TR-8S Reference Eng03 W

Reference Manual
Checking the version System Update
This manual applies to program “version 2.0” or later. This manual applies to program “version 2.0” or later.
Please check the version of the system working on your TR-8S. For details on updating the system, refer to the following URL.
1. Press the [UTILITY] button. https://www.roland.com/support/

The setting screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “INFORMATION:Version.” 1. On the Support menu, choose “Updates & Drivers.”
3. Press the [ENTER] button. 2. Choose “TR-8S” as the product name.
The display shows the current version. 3. Choose “TR-8S SYSTEM PROGRAM.”
** Don’t perform the update if the product is already up-to-date.
Copyright © 2020 ROLAND CORPORATION 03

Contents
Panel Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Editing the Pattern Settings (Pattern Setting) . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Top Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 PTN SETTING: KIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 PTN SETTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
PTN SETTING: NAME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Saving the Pattern, Kit, or System Settings (WRITE). . . . . . . . 17
Turning the TR-8S On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Copying a Pattern or Kit (COPY). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Turning Off the Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Deleting a Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Formatting an SD Card (SD CARD FORMAT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Clearing a Variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Overview of the TR-8S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Clearing a Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
What Is a “PATTERN”? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Reloading a Pattern or Kit (Reload Function) . . . . . . . . 18
What Is a “KIT”?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 TR-REC (Step Recording). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
What Is a “MOTION”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Inputting Sub Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Main Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Specifying a Flam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Inputting Weak Beats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Playing Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Inputting Alternate Sounds (ALT INST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Playing Patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Specifying Accents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Selecting a Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Deleting a Recorded Step from the Track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Changing the Length of the Variation Inputting Steps into the Trigger Out Track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
(Setting the Variation’s Last Step) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Changing the Dynamics for Each Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Changing the Fill In Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Changing the Length of a Specific Track INST REC (Realtime Recording) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
(Setting the Track’s Last Step) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Playing Sub Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Generating a Random Pattern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Specifying a Flam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Copying a Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Playing Weak Beats (WEAK BEATS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Deleting a Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Playing Alternate Sounds (ALT INST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Clearing a Variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Deleting a Recorded Step from the Track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Clearing a Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Using the Inst Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Copying a Variation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Using the Inst Pad to Play Instruments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Selecting a Fill-In Variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Recording While You Use the Inst Pad to Play
Inserting a Fill-In (Manual Trigger). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Inserting a Fill-In at Regular Intervals (Auto Fill In) . . . 13 INST PLAY (Performing). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Muting a Track (MUTE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Playing Sub Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Clearing Muting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Performing a Flam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Listening to Only the Selected Instrument (SOLO) . . . . . . . . 13
Performing Weak Beats (WEAK BEATS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Adjusting the Reverb or Delay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Performing Alternate Sounds (ALT INST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Adjusting the Reverb Send Level of Each Instrument. 13
Performing a Roll (ROLL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Adjusting the Delay Send Level of Each Instrument. . 13
Looping a Specific Step (STEP LOOP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Master Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Assigning a Parameter to the MASTER FX [CTRL] Editing a Kit’s Settings (KIT Edit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Knob. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 KIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Assigning Parameters to the [CTRL] Knobs (CTRL SELECT). 14 KIT: REVERB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Assigning a Different Function for Each Instrument to the KIT: DELAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
[CTRL] Knob. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
KIT: MASTER FX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Adjusting the Tempo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
KIT: EXT IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Tap Tempo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
KIT: LFO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Marking the Tempo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
KIT: OUTPUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Finely Adjusting the Timing of Notes (Nudge Function) . . . 15
KIT: MUTE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Recording to a Variation That’s Not Playing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
KIT: CTRL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Returning to the Beginning of the Pattern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
KIT: COLOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Checking the Value of a Knob or Fader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
KIT: NAME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Reloading the Value of a Knob or Fader (Reload Function). 15
Saving the Pattern, Kit, or System Settings (WRITE). . . . . . . . 29
Accessing the Mixer Screens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Editing an Instrument’s Sound (INST Edit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Recording Knob Movements at Steps (Motion). . . . . . . . . . . 16
INST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Recording/Playing MOTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
INST FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Clearing Motion Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Importing or Exporting a Pattern or Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Exporting a Pattern or Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Exporting a Pattern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Exporting a Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Importing a Pattern or Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Importing a Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Importing a Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
2
Contents
Assigning an Imported User Sample to an Instrument . . . . . . . . . 37 TR-8S Audio Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Importing a User Sample (SAMPLE Import). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Selecting a Sample (SAMPLE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Editing a User Sample Tone’s Settings (SAMPLE Edit) . . . . . . 38
Deleting a User Sample (SAMPLE Delete). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Renaming a User Category (Category Name) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Optimizing the User Sample Area (OPTIMIZE). . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Convenient Functions and Settings (UTILITY) . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
RELOAD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
SAMPLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
SYNC/TEMPO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
MIDI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
SOUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
MIX OUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
ASSIGN OUT 1–6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
EXT IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
UTILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
SD CARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
INFORMATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Initializing, Backing-Up, Restoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Returning to the Factory Settings (FACTORY RESET) . . . . . . 44
Backing Up Data to SD Card (BACKUP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Restoring Data That Was Backed Up to SD Card
(RESTORE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Synchronizing/Recording with Other Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Synchronizing with a DAW (TR-8S as Slave). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Synchronizing with a TB-3 (TR-8S as Master). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Using the TR-8S as a MIDI Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Using the ASSIGNABLE OUT/TRIGGER OUT jacks as Trigger
Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Assigning an Instrument to the ASSIGNABLE OUT/
TRIGGER OUT jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Inputting an External Audio Source (EXT IN). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Connecting a Computer via USB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Using a Computer to Manage the Connected SD Card
(STORAGE MODE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
List of Shortcut Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Switching Screens and Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Showing the Value or Parameter Name of a Controller . . . . 50
Inputting Characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Editing Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Assigning a Parameter to the [CTRL] Knob. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Editing a Pattern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
MOTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Inputting Sub Steps, Weak Beats, Alternates, and
Dynamics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Playback/Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Tempo/Nudge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Saving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Copying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Deleting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Editing an Instrument or Track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Performing on the Pad, Inst Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Reloading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
3
Panel Descriptions
Top Panel
1 2 3 4 5 6 9
10
1 Common section 1 MOTION [ON] button
If this is ON, knob operation data (MOTION) is page 16

[VOLUME] knob
played back for each instrument.
Adjusts the MIX OUT jack, PHONES jack’s volume.
MOTION [REC] button
* This does not affect the volume of the ASSIGNABLE OUT jack (p. 7).
If REC is selected, knob operation data (MOTION) page 16
[EXT IN] knob is recorded for each instrument.
Adjusts the input volume from the EXT IN jacks. [INST PLAY] button
[SHIFT] button Use the pads [1]–[13] to perform in real time.
By holding down this button and operating certain other buttons, You can perform even while a pattern is playing.
you can access a screen for making related settings.
[INST REC] button
By holding down this button when you turn the [Value] knob to
change the value of a parameter, you can make the value change Realtime-record a pattern. page 20
more greatly.
[A]–[H] buttons
[CLEAR] button
Switch pattern variations (A–H).
Erases the recorded content for an individual instrument, or
deletes a pattern. [START/STOP] button
[PTN SELECT] button Play or stop the pattern.

* If a sample is selected as the instrument’s tone, the sound might not
Select a pattern. page 11 stop automatically depending on the instrument edit settings.
While a pattern is stopped, you can silence all currently-sounding
[TR-REC] button samples by holding down the [SHIFT] button and pressing the
[START/STOP] button.
Step-records a pattern. page 19
2 ACCENT section page 19
[LAST] button
Adds an accent to the specified step.
Specifies the length of the pattern. page 11
[LEVEL] knob
[SUB] button
Adjusts the volume of the accent.
Inputs/plays sub steps. page 19
4
Panel Descriptions
[STEP] button 9 Common section 2
During TR-REC, you can use pads [1]–[16] to select steps at which
Display
an accent is added.
Shows pattern names and various settings.
3 REVERB section page 13
[WRITE] button
[LEVEL] knob
Saves the pattern/kit/system settings. page 17
Adjusts the volume of the reverb.
* Parameters of the pattern or kit that you’re editing
4 DELAY section are remembered until you turn off the power. Even if you select a
page 13 different pattern or kit, and then re-select the one you had been
editing, it is recalled in the edited state; however, if you turn the
[LEVEL] knob
power off and on again, it returns to the unedited state. If you want
Adjusts the volume of the delay. to keep the edits that you made to a pattern or kit, you must save
that pattern or kit.
[TIME] knob
[ENTER] button
Adjusts the length of the delay.
Use this button mainly to confirm a value or execute an operation.
[FEEDBACK] knob
[VALUE] knob
Adjusts the amount of delay sound that is returned to the input.
This is used to modify values.
5 MASTER FX section page 14 [KIT] button
[ON] button
Selects a kit. page 22
Turns the master effect on/off.
[INST] button
[CTRL] knob
Selects a sound (instrument’s tone) for the page 30
Controls the content specified by the master effect (p. 14). instrument.
6 AUTO FILL IN section [SAMPLE] button

page 13
[ON] button Selects a sample as the sound (instrument’s tone) page 37

for the instrument.
If this is on, a fill-in is inserted at the interval specified by the
[AUTO FILL IN] knob. [CTRL SELECT] button
[AUTO FILL IN] knob Specifies the item that is controlled by each page 14
instrument’s [CTRL] knob.
Automatically inserts a fill-in at the specified interval of measures.
[COPY] button
[MANUAL TRIG] button
Copies a pattern/kit. page 18
Press this button to insert a fill-in.
[UTILITY] button
7 INST edit section
Lets you edit or initialize various settings. page 41
Here you can adjust the tonal character of the instrument’s tone.
TEMPO display
[TUNE] knob
Shows the tempo.
Adjusts the tuning (pitch).
[TEMPO] knob
[DECAY] knob
Specifies the tempo. page 14
Adjusts the length of the decay.
[SHUFFLE] knob
[CTRL] knob
Adjusts the amount of shuffle (bounce).
Controls the content specified by CTRL SELECT (p. 14).
* Depending on the tone, there might not be any effect. [MUTE] button
Level fader Mutes (silences) the selected instrument.
Adjusts the volume. Inst pad
8 Instrument select buttons This pad plays the sound of the corresponding instrument.
You can use this to perform along with a pattern. The volume
During TR-REC, these buttons select the instrument that is
changes according to how strongly you strike an inst pad (the pad
recorded.
is velocity-sensitive).
In the INST screen or INST Edit screen, these buttons select the
instrument whose settings you want to edit.
In [TR-REC] or [INST REC], you can hold down the [CC] button
and press the [RC] button to input a pattern at which a trigger is
output to the TRIGGER OUT jack (mini jack).
* This is not related to the ASSIGNABLE OUT/TRIGGER OUT jacks
(phone jacks).
5
Panel Descriptions
10 Pad [1]–[16] Mode Explanation

During realtime recording, the pads record the
INST REC
Mode Explanation corresponding instrument’s tone.
For each step, specify whether the instrument’s tone

TR-REC
will sound.
Select a pattern.
Hold down the [PTN SELECT] button and use pads
PTN SELECT [1]–[8] to select a bank.
Release the [PTN SELECT] button and use pads [1]–
[16] to select a number.
55 Pads [1]–[11](INST) play instrument’s tones.
55 If you hold down either the [12] or [13] (ROLL) pad
INST PLAY (or both) and press a [1]–[11] pad, the instrument’s
tone plays a roll. There are three types of roll (16th
note, 32nd note, 64th note).
Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment)

