Roland198016-voiceAnalog$$$$Collector-Grade($3,000+)
Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer
Producers chasing the foundational hip-hop and electro low end straight from the source.
Find on ReverbUsed-gear listings, graded conditionCheck prices on eBayBroader inventory, live auctions
Strengths
- Fully analog voice circuits give the 808 kick and cowbell their famously huge, tunable character
- 12 individual outputs allow full outboard mixing and per-drum processing
- Dedicated tuning/decay knobs per voice make sound design fast and hands-on
Trade-offs
- No velocity sensitivity or MIDI, limiting integration with modern sequencing workflows
- Analog voice circuits drift with age and temperature, requiring periodic recalibration
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | TR-808 Rhythm Composer |
| Era | 1980 |
| Typical Price Tier | Collector-Grade ($3,000+) |
| Sound Source | Analog synthesis |
| Voice Count | 16 |
| Voice Type | Analog |
| Steps Per Pattern | 16 |
| Pattern Memory | 32 |
| Individual Outputs | Yes (12) |
| Sync / MIDI | DIN Sync + Trigger/Clock (no MIDI) |
| Swing / Shuffle | No |
A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.
Match Score Explorer
Weight what matters to your workflow. Every deck is re-scored live against your priorities, benchmarked against the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer.
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This deckRoland TR-808 Rhythm Composer
Match64
Flexibility85
Portability70
Ease of Use72
Tonal Neutrality28
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Maintenance & Supplies
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