ROLAND T-8 | Beat Machine | Aira Compact

T-8 BEAT MACHINE

A LEGEND IN YOUR POCKET

Create infectious tracks in seconds flat with the T-8 Beat Machine, a miniature rhythm factory loaded with legendary Roland TR drums plus bass from the inimitable TB-303. Craft on-the-fly acid jams or trap bangers with the intuitive 16-step sequencer, shape sounds with onboard controls, and flip and dice beats with hands-on tools that stimulate ideas and put the fun back into your flow.

GENRE-DEFINING SOUNDS

Build beats with the boom, pop, and sizzle of sounds from the TR-808, TR-909, and TR-606 drum machines, paired with the shapeshifting low end of the dynamic TB-303 Bass Line. The T-8 exudes classic Roland character, thanks to the same Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) tech found in the TR-8S, TB-3, and other high-end AIRA gear.

SEVEN TRACKS OF INSPIRATION

The T-8 features six drum tracks and one bass track brought together with a friendly interface for fast recording and hands-on tweaks. Capture and fire off 64 patterns with up to 32 steps each, and shape sounds and control parts as you go with an array of dedicated knobs and buttons. 

CLASSIC WORKFLOW, MODERNIZED

Backed by the TR-REC step sequencer loved by beatmakers since the 1980s, the T-8 makes it simple to develop ideas without ever stopping the action. Real-time recording, sub steps, and velocity further expand the programming power at your fingers. And with deep features like step loop, pattern shift, and probability, it’s easy to deliver dynamic performances with constantly evolving grooves.

GENUINE LOWDOWN

The T-8 delivers an authentic TB-303 bass experience, including the tactile power to squeeze, squelch, and mangle sounds in the moment. Record notes, accents, and slides with traditional step-based input, or play in parts live with the bottom-row buttons or an external MIDI keyboard. 

SPICY EFFECTS

Create grit, space, and vibe with the T-8’s high-quality effects. Dirty up rhythms and bass with some meaty overdrive, and keep the beats pumping with sidechain compression. And with dedicated delay and reverb knobs, you can add all sorts of spatial colors to grooves as you perform. 

EVERYWHERE AT ONCE

Instilling big sound in an ultra-compact instrument, the T-8 lets you play and perform wherever and whenever you please. The lithium-ion battery keeps you going for up to 4.5 hours per charge, and rugged Roland build quality will fuel beatmaking adventures for years to come.

SPECIFICATIONS

User Patterns

• 64

Step Sequencer

• Rhythm instrument parts x 6
• Bass part x 1
• 32 steps

INST tone

• BASS DRUM
• SNARE DRUM
• HAND CLAP
• TOM
• CLOSED HIHAT
• OPEN HIHAT
• BASS

Effects

• DELAY
• REVERB
• OVERDRIVE
• SIDE CHAIN

Display

• 7 segments, 4 characters (LED)

Connectors

• SYNC (IN, OUT) jacks: Mini phone type
• MIX (IN, OUT) / PHONES jacks: Stereo mini phone type
• MIDI (IN, OUT) jacks: Stereo mini phone type
• USB port: USB Type-C® (Audio, MIDI)

Power Supply

• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Obtained via USB port (USB bus power)

Current Draw

• 500 mA

Expected battery life under continuous use

• Approx. 4.5 hours * These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Expected battery charging time

• Approx. 3 hours * To charge the unit, use the USB port of a computer or a commercially available USB power supply adaptor (5 V, 500 mA or higher).

Accessories

• Leaflet ”Read Me First”
• USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable

SIZE AND WEIGHT

Width

• 188 mm
• 7-7/16 inches

Depth

• 106 mm
• 4-3/16 inches

Height

• 36.2 mm
• 1-7/16 inches

Weight (including batteries)

• 310 g
• 11 oz