* To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.
COMPUTER TRIGGER OUT MIX OUT HEADPHONES
A B C D E F G H I J
Connect a MIDI device. Connect an audio

device.
SD card
MIDI EXT IN ASSIGNABLE OUT/TRIGGER OUT

AC adaptor
A DC IN jack D MIDI (OUT, IN) jacks

Connect the included AC adaptor here. Use a commercially available MIDI cable to connect MIDI devices
* To prevent the inadvertent disruption of power to your unit (should here.
the plug be pulled out accidentally), and to avoid applying undue
stress to the jack, anchor the power cord using the cord hook, as E SD card slot
shown in the illustration. Insert a commercially available SD card here.
B [POWER] switch * Never turn off the power or remove the
memory card while the screen indicates Write protect switch
This turns the power on/off. “Executing.”
& “Introduction” (p. 7) * The memory card write protect feature (LOCK)
The contents of the memory card can be
C USB port protected by write protecting it. To write
protect a card, slide the write protect switch
Use a commercially available USB 2.0 cable to connect this port
on the side of the memory card to the “LOCK”
to your computer. It can be used to transfer USB MIDI and USB position. Unlock write protect to edit data on
audio data. You must install the USB driver before connecting the the card.
TR-8S to your computer. Download the USB driver from the Roland * All memory cards eventually wear out. We recommend that you
website. For details, refer to Readme.htm which is included in the consider the memory card not as a permanent storage site, but as a
download. place to store data temporarily. We also recommend that you back up
& https://www.roland.com/support/ important data onto other media that is supported by your unit.
6
Introduction
F TRIGGER OUT jack I MIX OUT (L/MONO, R) jacks

A trigger pulse is output from this jack at the timing that is Connect these jacks to your amp or monitor speakers.
specified in the dedicated trigger out track ([CC] + [RC] button).
J PHONES jack
G EXT IN (L/MONO, R) jacks A set of headphones can be connected to this jack.
These are audio input jacks.
You can apply a side-chain effect at the pattern of the specified
track.
H ASSIGNABLE OUT/TRIGGER OUT jacks

For each jack 1–6, you can choose whether it operates as
ASSIGNABLE OUT or as TRIGGER OUT.
Instruments that are output to a jack operating as ASSIGNABLE
OUT are not output from the MIX OUT jacks.
Instruments that are output to a jack operating as TRIGGER OUT
are also output from the MIX OUT jacks.
Introduction
Formatting an SD Card (SD CARD FORMAT)
* Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume
down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some
sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction. If using an SD card, please format it on the TR-8S.
SD cards are sold separately. Please obtain a SD card separately.
Turning the TR-8S On 1. Press the [UTILITY] button.
1. Turn on the power in the order of the TR-8S first, The UTILITY screen appears.
and then the connected system. 2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “SD CARD:Format.”
2. Switch on power to the connected equipment, and
raise the volume to an appropriate level.
Turning Off the Power 3. Press the [ENTER] button.

1. Power-off the connected system first, and then the A confirmation message appears.
TR-8S.
4. To execute, use the [VALUE] knob to select “OK,”

and press the [ENTER] button.
If you decide to cancel, use the [VALUE] knob to select “Cancel,”
and then press the [ENTER] button.
7
Overview of the TR-8S
TR-8S
128 patterns
PATTERN (16 x 8 banks) KIT 128 KITs
PATTERN No. 8-16 KIT No. 128

Pattern KIT KIT EFFECT
setting number parameter setting
VARIATION INST
BD SD RC
FILL IN
A B C D INST INST INST MASTER
FILL IN 1 parameter parameter parameter FX
INST INST INST

EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT REVERB
E F G H FILL IN 2
DELAY
Last Step setting for
each instrument
INST INST INST

tone tone tone
VARIATION A–H
LAST STEP setting
Motion data for REVERB/DELAY/MASTER FX
INST tone
TRACK ACB tone FM tone SAMPLE tone
PRESET PRESET PRESET USER SYSTEM
setting
ACCENT STEP data SAMPLE
Parameter
BD STEP data
MOTION data
SD STEP data
MOTION data Backup/Restore
Export/Import
RC STEP data
MOTION data
BACKUP data
Export data
TRIGGER
OUT STEP data Audio
files
Import
SD card
* If you want to make a backup, save the data (patterns, kits, system
settings) before you proceed. The backup will not include the pattern or
kit that you’re currently editing (shown by an “*” indication) or system
settings that you have not saved.
About saving the pattern and kit

Parameters of the pattern or kit that you’re editing are remembered until you turn off the power. Even if you select a different pattern or kit,
and then re-select the one you had been editing, it is recalled in the edited state; however, if you turn the power off and on again, it returns
to the unedited state. If you want to keep the edits that you made to a pattern or kit, you must save that pattern or kit.
Saving the pattern and kit simultaneously (OVERWRITE)

By holding down the [SHIFT] button and pressing the [WRITE] button, you can overwrite-save the selected pattern and kit.
For details on how to save other settings, refer to “Saving the Pattern, Kit, or System Settings (WRITE)” (p. 17, p. 29).
8
Overview of the TR-8S
What Is a “PATTERN”? What Is a “MOTION”

The performance data that you On the TR-8S, knob or switch movements can be recorded in a
Pattern 1-1–8-16
record using TR-REC or INST-REC is pattern as “motions” and played back.
called a “pattern.” Variation
The TR-8S has 128 patterns (16 A B C D Knobs and switches that can be recorded in a motion
patterns x 8 banks); each pattern E F G H
has eight variations (A–H) and 55 REVERB [LEVEL] knob
two fill-in patterns. Fill in 1 Fill in 2
55 DELAY [LEVEL] knob
55 DELAY [TIME] knob
55 DELAY [FEEDBACK] knob
What Is a “KIT”? 55 MASTER FX [ON] switch
The 11 instruments are collectively Pattern 1-1–8-16 55 MASTER FX [CTRL] knob
called a “kit.” The TR-8S has 128 kits.
Variation 55 [TUNE] knob of each instrument
The pattern plays the instruments 55 [DECAY] knob of each instrument
A B C D
of the currently selected kit. 55 [CTRL] knob of each instrument
E F G H
Fill in 1 Fill in 2
When recording a motion (when the MOTION [REC] button is lit),
the screen shows an “M” icon, and the triangle icon is shown as a
hollow outline.
A pattern plays the inst
of the kit. When MOTION [REC] button is lit
Kit 1–128
BASS
DRUM
Instrument x 11
When MOTION [REC] button is unlit
9
Main Screens
PTN SELECT Pattern that plays next TR-REC

Select the pattern to play. Create a pattern by specifying the steps at which
each track plays a sound.
Bank Number
Name of pattern that plays next
Name of currently playing pattern
Variation currently selected

for recording
Currently playing pattern
A–H
Pattern that plays next
LAST SUB
Specify the length (last step) of a variation or track. Input or perform sub steps or flams.
INST REC
INST PLAY
Create a pattern by realtime-recording your
Play pads [1] (BD)–[11] (RC) in real time. performance on pads [1] (BD)–[11] (RC).
10
Playing Patterns
Playing Patterns Changing the Length of the Variation
(Setting the Variation’s Last Step)
1. Press the [START/STOP] button.
The overall number of steps used by a variation (the variation’s last
2. Use the controllers of the instrument edit section to step) can be specified individually for each variation.
modify the sound.
1. Press the [LAST] button.
3. Press the [START/STOP] button once again to stop.
2. Use the [A]–[H] buttons to select the variation that
MEMO
you want to change.
55 During playback, you can hold down the [SHIFT] button and * You can select multiple variations by holding down a button and
press the [START/STOP] button to return to the beginning of pressing other buttons.
the pattern.
55 To stop samples that are still sounding after the pattern has
3. Use pads [1]–[16] to select the last step.
stopped, hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [START/
STOP] button. Changing the Fill In Length
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the AUTO
Selecting a Pattern FILL IN [ON] button.
1. Hold down the [PTN SELECT] button and press a The FILL IN EDIT screen appears.
pad [1]–[8]. 2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “FILL IN 1” or “FILL
The bank is selected. IN 2.”
2. Release the [PTN SELECT] button. 3. Press the [LAST] button.
3. Use pads [1]–[16] to select a pattern. 4. Use pads [1]–[16] to select the last step.
The selected pad blinks. During playback, it is lit.
When you select the next pattern during playback, the pad blinks. Changing the Length of a Specific Track
The pattern switches when playback returns to the first step. (Setting the Track’s Last Step)
You can select a region by pressing two pads simultaneously. The
The number of steps used by a track (the track’s Last Step) can be
selected patterns play in succession.
specified individually for each track.
4. Use the [A]–[H] buttons to select a variation. 1. Press the [LAST] button.
You can select multiple variations by holding down a button and
pressing other buttons. 2. Use instrument select buttons [BD]–[RC] to select
The selected variations are lit, and those whose buttons are lit play the track whose setting you want to edit.
once each in the order of A 0 H. * You can select multiple tracks by holding down a button and
pressing other buttons.
3. Use pads [1]–[16] to select the last step.
About variations During TR-REC, you can hold down the [TR-REC] button and
press an [A]–[H] button to select the recording target while
maintaining the variation(s) that you selected for playback. (You
Each pattern has eight variations, A–H. can also select a variation that’s not being played back.)
Press an [A]–[H] button to select the variation A–H that you
want to play back or record. About fill-in
If you want to play back multiple variations, hold down one of
the [A]–[H] buttons and press the other [A]–[H] buttons that Each pattern has two dedicated FILL IN variations. You can also use
you want to additionally play back. the Scatter function as a fill-in.
Lit/unlit state of the variation [A]–[H] buttons & “Selecting a Fill-In Variation” (p. 13)
Lit green
Blinking green
Ready to play
Playing
What Is Scatter?
Blinking red During PLAY&REC (TR-REC/INST REC)
“Scatter” adds a digital-feeling groove to the loop playback by
Selected for both PLAY and REC
Short blinking red exchanging individual steps within the loop playback and also by
(TR-REC only)
changing the playback direction or gate length.
Short blinking Not selected for PLAY but selected for REC
orange (TR-REC only) 1. To adjust Scatter Depth, hold down the AUTO FILL
IN [MANUAL TRIG] button and turn the [VALUE]
Selecting the variation during TR-REC knob.
* The scatter effect will not apply to the first cycle of the loop; the
While [TR-REC] is lit, pressing an [A]–[H] button makes the [A]–[H] effect will apply to the second and subsequent cycles of the loop.
button blink red or briefly blink red, allowing you to select a single
variation A–H for TR-REC.
11
Playing Patterns
Clearing a track’s Last Step setting Deleting a Pattern

