effects that can be added.

Every track has its own filter or EQ, compressor, and insert effects slot, plus there are high-quality reverb and delay send effects, and an array of creative, sound-mangling master effects.
Finally, if you’re looking to beef up the output and give it some final weight and polish, then there’s an analogue state-variable filter and an analogue drive circuit. The end result is that you can get a balanced, characterful and production-ready sound straight out of the box.
Visit Roland.com to find out more about the TR-1000.
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