1. Press the [LAST] button. 1. Press the [PTN SELECT] button.
The [LAST] button is lit.
2. Hold down the [CLEAR] button and use the pads
2. Press the instrument select button [BD]–[RC] of the [1]–[16] to specify the pattern that you want to
track whose setting you want to clear. delete.
The instrument select button that you pressed blinks.
The currently-specified last step is shown by pads [1]–[16]. Clearing a Variation
3. Press the [CLEAR] button. 1. Hold down the [CLEAR] button and use the [A]–[H]
The last step of the selected track is cleared, and pads [1]–[16] go buttons to select the variation that you want to
dark; the last step is set to the overall number of steps specified
for each variation.
clear.
All steps of the specified variation are cleared.
MEMO
The track’s Last Step setting is shared by variations A–H. Also, Clearing a Track
the track’s Last Step takes priority over the variation’s Last Step.
1. Hold down the instrument select button of the
Generating a Random Pattern track that you want to clear and press the [CLEAR]
button.
You can automatically generate a random pattern. This modifies the
selected pattern. All steps of the selected track are cleared.
This affects only the selected variation.
1. Hold down the [PTN SELECT] button and press the
[SAMPLE] button. Copying a Variation
A random pattern is provisionally generated for the variation.
The [TR-REC] button blinks. 1. Press the [COPY] button.
The COPY screen appears.
2. When you press the [TR-REC] button, the
provisionally generated random pattern changes to
the current pattern.
In this state, the pattern is not yet saved. If you want to save it,
execute the WRITE operation. 2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “Variation,” and
& “Saving the Pattern, Kit, or System Settings (WRITE)” then press the [ENTER] button.
(p. 29) 3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy-source
pattern, and press the [ENTER] button.
Copying a Pattern You can also use variation buttons [A]–[H] or pads [14]–[15] to
1. Press the [COPY] button. make a selection.
The COPY screen appears. Pattern number
Variation
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “Pattern,” and then
press the [ENTER] button. 4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy-source
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy-source, variation, and press the [ENTER] button.
and press the [ENTER] button. 5. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy-
destination pattern, and press the [ENTER] button.
You can also use variation buttons [A]–[H] or pads [14]–[15] to
make a selection.
4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy- 6. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy-
destination, and press the [ENTER] button. destination variation, and press the [ENTER]
A confirmation message appears. button.
5. To copy, use the [VALUE] knob to select “OK,” and A confirmation message appears.
press the [ENTER] button. 7. To copy, use the [VALUE] knob to select “OK,” and
If you decide to cancel, use the [VALUE] knob to select “Cancel,” press the [ENTER] button.
and then press the [ENTER] button. If you decide to cancel, use the [VALUE] knob to select “Cancel,”
12
Playing Patterns
Selecting a Fill-In Variation Adjusting the Reverb or Delay

1. While holding down the AUTO FILL IN [ON] button, Here’s how to adjust the reverb or delay.
press a pad [14]–[16] or an [A]–[H] button.
Target Controller
You can also use a variation A–H as a FILL IN.
Volume of the reverb
REVERB [LEVEL] knob
Pads [14]–[16] and the [A]–[H] buttons blink. (The selected sound
button is lit.) Reverb length [KIT] button + REVERB [LEVEL] knob
MEMO Volume of the delay sound DELAY [LEVEL] knob
Delay time DELAY [TIME] knob
If FILL IN Type = SCATTER, you can hold down the AUTO FILL IN
Delay feedback DELAY [FEEDBACK] knob
[MANUAL TRIG] button and use the [VALUE] knob to control
SCATTER DEPTH.
For detailed reverb and delay settings, refer to “Editing a Kit’s
Settings (KIT Edit)” (p. 22)
Inserting a Fill-In (Manual Trigger)
1. At the moment that you want to insert a fill-in, Adjusting the Reverb Send Level of Each Instrument
press the AUTO FILL IN [MANUAL TRIG] button. Here’s how to adjust the reverb send level of the selected instrument.
Inserting a Fill-In at Regular Intervals (Auto Fill In) 1. Hold down the instrument select button and turn
the REVERB [LEVEL] knob.
Here’s how to automatically insert a fill-in at intervals of the specified
number of measures.
Adjusting the Delay Send Level of Each Instrument
1. Turn the AUTO FILL IN [AUTO FILL IN] knob to Here’s how to adjust the delay send level of the selected instrument.
specify the number of measures at which a fill-in is
automatically inserted. 1. Hold down the instrument select button and turn
the DELAY [LEVEL] knob.
Value: 32, 16, 12, 8, 4, 2
2. Press the AUTO FILL IN [ON] button, and a fill-in is
automatically inserted at intervals of the specified
number of measures.
Muting a Track (MUTE)

Here’s how to mute (silence) a selected instrument.
1. Press the [MUTE] button to make it light.

2. Press the instrument select button that you want to
mute.
The muted instrument select button and level meter go dark.
Press the instrument select button once again to make the button
light and clear muting.
3. Press the [MUTE] button once again.
You exit the mute settings.
MEMO
You can turn mute on/off by holding down the [MUTE] button
and pressing an instrument select button.
Clearing Muting
1. Hold down the [MUTE] button and press the
[CLEAR] button.
All muting is cleared.
Listening to Only the Selected Instrument (SOLO)

Here’s how you can listen to only the selected instrument.
1. Press the [MUTE] button to make it light.

2. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press an
instrument select button.
13
Playing Patterns
Master Effects Adjusting the Tempo

1. Press the MASTER FX [ON] button to make it light. 1. Turn the [TEMPO] knob to adjust the tempo.
2. Use the MASTER FX [CTRL] knob to adjust the By holding down the [SHIFT] button and turning the [TEMPO]
knob, you can adjust the setting in steps of 0.1 units.
depth of the effect.
The tempo is shown in the TEMPO display.
Assigning a Parameter to the MASTER FX [CTRL] Knob
Tap Tempo
1. Hold down the [CTRL SELECT] button and turn the Here’s how to tap-input the tempo.
MASTER FX [CTRL] knob.
& “KIT: MASTER FX” (p. 24) 1. While holding down the [SHIFT] button, press the
[ENTER] button three or more times.
Assigning Parameters to the [CTRL] Knobs The tempo is specified as the average timing at which you press
the button.
(CTRL SELECT)
You can assign parameters to the [CTRL] knobs of the instrument Marking the Tempo
edit section, and control those parameters while the pattern plays
back. You can temporarily memorize the current tempo value, and recall it
later.
1. Press the [CTRL SELECT] button to make it light.
MEMO
The CTRL SELECT screen appears.
The marked tempo is not saved.
Marking the tempo

Here’s how to mark the current tempo value.
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select a parameter.
The same parameter is selected for all [CTRL] knobs. 1. Hold down the [MUTE] button and press the
[UTILITY] button.
3. Press the [CTRL SELECT] button once again.
The [CTRL SELECT] button goes dark, and you exit the CTRL Recalling the tempo
SELECT screen.
Here’s how to switch to the marked tempo value.
Assigning a Different Function for Each 1. Hold down the [MUTE] button and press the
Instrument to the [CTRL] Knob [COPY] button.
1. While holding down the [CTRL SELECT] button,

press a [BD]–[RC] button.
The parameter that’s assigned to the [CTRL] knob is displayed.
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select a parameter.

3. Press the [CTRL SELECT] button.
The [CTRL SELECT] button goes dark, and you exit the screen.
MEMO
You can also select from the assignable parameters by holding
down the [CTRL SELECT] button and directly operating the
[CTRL] knob.
55 The assignment that you make is saved in the “User”
parameter which you can select in step 2 of “Assigning
Parameters to the [CTRL] Knobs (CTRL SELECT)” (p. 14).
14
Playing Patterns
Finely Adjusting the Timing of Notes Operation

Load a track
Shortcut
[UTILITY] + [BD]–[RC]
(Nudge Function) Load controllers
[UTILITY] + [KIT]
(all)
The “nudge” function lets you adjust the timing of notes forward or
backward. Load controller
(currently selected [UTILITY] + [INST]
Using the nudge function changes the playback timing of the instrument)
entire pattern.
Operation Explanation Accessing the Mixer Screens

[SHIFT] + [COPY] button Moves the playback timing forward.
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [CTRL
[SHIFT] + [UTILITY] button Moves the playback timing backward.
SELECT] button.
MEMO The mixer screen appears.
A system setting lets you choose whether the timing of the

MIDI clock will be modified.
& “MIDI TX: Tx Nudge”
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to switch screens.
Recording to a Variation That’s Not Playing Screen Explanation
Here’s how you can record to a different variation without changing Shows the level of each instrument.
the variation that’s selected to play. Level * You can also operate a level fader to switch to this
screen.
1. Hold down the [TR-REC] button and use the [A]–[H] Shows the tune of each instrument.
buttons to select the variation that you want to Tune * You can also operate a [TUNE] knob to switch to this
record. screen.
You’ll switch to TR-REC, and can record to the selected variation. Shows the decay of each instrument.
Decay * You can also operate a [DECAY] knob to switch to this
Returning to the Beginning of the Pattern Pan

screen.
Shows the pan of each instrument.
Here’s how to forcibly return to the beginning of the pattern while it’s RevSend Shows the reverb send level of each instrument.
playing. DlySend Shows the delay send level of each instrument.
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the LFO Depth Shows the LFO depth of each instrument.
Gain Shows the gain of each instrument.
[START/STOP] button.
Moving to the beginning of a different variation 3. Modify values.
If more than one variation is selected, here’s how you can move to 3-1. Press the [ENTER] button.
the beginning of any one of those variations. 3-2. Use the instrument select buttons to select an
instrument, and use the [VALUE] knob to edit its value.
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press an [A]–[H]
* Note that if you press the instrument select button that’s lit,
button. you’ll exit the screen.
3-3. Press the [ENTER] button.
Checking the Value of a Knob or Fader You return to step 2.
During playback or editing, here’s how to check the value of each
MEMO
controller.
If a mixer screen is displayed, operating a level fader, [DECAY]
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and operate the knob, or [TUNE] knob will jump to the corresponding screen
controller whose value you want to check. and edit the value. (If another screen is displayed, this action
The screen shows the parameter and its value. will edit the value but won’t jump to the corresponding screen
Moving the controller does not change the value. as a shortcut.) Also, if the Pan, RevSend, DlySend, LFO Depth, or
Gain screen is displayed, you can turn an instrument’s [CTRL]
knob to directly edit the parameter that’s shown in the screen.
Reloading the Value of a Knob or Fader
(Reload Function) 4. Press the [CTRL SELECT] button once again to exit
the mixer screen.
During playback or editing, here’s how you can reload the value of a
You can also exit the mixer screen by pressing the instrument
controller (return it to the saved state).
select button that’s lit.
1. Hold down the [UTILITY] button and operate the
controller whose value you want to load.
The screen shows the parameter and its value.
Moving the controller does not change the value.
Reloading shortcuts
Operation Shortcut
Load a pattern [UTILITY] + [PTN SELECT]
Load a variation [UTILITY] + [A]–[H]
15
Recording Knob Movements at Steps (Motion)
Recording/Playing MOTION Clearing motion data for a specific variation
This clears the motion data of the specified variation.
While the MOTION [REC] button is lit, movements of the instrument
[TUNE] knobs, [DECAY] knobs, and [CTRL] knobs are recorded in the 1. Hold down the MOTION [ON] button and press a
steps.
button [A]–[H].
While the MOTION [ON] button is lit, recorded movements of the
instrument [TUNE], [DECAY], and [CTRL] knobs are played back. Clearing motion data for a specific step
* REVERB LEVEL, DELAY LEVEL/TIME/FEEDBACK, MASTER FX CTRL, and While the [TR-REC] button is lit, you can specify a step and clear the
MASTER FX ON are also recorded and played back according to the
knob values.
state of the buttons described above.
* If you move a knob while the MOTION [REC] button is lit, an “M” 1. Long-press the pad [1]–[16] whose step contains
icon appears in the screen, and the triangle icon becomes a hollow
outline.
the motion data that you want to clear.
The MOTION/VELOCITY input screen appears.
Another operating method
1. While a pattern plays, hold down the MOTION [REC]

button and operate a knob.
This lets you record a motion only while you’re holding down the 2. While holding down the pad that you pressed in
button. step 1, press the [COPY] or [UTILITY] button to
select the motion that you want to clear.
Entering a value at a specified step * If the selected step (pad) does not contain motion data, “----” is
shown as the value.
While the [TR-REC] button is lit, you can specify a step and enter a
value for a knob. * In this state, you can also turn the [VALUE] dial to input motion data.
1. Operate a knob while holding down a pad [1]–[16]. 3. While holding down the pad that you pressed in
step 1, press the [CLEAR] button to clear the motion
data of the specified step (pad).
Clearing Motion Data

1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the
MOTION [ON] button.
2. Turn the [VALUE] knob to select the variation from
which you want to clear motion data.
You can also use the [A]–[H] buttons to select the variation.
If you want to clear motion data from all variations, choose “ALL.”
3. Press the [ENTER] button.
Motion data is cleared from the selected variation.
You can also use the following methods to clear motion data.
Clearing motion data from the variation selected for playback

This clears all motion data from the variation that’s selected for
playback.
1. Hold down the MOTION [ON] button and press the

[CLEAR] button.
Clearing motion data from a specific track
This clears all motion data from the track that’s specified by the
variation selected for playback.
1. Hold down the MOTION [ON] button and press the

instrument select button.
Clearing motion data for only a specific knob
This clears all motion data of a knob recorded in the track that’s
specified by the variation selected for playback.
1. Hold down the MOTION [ON] button and operate a

knob.
MEMO
You can also clear motion data by holding down the [CLEAR]
button and making the steps go dark.
16
Editing the Pattern Settings (Pattern Setting)
Here’s how to specify the kit and tempo used by a pattern.
PTN SETTING: NAME
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [PTN
SELECT] button. Parameter Explanation
The PTN SETTING screen appears. NAME Specifies the pattern name (maximum 16 characters).
How to enter characters

2. Select a parameter. 1. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “NAME.”
2-1. Use the [VALUE] knob to select a parameter.
3. Modify values.
3-1. Use the [VALUE] knob to edit the parameter value.
2. Press the [ENTER] button to access the character
input screen.
You return to parameter selection (step 2).
4. Press the [PTN SELECT] button.
You exit the PTN SETTING screen. 3. Use the [COPY] (left) [UTILITY] (right) buttons to
MEMO move the cursor.
You can also edit the value by holding down the [ENTER]
button and turning the [VALUE] knob in step 2-2.
PTN SETTING: KIT

Parameter Value Explanation
OFF: When you switch patterns, the kit does
not change.
ON: When you switch patterns, the kit also Button Explanation
Sw OFF, ON switches to the kit specified by PTN [UTILITY] button Moves to the right.
SETTIN: KIT Number.
[COPY] button Moves to the left.
* This setting is effective when [UTILITY]
GENERAL: KitSel = PTN.
Selects the kit that the pattern uses when 4. Use the [VALUE] knob to change the character.
PTN SETTING: KIT Sw is ON.
Number 001–128
* This setting is effective when [UTILITY] Button Explanation
GENERAL: KitSel = PTN. [SHIFT] button
Deletes one character (Erase).
+[COPY] button
[SHIFT] button
PTN SETTING +[UTILITY] button
Inserts one character (Insert).
[SHIFT] button Switches between uppercase/lowercase/

+[VALUE] knob numerals.
Specifies the tempo of the pattern.
* When [UTILITY] GENERAL: TempoSrc = 5. When you’ve finished inputting characters, press
PTN, the tempo specified here is used. the [ENTER] button.
The tempo specified here is also shown
Tempo 40.0–300.0
in the TEMPO display.
* When [UTILITY] GENERAL: TempoSrc Saving the Pattern, Kit, or System Settings (WRITE)
= SYSTEM, the tempo specified here
Here’s how to save a pattern or kit.
is not used. The tempo shown in
the TEMPO display (specified by the
[TEMPO] knob) is used.
1. Press the [WRITE] button.
The WRITE screen appears.
8th (T),
Scale 16th (T), Selects the scale.
16th, 32nd
Adjusts the amount of shuffle.
* When [UTILITY] GENERAL: Shuffle =
Shuffle -128–0–+127
PTN, this setting is used. 2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select what you want to
* When [UTILITY] GENERAL: Shuffle = save, and press the [ENTER] button.
SYSTEM, this setting is not used. The
setting of the [SHUFFLE] knob is used. The WRITE screens appear in the order of “Pattern” 0 “Kit” 0
“System.”
Flam Spacing 0–8 Specifies the flam spacing interval.
* If “System” is selected, a confirmation screen appears. Proceed to
ScatterType 1–10 Specifies the type of scatter.
step 4.
ScatterDepth
[MANUAL TRIG] 1–10 Adjusts the depth of scatter.
+ VALUE
17
Editing the Pattern Settings (Pattern Setting)
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the savedestination, Deleting a Pattern

A confirmation message appears. 1. Press the [PTN SELECT] button.
2. Hold down the [CLEAR] button and use the pads
[1]–[16] to specify the pattern that you want to
delete.
4. To save, use the [VALUE] knob to select “OK,” and
press the [ENTER] button. Clearing a Variation
If you decide to cancel, use the [VALUE] knob to select “Cancel,” 1. Hold down the [CLEAR] button and use the [A]–[H]
buttons to select the variation that you want to
Shortcuts for save operations clear.
All steps of the specified variation are cleared.
Operation Operating the Unit
Save a pattern Hold down the [WRITE] button and Clearing a Track
(PATTERN WRITE screen) press the [PTN SELECT] button.
Save a kit Hold down the [WRITE] button and 1. Hold down the instrument select button of the
(KIT WRITE screen) press the [KIT] button. track that you want to clear and press the [CLEAR]
Hold down the [SHIFT] button and
Save the pattern and kit press the [WRITE] button.
button.
simultaneously All steps of the selected track are cleared.
(OVERWRITE) * The selected pattern and kit are
overwrite-saved. This affects only the selected variation.
Copying a Pattern or Kit (COPY) Reloading a Pattern or Kit (Reload Function)

During playback or editing, here’s how you can reload a pattern
Here’s how to copy a pattern or kit. (return it to the saved state).
1. Press the [COPY] button. 1. Hold down the [UTILITY] button and operate the
The COPY screen appears. controller whose value you want to load.
The screen shows the parameter and its value.
Moving the controller does not change the value.
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select what you want to Reloading shortcuts
copy, and press the [ENTER] button.
Operation Shortcut
The COPY screens appear in the order of “Pattern” 0
“Variation” 0 “Track” 0 “Kit” 0 “Inst.” Load a pattern [UTILITY] + [PTN SELECT]
Load a variation When [VARIATION] is lit, [UTILITY] + [A]–[H]
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy-source, Load a track [UTILITY] + [BD]–[RC]
and press the [ENTER] button. Load controllers
[UTILITY] + [KIT]
(all)
4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy- Load controller
destination, and press the [ENTER] button. (currently selected [UTILITY] + [INST]
instrument)
A confirmation message appears.
5. To execute the copy, use the [VALUE] knob to select

“OK,” and press the [ENTER] button.
Shortcuts for copy operations

Copy a pattern Hold down the [COPY] button and
(PATTERN COPY screen) press the [PTN SELECT] button.
Copy a kit Hold down the [COPY] button and
(KIT COPY screen) press the [KIT] button.
Copy an instrument Hold down the [COPY] button and
(INST COPY screen) press the [INST] button.
Copy a track (selected track) Hold down the [COPY] button and
(track copy-destination select screen) press a [BD]–[RC] button.
While holding down the [COPY]
Copy a variation (selected variation)
button, press a variation [A]–[H]
(variation copy-destination select screen)
button.
18
TR-REC (Step Recording)
In this method of recording, you create a pattern by specifying the
steps at which each track will sound. You can even play back the Inputting Weak Beats
pattern while you’re creating it.
1. While holding down the [SHIFT] button, press a
* If you want to keep the edits that you made to a pattern or kit, you
must save that pattern or kit (p. 29).
pad [1]–[16].
1. Press the [TR-REC] button. Inputting Alternate Sounds (ALT INST)
For sounds whose name includes a “/” character, such as 707Bass1/2,
you can input alternate sounds.
2. Use the variation buttons to select A–H. 1. While holding down an instrument select button
To select a fill-in, hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the
[BD]–[RC], press a pad [1]–[16].
AUTO FILL IN [ON] button; then use the [VALUE] knob to select
Alternate sounds
“FILL IN 1” or “FILL IN 2.”
Although one sound is assigned to each pad, sounds (instrument’s
3. Press the [START/STOP] button to start recording. tones) whose name includes a “/” character, such as 707Bass1/2,
4. Press one of the instrument select buttons to select are also assigned a second sound (alternate sound).
the track that you want to record. You can switch between normal sounds and alternate sounds for
performance.
5. Press pads [1]–[16] to input the steps at which you
want sound to play. Specifying Accents
6. Repeat steps 4–5.
1. Press the ACCENT [STEP] button.
MEMO
2. Press pads [1]–[16] to select the steps at which you
55 If after selecting a fill-in you then want to select a variation
A–H, press the [TR-REC] button and then press a variation
want to add an accent.
button A–H. 3. Use the ACCENT [LEVEL] knob to adjust the volume
55 You can change the scale. For details, refer to “Editing the of the accent.
Pattern Settings (Pattern Setting)” (p. 17).
Deleting a Recorded Step from the Track
Inputting Sub Steps
You can sub-divide a step and input sub steps within it. Deleting only a portion
1. Press the [SUB] button. If you press the [CLEAR] button during playback, steps of the
track selected by the instrument select buttons are deleted from
2. Press the pad [1]–[16] for which you want to specify the pattern while you continue holding down the button.
a sub step.
Deleting all
Now you can input sub steps that divide a step by 1/2. By holding
down the [SUB] button and turning the [VALUE] knob you can While holding down the instrument select button of the track that
choose 1/2, 1/3, or 1/4 as the number of step divisions. you want to delete, press the [CLEAR] button.
Sub Step
Inputting Steps into the Trigger Out Track
Pad Pad Pad Pad Pad
1 2 3 4 5
1. Hold down the instrument select button [CC] and
press the instrument select button [RC].
Step Step Step Step Step
1 2 3 4 5 The Trigger Out track is selected.
no Sub Step
2. Press pads [1]–[16] to input steps at which you
Sub Step 1/2
want a trigger to be output from the TRIGGER OUT
Sub Step 1/3
jack.
Sub Step 1/4
MEMO Changing the Dynamics for Each Step

You can also input a sub step by holding down the [SUB] You can input an accent level (velocity) for each step.
button and pressing a pad [1]–[16]. 1. Hold down a pad [1]–[16] and turn the ACCENT
[LEVEL] knob.
Specifying a Flam
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [SUB]
button to set SUB STEP to FLAM.
SUB STEP and FLAM alternate each time you press the button.
2. Press a pad [1]–[16].
19
INST REC (Realtime Recording)
In this method of recording, you create a pattern by realtime-
recording your performance on pads [1] (BD)–[11] (RC). This modifies Playing Weak Beats (WEAK BEATS)
the selected pattern.
* If you want to keep the edits that you made to a pattern or kit, you
must save that pattern or kit (p. 29).
pad [1] (BD)–[11] (RC).
This lets you play or record weak beats.
1. Press the [INST REC] button.
Playing Alternate Sounds (ALT INST)
you can play or record alternate sounds.
2. Press the [START/STOP] button to start recording.
1. While holding down an instrument select button
3. Use the variation buttons [A]–[H] to select the [BD]–[RC], press a pad [1] (BD)–[11] (RC).
variation that you want to record.
4. Perform using pads [1] (BD)–[11] (RC). Deleting a Recorded Step from the Track
* Operations in the instrument edit section are not recorded.
Deleting only a portion
Playing Sub Steps If you press the [CLEAR] button during playback, steps of the
Here’s how to play or record sub steps. track selected by the instrument select buttons are deleted from
the pattern while you continue holding down the button.
1. Press the [SUB] button.
Deleting all
2. Press the pad [1]–[16] that will play sub steps.
While holding down the instrument select button of the track that
MEMO
you want to delete, press the [CLEAR] button.
By holding down the [SUB] button and turning the [VALUE]
knob you can choose from 1/2, 1/3, or 1/4 as the number of
step divisions.
You can also play a sub step by holding down the [SUB] button
and pressing a pad [1]–[16].
Specifying a Flam
Here’s how to play or record a flam on the instrument’s tone.

button to set SUB STEP to FLAM.
SUB STEP and FLAM alternate each time you press the button.
2. Press a pad [1] (BD)–[11] (RC).
This lets you play or record a flam on the instrument’s tone.
Using the Inst Pad Recording While You Use the Inst Pad to Play
You can use the instrument select buttons to play or record the Instruments
selected instrument.
The volume changes depending on the strength at which you strike During TR-REC / During INST REC
the inst pad.
1. Press the [TR-REC] button or the [INST REC]
button.
Using the Inst Pad to Play Instruments
2. Press the [START/STOP] button, and start
During INST PLAY / During PATTERN SELECT recording.
1. Use the instrument select buttons to select the 3. Use the instrument select buttons to select the
instrument that you want to play from the inst instrument that you want to play from the inst
pad. pad.
2. Press the inst pad to play the instrument that you 4. Press the inst pad to record the instrument that
selected in step 1. you selected in step 3.
memo
During TR-REC, select an instrument, then hold down the
[TR-REC] button and press an instrument pad to make
the instrument pad blink. In this state, you can press the
instrument pad again to play without recording.
20
INST PLAY (Performing)
You can use pads [1] (BD)–[11] (RC) to perform in real time.
Your performance does not modify the pattern.
Performing Alternate Sounds (ALT INST)
1. Press the [INST PLAY] button. you can perform alternate sounds.
1. While holding down an instrument select button

[BD]–[RC], press a pad [1] (BD)–[11] (RC).
2. Perform using pads [1] (BD)–[11] (RC). Performing a Roll (ROLL)
Playing Sub Steps Here’s how to perform a roll on an instrument’s tone.
Here’s how to play sub steps. 1. While holding down a pad [12]–[13], press a pad
[1]–[11].
1. Press the [SUB] button. This lets you perform a roll on the instrument’s tone.
2. Press the pad [1]–[16] that will play sub steps. If you hold down the [INST PLAY] button and press a pad [12]–
MEMO [13] and a pad [1]–[11], the roll is held and will continue playing
even after you release your finger. To cancel the hold, press the
By holding down the [SUB] button and turning the [VALUE] selected pad without holding down the [INST PLAY] button.
knob you can choose from 1/2, 1/3, or 1/4 as the number of
step divisions. Alternate method
You can also play a sub step by holding down the [SUB] button
and pressing a pad [1]–[16]. 1. While holding down the [INST PLAY] button, press
a pad [12]–[13].
Performing a Flam Pad [12]–[13] is lit.
Here’s how to perform a flam on an instrument’s tone. 2. Press a pad [1]–[11].

This lets you perform a roll on the instrument’s tone.
button to set SUB STEP to FLAM. 3. To stop playing the roll, press the pad [12]–[13]
2. Press a pad [1] (BD)–[11] (RC). once again.
This lets you perform a flam on the instrument’s tone. Roll speed
Performing Weak Beats (WEAK BEATS) Pad Explanation
Pad [12] Sixteenth note
Pad [13] Thirty-second note
pad [1] (BD)–[11] (RC). Pad [12] + [13] Sixty-fourth note
This lets you perform weak beats.
Looping a Specific Step (STEP LOOP) To cancel step loop mode

While a pattern is playing back, you can make the selected step play Press any one of the [PTN SELECT], [TR-REC], [INST PLAY], or
as a loop. [INST REC] buttons.
All instruments sounded by the selected step play as a loop. If you hold down one of the instrument select buttons [BD]
–[RC] and press a pad [1]–[16], loop playback of the step
1. Press the [START/STOP] button to play the pattern. continues even after you take your finger off the pad [1]–[16]
2. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [INST (Hold).
PLAY] button.
The [INST PLAY] button blinks, and the unit is in step loop
mode.
3. Press the pad [1]–[16] of the step that you want to loop.
The selected step begins looping.
When you take your finger off the pad [1]–[16], you return to
pattern playback.
21
Editing a Kit’s Settings (KIT Edit)
Selecting kits (KIT) Grouping instruments
Here’s how to select kits. You can create a group of multiple instruments and play their
layered sound with a single note.
1. Press the [KIT] button to make it light.
You can use grouped master instruments in the following ways. The
The KIT screen appears.
slave instrument follows the master instrument.
55 Pattern input in “TR-REC”
55 Pad performance in “INST PLAY”
If the kit is being edited, an “*” is shown at the left side of the kit 55 Pad recording in “INST REC”
number. 1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [KIT]
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select a kit. button.
3. Press the [KIT] button once again. 2. Long-press the [BD]–[RC] button that you want to
The [KIT] button goes dark, and you exit the KIT screen. specify as the master instrument.
The INST GROUP screen appears.
Copying a kit (KIT COPY)
1. Hold down the [COPY] button and press the [KIT]
button. 3. While holding down the button that you pressed
The KIT COPY screen appears. in step 2, press the [BD]–[RC] button that you want
to specify as the slave instrument.
The instruments that you selected as the master instrument and
the slave instrument are grouped.
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy-source, MEMO
and press the [ENTER] button. 55 During TR-REC, when you press a grouped [BD]–[RC] button,
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the copy- the [BD]–[RC] button of the master instrument ( ) lights
destination, and press the [ENTER] button. and the [BD]–[RC] button of the slave instrument ( ) blinks.
A confirmation message appears. 55 During INST PLAY/INST REC, pressing a pad [1]–[11] of a
grouped slave instrument does not produce sound.
4. To copy, use the [VALUE]knob to select “OK,” and 55 If you press the [MUTE] button, the same group’s master
press the [ENTER] button. instrument’s [BD]–[RC] button lights and the slave
If you decide to cancel, use the [VALUE] knob to select “Cancel,” instrument’s [BD]–[RC] button blinks.
Here’s how to edit the settings of the currently selected kit.

* If you want to keep the edited kit settings, you must save the kit
KIT
(p. 29).
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [KIT] -INF, -53.0dB–
Level Specifies the volume of the kit.
button. 0.0dB–+10.0dB
The KIT Edit screen appears.
KIT: REVERB
2. Select a parameter. AMBI, ROOM,
Type HALL1, HALL2, Selects the type of reverb.
2-1. Use the [VALUE] knob to select a parameter. PLATE, MOD
2-2. Press the [ENTER] button. Time
[KIT]+ REVERB 0–255 Specifies the reverb time.
Proceed to editing the parameter value (step 3). [LEVEL]
3. Modify values. Level

OFF, 1–255 Specifies the volume of the reverb.
REVERB [LEVEL]
3-1. Use the [VALUE] knob to edit the parameter value. Adjusts the time until the reverb sound
Pre Delay 0ms–100ms
3-2. Press the [ENTER] button. appears.
FLAT, 20Hz, 25Hz,
Return to selecting a parameter (step 2).
31.5Hz, 40Hz,
4. Press the [KIT] button. 50Hz, 63Hz, 80Hz,
100Hz, 125Hz, Specifies the frequency below which the
Low Cut
Exit the KIT Edit screen. 160Hz, 200Hz, low-frequency region of the reverb is cut.
250Hz, 315Hz,
400Hz, 500Hz,
630Hz, 800Hz
22
Parameter Value Explanation Parameter Value Explanation

630Hz, 800Hz, TAPE ECHO
1kHz, 1.25kHz,
S, M, L, S+M, S+L, Selects the combination of playback heads.
1.6kHz, 2kHz, Mode
M+L, S+M+L S (Short), M (Middle), L (Long)
2.5kHz, 3.15kHz, Specifies the frequency above which the
HighCut
4kHz, 5kHz, high-frequency region of the reverb is cut. -15dB–0dB– Adjusts the low-frequency region of the
Bass
6.3kHz, 8kHz, +15dB echo sound.
10kHz, 12.5kHz, -15dB–0dB– Adjusts the high-frequency region of the
FLAT Treble
+15dB echo sound.
Density 0–10 Adjusts the density of the reverb sound. L127–CENTER– Specifies the panning of the S (Short)
Pan S
R127 playback head.
KIT: DELAY
L127–CENTER– Specifies the panning of the M (Middle)
Pan M
R127 playback head.
L127–CENTER– Specifies the panning of the L (Long)
Pan L
Parameter Value Explanation R127 playback head.
DLY, PAN, TAPE Adjusts the amount of distortion for the

Type Selects the type of delay. Tape Dist 0–8
ECHO echo sound.
Choose ON if you want the delay time to Adjusts the modulation speed of wow and
TempoSync OFF, ON W/F Rate 0–255
synchronize with the tempo. flutter.
Level W/F Depth 0–255 Adjusts the depth of wow and flutter.
OFF, 1–255 Specifies the volume of the delay.
DELAY [LEVEL]
(TempoSync =
OFF) 0–255
(TempoSync =
Time ON) 1/32, 1/16T, Specifies the time by which the sound is
DELAY [TIME]
1/32D, 1/16, 1/8T, delayed.
1/16D, 1/8, 1/4T,
1/8D, 1/4, 1/2T,
1/4D, 1/2, 1/1T,
1/2D, 1/1
Feedback Adjusts the amount of feedback (amount of

0–255
DELAY [FEEDBACK] repetition).
Adjusts the amount of delay sound that is
Reverb Send 0–255
sent to reverb.
DLY, PAN
630Hz, 800Hz,
1kHz, 1.25kHz,
1.6kHz, 2kHz,
Specifies the frequency above which the
2.5kHz, 3.15kHz,
HighCut high-frequency region of the delay sound
4kHz, 5kHz,
is cut.
6.3kHz, 8kHz,
10kHz, 12.5kHz,
FLAT
Adjusts the amount by which the high-
0.0dB–-40.0dB (0.5
H Damp frequency region of the delay sound is cut
dB increments), -INF
at each repetition.
630Hz, 800Hz,
1kHz, 1.25kHz,
1.6kHz, 2kHz,
Specifies the frequency above which H
H DampF 2.5kHz, 3.15kHz,
Damp cuts the high-frequency region.
4kHz, 5kHz,
6.3kHz, 8kHz,
10kHz, 12.5kHz
Adjusts the amount by which the low-
0.0dB–-40.0dB (0.5
L Damp frequency region of the delay sound is cut
dB increments), -INF
at each repetition.
80.0Hz, 100Hz,
125Hz, 160Hz,
200Hz, 250Hz, Specifies the frequency below which L
L DampF
315Hz, 400Hz, Damp cuts the low-frequency region.
500Hz, 630Hz,
800Hz
PAN
Adjusts the delay (tap) time of the right side,
Tap Time 0% –100%
relative to the left side as 100%.
23
KIT: MASTER FX Parameter

HPF
Value Explanation
Cutoff Specifies the cutoff frequency.

MASTER FX 0–255 Raising the Cutoff raises the cutoff
Selects the type of MASTER FX. [CTRL] *1 frequency, deepening the HPF effect.
HPF: high pass filter (cuts the low-frequency region)
Resonance
LPF: low pass filter (cuts the high-frequency region) MASTER FX 0–255 Specifies the amount of resonance.
LPF/HPF: low pass filter / high pass filter (cuts [CTRL] *1
the high-frequency or low-frequency region)
-24dB, -18dB,
H BOOST: high boost (boosts the high-frequency Type Specifies the filter type.
region)
-12dB
L BOOST: low boost (boosts the low-frequency -40dB–0dB–
Gain Specifies the output gain of the filter.
region) +40dB
HPF, LPF, L/H BOOST: low boost / high boost (boosts the
LPF/HPF, H Turn this ON if you want to prevent
low-frequency or high-frequency region) Clipper OFF, ON excessive volume from occurring when
BOOST, L BOOST,
ISOLATOR: adjusts the balance of the low, Resonance is raised.
L/H BOOST,
mid, and high-frequency regions.
ISOLATOR, LPF
TRANSIENT, TRANSIENT: strengthens or weakens the
attack and release. Cutoff Specifies the cutoff frequency.
TRANSIENT2,
MASTER FX 0–255 Raising the Cutoff lowers the cutoff
Type COMPRESSOR, TRANSIENT2: uses the attack and release to
[CTRL] *1 frequency, deepening the LPF effect.
DRIVE, operate a filter.
OVERDRIVE, COMPRESSOR: compresses loud input, Resonance
DISTORTION, making the maximum levels more MASTER FX 0–255 Specifies the amount of resonance.
FUZZ, CRUSHER, [CTRL] *1
consistent.
PHASER, DRIVE: uncolored distortion. -24dB, -18dB,
FLANGER, SBF, Type Specifies the filter type.
-12dB
OVERDRIVE: overdrive
NOISE
DISTORTION: distortion -40dB–0dB–
+40dB
FUZZ: fuzz
CRUSHER: produces a lo-fi effect. Turn this ON if you want to prevent
Clipper OFF, ON excessive volume from occurring when
PHASER: produces a phase effect.
Resonance is raised.
FLANGER: produces a flanging effect.
LPF/HPF
SBF: side band filter (a filter that passes only specific
frequency components). Specifies the cutoff frequency.
NOISE: adds noise. Cutoff Lowering the Cutoff (toward LPF) produces
LPF 127–FLAT–
MASTER FX an LPF effect, lowering the cutoff frequency.
Sw [CTRL] *1
HPF 127
OFF, ON Turns the MASTER FX effect ON/OFF. Raising the Cutoff (toward HPF) produces an
MASTER FX [ON]
HPF effect, raising the cutoff frequency.
Selects the parameter that is controlled by the MASTER FX
[CTRL] knob. Resonance
MASTER FX 0–255 Specifies the amount of resonance.
(HPF) Cutoff, Resonance [CTRL] *1
(LPF) Cutoff, Resonance
-24dB, -18dB,
(LPF/HPF) Cutoff, Resonance Type Specifies the filter type.
-12dB
(H BOOST) Boost, Frequency
-40dB–0dB–
(L BOOST) Boost, Frequency Gain Specifies the output gain of the filter.
+40dB
(L/H BOOST) Boost, Frequency
Turn this ON if you want to prevent
(ISOLATOR) Balance, Low, Mid, High Clipper OFF, ON excessive volume from occurring when
(TRANSIENT) EnvDepth, Attack, Release Resonance is raised.
Ctrl (TRANSIENT2) EnvDepth, Attack, Release H BOOST
[CTRL SELECT] +
[CTRL] (COMPRESSOR) Balance, Attack, Release Boost
(DRIVE) Balance, Drive, Level, HpFreq, PreEqFreq, PreEqL, MASTER FX 0–255 Adjusts the amount of boost.
PreEqH, PostEqFreq, PostEqL, PostEqH [CTRL] *1
(OVERDRIVE) Balance, Drive, Tone, Level Frequency
Boosts the region above the specified
(DISTORTION) Balance, Drive, Tone, Level MASTER FX 0–255
frequency.
[CTRL] *1
(FUZZ) Balance, Drive, Tone, Level
(CRUSHER) Balance, SmplRate, Filter -40dB–0dB–
Gain Specifies the output gain.
(PHASER) Balance, Rate, Depth, Resonance, Manual +40dB
(FLANGER) Balance, Rate, Depth, Resonance, Manual L BOOST
(SBF) Balance, BandIntrvl, BandWidth Boost
(NOISE) Color, Level MASTER FX 0–255 Adjusts the amount of boost.
[CTRL] *1
Frequency
Boosts the region below the specified
MASTER FX 0–255
frequency.
[CTRL] *1
-40dB–0dB–
+40dB
24

L/H BOOST Specifies the level at which compression
begins.
Adjusts the amount of boost.
Set a lower value for Thre if you want to
Boost Lowering the Boost (toward LOW) boosts
LOW 127–FLAT– apply compression deeply, or if the input
MASTER FX the low-frequency region. Thre -40dB–0dB
HIGH 127 level is low.
[CTRL] *1 Raising the Boost (toward HIGH) boosts the
Because setting a low value for Thre also
high-frequency region.
lowers the output level, raise Gain to make
Frequency adjustments.
The region below or above this frequency
MASTER FX 0–255
is boosted. Specifies the output level.
[CTRL] *1
-40dB–0dB– Set this so that the volume is essentially
-40dB–0dB– Gain
Gain Specifies the output gain. +40dB the same whether the MASTER FX Sw is on
+40dB
or off.
ISOLATOR
1: 1.00, 1: 1.12, 1: Specifies the compression ratio.
Balance Adjusts the ISOLATOR effect. 1.25, 1: 1.40, 1: The higher the ratio, the more compression
MASTER FX OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the ISOLATOR effect 1.60, 1: 1.80, 1: is applied to the sound when its level
[CTRL] *1 is at 100%. Ratio 2.00, 1: 2.50, 1: exceeds the Thre setting.
Low 3.20, 1: 4.00, 1: If the ratio is set to 1: INF, the sound will not
Adjusts the level of the low-frequency 5.60, 1: 8.00, 1:
MASTER FX 0dB–-INF become any louder than the level specified
region. 16.0, 1: INF
[CTRL] *1 by Thre.
Mid HARD, SOFT1, Adjusts the character of the compression.
Adjusts the level of the mid-frequency
MASTER FX 0dB–-INF SOFT2, SOFT3, HARD compresses the sound suddenly,
region.
[CTRL] *1
Knee SOFT4, SOFT5, producing a hard sound.
High SOFT6, SOFT7, SOFT compresses the sound gently,
Adjusts the level of the high-frequency
MASTER FX 0dB–-INF SOFT8, SOFT9 producing a soft sound.
region.
[CTRL] *1
DRIVE
TRANSIENT
Balance Adjusts the drive effect.
EnvDepth
0–255 Adjusts the depths of Attack and Release. MASTER FX OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the drive effect is at
MASTER FX
[CTRL] *1 100%.
[CTRL] *1
Attack Adjusts the depth of distortion.
Drive
MASTER FX -128–0–+127 Emphasizes or weakens the attack. Because increasing the Drive setting
MASTER FX 0–255
[CTRL] *1 also increases the output level, make
[CTRL] *1
Release adjustments by lowering the Level setting.
MASTER FX -128–0–+127 Emphasizes or weakens the release. Specifies the output level.
[CTRL] *1 Level
0–255 Set this so that the volume is essentially
MASTER FX
TRANSIENT2 the same whether the MASTER FX Sw is on
[CTRL] *1
EnvDepth or off.
MASTER FX 0–255 Adjusts the depths of Attack and Release. Specifies the frequency below which the
[CTRL] *1 low-frequency region of the input is cut.
HpFreq
Attack MASTER FX 0–255 As the HpFreq is raised, the region being cut
Adjusts the filter movement during the
MASTER FX -128–0–+127 [CTRL] *1 will extend further into the high-frequency
attack.
[CTRL] *1 region.
Release PreEqFreq
Adjusts the filter movement during the Specifies the center frequency of the EQ
MASTER FX -128–0–+127 MASTER FX 0–255
release. that is applied before distorting the sound.
[CTRL] *1 [CTRL] *1
0.125, 0.25, 0.5, PreEqL
Q 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, Adjusts the character of the filter. -INF, -53.0dB– Specifies the low-frequency level of the EQ
MASTER FX
16.0 0.0dB–+10.0dB that is applied before distorting the sound.
[CTRL] *1
-INF, -53.0dB– Specifies the high-frequency level of the EQ
HP Level Specifies the HPF level of the filter.
0.0dB–+10.0dB PreEqH that is applied before distorting the sound.
-INF, -53.0dB–
-INF, -53.0dB– MASTER FX
0.0dB–+10.0dB By slightly decreasing the high-frequency
BP Level Specifies the BPF level of the filter. [CTRL] *1
0.0dB–+10.0dB level, you can reduce the higher-order
-INF, -53.0dB– partials that are generated by distortion.
LP Level Specifies the LPF level of the filter.
0.0dB–+10.0dB PostEqFreq
Specifies the center frequency of the EQ
MASTER FX 0–255
-INF, -53.0dB– that is applied after distorting the sound.
Bypass Specifies the bypass level. [CTRL] *1
0.0dB–+10.0dB
PostEqL
COMPRESSOR -INF, -53.0dB– Specifies the low-frequency level of the EQ
MASTER FX
0.0dB–+10.0dB that is applied after distorting the sound.
Balance Adjusts the compression effect. [CTRL] *1
MASTER FX OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the compression PostEqH
[CTRL] *1 -INF, -53.0dB– Specifies the high-frequency level of the EQ
effect is at 100%. MASTER FX
0.0dB–+10.0dB that is applied after distorting the sound.
[CTRL] *1
Specifies the time from the moment that
the input exceeds the level specified by Thre OVERDRIVE
Attack until the volume starts being compressed.
MASTER FX 0–255 Balance Adjusts the overdrive effect.
[CTRL] *1 As the Attack is increased (lengthening the MASTER FX OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the overdrive effect
time), the beginning of the note will no [CTRL] *1 is at 100%.
longer be compressed.
Adjusts the depth of distortion.
Release Specifies the time from the moment that Drive
0–255 Because increasing Drive also increases the
MASTER FX 0–255 the input falls below the level specified by MASTER FX
[CTRL] *1 output level, make adjustments by lowering
[CTRL] *1 Thre until compression stops being applied.
Level.
Adjusts the tone.
Tone Raising the Tone emphasizes the high-
MASTER FX 0–255 frequency region.
[CTRL] *1 Lowering the Tone emphasizes the low-
frequency region.
25

Specifies the output level. Specifies the center frequency at which the
Level phase effect is applied.
MASTER FX Manual
[CTRL] *1 the same whether the MASTER FX Sw is on By raising Manual, you can reduce the phase
MASTER FX 0–255
or off. effect in the low-frequency region.
[CTRL] *1
DISTORTION (As necessary, lower Depth as well to lighten
the phase effect)
Balance Adjusts the distortion effect.
MASTER FX OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the distortion effect Selects the structure of the phaser.
[CTRL] *1 is at 100%. 4ST: 4-stage phaser (produces a light phase effect)
Adjusts the depth of distortion. 4ST, 8ST, 12ST, 8ST: 8-stage phaser (produces a typical phase effect)
Drive Type 12ST: 12-stage phase (produces a deep phase effect)
Because increasing Drive also increases the BI-PHASE
MASTER FX 0–255
output level, make adjustments by lowering BI-PHASE: a phaser that connects two
[CTRL] *1
Level. phase shift circuits in series (produces a
distinctive phase effect)
Adjusts the tone.
FLANGER
Tone Raising the Tone emphasizes the high-
MASTER FX 0–255 frequency region. Balance Adjusts the flanging effect.
[CTRL] *1 Lowering the Tone emphasizes the low- MASTER FX OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the flanging effect is
[CTRL] *1 at 100%.
frequency region.
Specifies the output level. Choose ON if you want the flanging effect
TempoSync OFF, ON
Level to synchronize with the tempo.
MASTER FX
[CTRL] *1 the same whether the MASTER FX Sw is on (TempoSync =
or off. OFF) 0–255
Rate
FUZZ (TempoSync =
MASTER FX Specifies the rate of the flanging effect.
ON) 64.00–0.25
Adjusts the fuzz effect. [CTRL] *1
Balance step
MASTER FX OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the fuzz effect is at (steps of 0.25)
[CTRL] *1 100%.
Depth
Adjusts the depth of distortion. MASTER FX 0–255 Specifies the depth of the flanging effect.
Drive
0–255 Because increasing Drive also increases the [CTRL] *1
MASTER FX
[CTRL] *1 output level, make adjustments by lowering Adjusts the amount of resonance.
Level. Resonance
0–255 Raising the Resonance emphasizes the
Adjusts the tone. MASTER FX
[CTRL] *1 effect and produces a strongly distinctive
Tone Raising the Tone emphasizes the high- sound.
MASTER FX 0–255 frequency region. Specifies the center frequency at which the
[CTRL] *1 Lowering the Tone emphasizes the low- flanging effect is applied.
frequency region. Manual
By raising Manual, you can reduce the
MASTER FX 0–255
Specifies the output level. flanging effect in the low-frequency region.
Level [CTRL] *1
0–255 Set this so that the volume is essentially (As necessary, you can also lower Depth to
MASTER FX
[CTRL] *1 the same whether the MASTER FX Sw is on make the flanging effect shallower.)
or off. FLAT, 20Hz, 25Hz,
CRUSHER 31.5Hz, 40Hz,
Adjusts the lo-fi effect. 50Hz, 63Hz, 80Hz,
Balance
100Hz, 125Hz, Cuts the frequency region below the
MASTER FX OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the lo-fi effect is at LoCutF
[CTRL] *1
160Hz, 200Hz, specified frequency.
100%.
250Hz, 315Hz,
Specifies the sampling frequency at which 400Hz, 500Hz,
SampleRate the crusher effect resamples the sound. 630Hz, 800Hz
MASTER FX 0–255 Increasing the SampleRate lowers the Selects whether the flanging is modulated
[CTRL] *1 sampling frequency, producing a more lo-fi in the same or the opposite way for left
sound. and right.
Specifies the cutoff frequency of the LPF Mode MONO, STEREO MONO: Left and right are modulated in the
Filter that is applied before Crusher resamples same way.
MASTER FX 0–255 the sound. STEREO: Left and right are modulated in
[CTRL] *1 By lowering the Filter setting you can the opposite way.
reduce harsh high-frequency noise.
SBF
PHASER
Balance Adjusts the side band filter effect.
Balance Adjusts the phase effect. MASTER FX OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the side band filter
MASTER FX OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the phase effect is at [CTRL] *1 effect is at 100%.
[CTRL] *1 100%.
Adjusts the spacing of the bands.
Choose ON if you want the phase effect to BandIntrvl
TempoSync OFF, ON 0–255 As you raise BandIntrvl, the spacing
synchronize with the tempo. MASTER FX
[CTRL] *1 between the bands becomes wider, so that
(TempoSync = only specific frequency regions are passed.
OFF) 0–255 Adjusts the width of the bands.
Rate Band Wifth
(TempoSync = As you raise Band Width, the width of
MASTER FX Specifies the rate of the phase effect. MASTER FX 0–255
ON) 64.00–0.25 each band becomes narrower, so that only
[CTRL] *1 [CTRL] *1
step specific frequency regions are passed.
(steps of 0.25)
Switches the range that can be adjusted by
Depth BandIntrvl.
MASTER FX 0–255 Specifies the depth of the phase effect. SBF1, SBF2, SBF3,
Type Switch the Type if you want to narrow
[CTRL] *1 SBF4, SBF5, SBF6
(or widen) the bands when adjusting
Adjusts the amount of resonance. BandIntrvl.
Resonance
0–255 Raising the Resonance emphasizes the -INF, -53.0dB–
MASTER FX Gain Specifies the output gain.
[CTRL] *1 effect and produces a strongly distinctive 0.0dB–+10.0dB
sound.
26
Parameter
NOISE
Value Explanation
KIT: OUTPUT
Moves a filter that is applied to noise.
Color Parameter Value Explanation
If Color is set to 0, no noise is output.
MASTER FX 0–255 Selects the output destination of each
[CTRL] *1 This parameter is intended to be controlled
instrument.
by the MASTER FX [CTRL] knob.
MIX: Output from the MIX OUT jacks.
Level
-INF, -53.0dB– ASSIGN 1–6: Output as monaural from an
MASTER FX Specifies the noise level.
0.0dB–+10.0dB ASSIGNABLE OUT/TRIGGER OUT jack.
[CTRL] *1
BD (When [UTILITY] ASSIGN OUT 1–6 = NORMAL, BOOST)
Switches the direction in which the filter is MIX,
Direction UP, DOWN SD The sound of the instrument is output,
moved by Color. LT ASSIGN 1, and is not output from the MIX OUT
MT ASSIGN 2, jacks.
HT ASSIGN 3, (When [UTILITY] ASSIGN OUT 1–6 = NORMAL, BOOST)
*1 T his can be controlled by specifying the Ctrl parameter. RS ASSIGN 4, The sound of the instrument is output,
HC and is not output from the MIX OUT
ASSIGN 5,
KIT: EXT IN CH
OH ASSIGN 6,
jacks.
ASSIGN A–C: Output as stereo from an
CC ASSIGN A, ASSIGNABLE OUT/TRIGGER OUT jack.
RC ASSIGN B, (When [UTILITY] ASSIGN OUT 1–6 = NORMAL, BOOST)
EXT IN ASSIGN C The sound of the instrument is output,
BD, SD, LT, MT, *2
and is not output from the MIX OUT
HT, RS, HC, CH, Selects the instrument that is used as the jacks.
SideChnSrc
OH, CC, RC, TRG trigger for the side chain effect. (When [UTILITY] ASSIGN OUT 1–6 = TRIGGER) The
(TRIGGER OUT) trigger signal is output, and the sound
Selects the type of side chain effect. of the instrument is also output from the
1: Type = Ducking, Width = 1step MIX OUT jacks.
2: Type = Ducking, Width = 2step, (Fast Rise)
3: T ype = Ducking, Width = 1step, (Slow Rise)
SideChnType 1–8 4: Type = Gate, Width = 1step KIT: MUTE
5: Type = Ducking, Width = Narrow
6: Type = Ducking, Width = 2step, (Slow Rise) Parameter Value Explanation
7: Type = Gate, Width = Half step
BD
8: Type = Ducking, Width = 1step, (Unique Rise)
SD
SideChnDpt 0–255 Adjusts the depth of the side chain effect. LT For the OpenHH sound and sample tones,
-40.0dB–0.0dB– MT you can specify that their sound be muted
+40.0dB HT OFF, BD, SD, LT, when another instrument is sounded.
Gain Specifies the gain. RS
(0.5 dB MT, HT, RS, HC, CH, * By selecting the instrument that plays
HC OH, CC, RC
increments) CloseHH, you can use CloseHH to
CH
L127–CENTER– close (mute) the sustained sound of
Pan Specifies the pan. OH
R127 CC OpenHH.
ReverbSend 0–255 Adjusts the level sent to reverb. RC
*2
DelaySend 0–255 Adjusts the level sent to delay.
KIT: LFO KIT: CTRL

Assigns a parameter to the [CTRL] knobs of
SIN, TRI, SAW, SQR,
Waveform Selects the LFO waveform. the instrument edit section so that it can be
S&H
controlled.
Choose ON if you want the LFO to OFF: The [CTRL] knobs do nothing.
Tempo Sync OFF, ON
synchronize with the tempo.
Pan: Control the pan of each instrument.
(TempoSync = ReverbSend: Control the reverb send level
OFF, Pan,
OFF) 0–255 of each instrument.
ReverbSend,
(TempoSync = Sel
Rate Specifies the LFO rate. DelaySend, LFO DelaySend: Control the delay send level of
ON) 64.00–0.25 [CTRL SELECT]
Depth, InstFX, each instrument.
step User LFO Depth: Control the LFO effect depth of
(steps of 0.25) each instrument.
InstFX: Control the INST FX effect that’s
selected for each instrument.
User: Control the parameter that’s assigned
for each instrument.
27
Parameter Value
OFF, Pan,
Explanation
KIT: NAME
ReverbSend,
DelaySend, LFO Parameter Explanation
Depth, InstFX, NAME Specifies the name of the kit (maximum 16 characters).
BD
SD (BD) Attack
LT (SD) Snappy
MT
HT
(TOM) Color
This is shown only if you’ve set CTRL Sel
How to enter characters
(SAMPLE) Coarse,
RS Rate, Spread, = User. It lets you assign a parameter for
HC
CH
BitReduce, Attack, each instrument to the [CTRL] knobs of the
instrument edit section.
1. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “NAME.”
HoldMode,
OH HoldTime,
CC HoldStep, FltType,
RC FltCutoff, FltReso,
*2
FltEnvAtk,
FltEnvDecay, 2. Press the [ENTER] button to access the character
FltEnvDepth,
FltVelo input screen.
KIT: COLOR
Parameter Value Explanation Controller Explanation
BD [VALUE] knob Change the character.
SD [UTILITY] button Moves to the right.
LT RED, ORANGE,
MT [COPY] button Moves to the left.
YELLOW, LIME, Specifies the color that each level fader BD–
HT GREEN, SKYBLUE, RC will be when SLIDER LED Src is set to kit. [SHIFT] button
RS LIGHTBLUE, +[COPY] button
When the cursor is located at color (value),
HC BLUE, PURPLE, [SHIFT] button
you can also specify the color by moving Inserts one character (Insert).
CH MAGENTA, PINK, +[UTILITY] button
the slider.
OH WHITE
CC [SHIFT] button Switches between uppercase/lowercase/
RC +[VALUE] knob numerals.
*2
3. When you’ve finished inputting characters, press

the [ENTER] button.
28
Saving the Pattern, Kit, or System Settings (WRITE)

Here’s how to save a pattern or kit.
1. Press the [WRITE] button.

The WRITE screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select what you want to

save, and press the [ENTER] button.
The WRITE screens appear in the order of “Pattern” 0 “Kit” 0
“System.”
* If “System” is selected, a confirmation screen appears. Proceed to
step 4.
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the save-

destination, and press the [ENTER] button.
4. To save, use the [VALUE] knob to select “OK,” and

press the [ENTER] button.
Shortcuts for save operations

Save a pattern Hold down the [WRITE] button and press the
(PATTERN WRITE screen) [PTN SELECT] button.
Save a kit Hold down the [WRITE] button and press the
(KIT WRITE screen) [KIT] button.
Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the
Save the pattern and kit [WRITE] button.
simultaneously
(OVERWRITE) * The selected pattern and kit are
overwrite-saved.
29
Editing an Instrument’s Sound (INST Edit)
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [INST]
Selecting an Instrument’s Tone (INST) button.
The INST Edit screen appears
Instrument’s tones of the currently selected kit are selected
individually.
1. Press the [INST] button.

The [INST] button and the [BD]–[RC] button (that had been 2. Select a parameter.
selected for [TR-REC]) are lit, and [the INST screen appears. 2-1. Use the [VALUE] knob to select a parameter.
Category
3. Modify values.
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the 3-2. Press the [ENTER] button.
instrument’s tone.
Return to the parameter selection (step 2).
MEMO
4. Press the [INST] button.
55 To switch categories, hold down the [SHIFT] button and
Exit the INST Edit screen.
turn the [VALUE] knob.
55 By holding down the [ENTER] button and turning the
[Value] knob, you can move through the instrument
INST
tones in steps of 10.
55 When you press the [ENTER] button, the category
Common to all tones
name is enclosed by “[ICON],” and you can switch
between instrument tones with the category locked Tune
-128–0–+127 Adjusts the tuning (pitch)
[TUNE]
(category lock). When you press the [ENTER] button
once again, category lock is cleared. You can specify Decay
0–255 Adjusts the length of the decay.
[DECAY]
category lock for each instrument, and that setting is
saved in the kit. Specifies the level.
* This parameter changes when you
Level
0–255 operate each instrument’s level slider.
INST Level Slider
* This adjusts the level of the sound after
it has passed through INST FX.
3. Press the [INST] button once again. Gain

-40.0dB–0.0dB–
+40.0dB
Specifies the gain.
* This adjusts the level of the sound after
The [INST] button goes dark, and you exit the INST screen. (steps of 0.5 dB) it has passed through INST FX.
Pan L127–CENTER–
About the icons shown in the INST screen Specifies the pan.
INST [CTRL] R127
ReverbSend
0–255 Adjusts the level that is sent to reverb.
INST [CTRL]
DelaySend
0–255 Adjusts the level that is sent to delay.
INST [CTRL]
Preset: Tones originally in the TR-8S Tune, Decay,

Level, Pan,
Sample: Tones that use samples ReverbSend,
Loop: Tones that play repeatedly DelaySend, InstFX,
(BD) Attack
User: Tones that use imported samples
(SD) Snappy
FM: Tones that use the FM tone generator (TOM) Color
(SAMPLE) Coarse,
Searching for instrument tones Rate, Spread,
LFO BitReduce, Attack, Selects the parameter that is modified by
1. Hold down the [KIT] button and press the HoldMode, the LFO.
HoldTime,
[INST] button. HoldStep, FltType,
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the tone type FltCutoff, FltReso,
FltEnvAtk,
(ACB, FM), and then press the [ENTER] knob. FltEnvDecay,
FltEnvDepth,
3. Proceed to step 2 of “Selecting an instrument FltVelo
tone.” (FM) Morph,
FM Course
Specifies the amount that is modified by
the LFO.
* If the setting of the parameter to be
LFO Depth
-128–0–+127 modified is 128 (the center value),
INST [CTRL]
setting LFO Depth to +/-64 will cause
the parameter to vary in a range of
0–255.
Only for ACB tones of the BD category
Attack Adjusts the attack strength of the bass
0–255
INST [CTRL] drum.
30
Parameter Value
Only for ACB tones of the SD category
Explanation
INST FX
Snappy Adjusts the volume of the snare wires
0–255 Parameter Value Explanation
INST [CTRL] (resonating wires) of the snare drum.
Selects the type of INST FX.
Only for ACB tones of the TOM category
(808Low/Mid/HighTom) THRU No INST FX effect is applied.
Adjusts the amount of ambience (amount High-pass filter (cuts the low-frequency
HPF
of noise). region)
(808NoiseTomL/M/H) Low-pass filter (cuts the high-frequency
LPF
Adjusts the amount of resonance. region)
(909Low/Mid/HighTom) Low-pass filter / High-pass filter (cuts the
LPF/HPF
Color Adjusts the amount of ambience (amount high or low-frequency region)
-128–0–+127
INST [CTRL] of noise). High boost (boosts the high-frequency
H BOOST
(707Low/Mid/HighTom) region)
Adjusts the amount by which the pitch will Low boost (boosts the low-frequency
change. L BOOST
region)
(606Low/Mid/HighTom)
Low boost / High boost (boosts the low or
Adjusts the amount of ambience (amount L/H BOOST
high-frequency region)
of noise).
Adjusts the balance of the low, mid, and
Sample tone only Type ISOLATOR
high-frequency regions.
Coarse Tune -24–0–+24 Specifies the pitch in semitone steps. Emphasizes or softens the attack and
TRANSIENT
Specifies the playback direction and release.
playback speed. Compresses loud input, making the
COMPRESSOR
+1.00: Play at the original speed. maximum levels more consistent.
-1.00–0.00–+1.00 +0.99–+0.01: Play at a lower speed. DRIVE Uncolored distortion.
Rate
(steps of 0.01) 0.00: Don’t play. Applies COMPRESSOR and then applies
-0.01–-0.99: Play backward at a lower COMP+DRV
DRIVE (monaural).
speed.
CRUSHER Produces a lo-fi effect (monaural).
-1.00: Play backward.
SATURATOR This effect combines overdrive and filter.
Slightly skews the pitch between left and
Spread -50–0–+50 Converts the input to a higher or lower
right, producing a stereo effect. FREQ SHIFT
frequency.
Bit Reduce 0–12 Adds a lo-fi effect.
Converts the input to a high frequency and
Attack 0–255 Specifies the time over which the level rises. RING MOD
a low frequency.
Selects how the sound decays. SPREAD Adds spaciousness to the input.
Whole: The sound is heard to the end
HPF
without decaying.
Hold Mode Whole, Time, Step Time: Decay begins after a specified length Specifies the cutoff frequency.
Cutoff
of time. 0–255 Increasing the Cutoff value raises the cutoff
INST [CTRL] *3
Step: Decay begins after a specified number frequency, deepening the HPF effect.
of steps. Resonance 0–255 Specifies the amount of resonance.
Specifies the time until decay begins when -24dB, -18dB,
Type Specifies the filter type.
Hold Mode = Time. -12dB
Hold Time 0–255
* The duration of the sound will be -40dB–0dB–
Attack + Hold Time + Decay. +40dB
Specifies the number of steps until decay Turn this ON if you want to prevent
begins when Hold Mode = Step. Clipper OFF, ON excessive volume from occurring when
0.5–128.0 Resonance is raised.
Hold Step * The duration of the sound will be Hold
(steps of 0.5)
Step + Decay (Attack changes within LPF
Hold Step). Specifies the cutoff frequency.
Cutoff
Flt Type LPF, HPF Selects the type of filter. 0–255 Increasing the Cutoff value lowers the cutoff
INST [CTRL] *3
Flt Cutoff 0–255 Adjusts the cutoff frequency of the filter. frequency, deepening the LPF effect.
Flt Reso 0–255 Adjusts the amount of filter resonance. Resonance 0–255 Specifies the amount of resonance.
Specifies the attack time for the envelope -24dB, -18dB,
Flt Attack 0–255 Type Specifies the filter type.
that varies the filter. -12dB
Specifies the decay time for the envelope -40dB–0dB–
Flt Decay 0–255 Gain Specifies the output gain of the filter.
that varies the filter. +40dB
Specifies the amount by which the envelope Turn this ON if you want to prevent
Flt Env 0–255 Clipper OFF, ON excessive volume from occurring when
varies the filter.
Resonance is raised.
Specifies the amount by which the note’s
Flt Velo 0–255 LPF/HPF
velocity affects the filter.
Specifies the cutoff frequency.
memo Lowering the Cutoff value (toward LPF)
applies an LPF effect, lowering the cutoff
Cutoff LPF 127–FLAT–
KIT: If the CTRL Sel parameter is set to “User,” you can set the INST [CTRL] *3 HPF 127
frequency.
KIT CTRL: BD– OH parameters and use the INST edit section’s Raising the Cutoff value (toward HPF)
[CTRL] knobs for control (except for GAIN and LFO). applies an HPF effect, raising the cutoff
frequency.
&“Assigning Parameters to the [CTRL] Knobs Resonance 0–255 Specifies the amount of resonance.
(CTRL SELECT)” (p. 14)
-24dB, -18dB,
Type Specifies the filter type.
-12dB
-40dB–0dB–
+40dB
31

Turn this ON if you want to prevent 1: 1.00, 1: 1.12, 1: Specifies the compression ratio.
Clipper OFF, ON excessive volume from occurring when 1.25, 1: 1.40, 1: The higher the ratio, the more compression
Resonance is raised. 1.60, 1: 1.80, 1: is applied to levels that exceed the Thre
H BOOST Ratio 2.00, 1: 2.50, 1: setting.
3.20, 1: 4.00, 1: If the ratio is set to 1: INF, the sound will not
Boost
0–255 Adjusts the amount of boost. 5.60, 1: 8.00, 1: become any louder than the level specified
INST [CTRL] *3
16.0, 1: INF by Thre.
Specifies the frequency above which the
Frequency 0–255 HARD, SOFT1, Adjusts how compression is applied.
high-frequency region is boosted.
SOFT2, SOFT3, The HARD setting applies compression
-40dB–0dB–
Gain Specifies the output gain. Knee SOFT4, SOFT5, abruptly, producing a hard sound.
+40dB
SOFT6, SOFT7, The SOFT setting applies compression
L BOOST SOFT8, SOFT9 gently, producing a soft sound.
Boost DRIVE
0–255 Adjusts the amount of boost.
INST [CTRL] *3
Adjusts the drive effect.
Specifies the frequency below which the Balance
Frequency 0–255 OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the drive effect is at
low-frequency region is boosted. INST [CTRL] *3
100%.
-40dB–0dB–
Gain Specifies the output gain. Adjusts the depth of distortion.
+40dB
Drive 0–255 Because increasing the Drive also increases
L/H BOOST the output level, make adjustments by
Adjusts the amount of boost. lowering the Level.
Lowering the Boost value (toward LOW) Specifies the output level.
Boost LOW 127–FLAT–
boosts the low-frequency region. Set this so that the volume is approximately
INST FX [CTRL] *3 HIGH 127 Level 0–255
Raising the Boost value (toward HIGH) the same whether MASTER FX Sw is on or
boosts the high-frequency region. off.
Specifies the frequency below or above Specifies the frequency below which the
Frequency 0–255 which the low or high-frequency region is low-frequency region of the input is cut.
boosted. HpFreq 0–255 As you raise the HpFreq value, the region
-40dB–0dB– being cut extends into the high-frequency
+40dB region.
ISOLATOR Specifies the center frequency of the EQ
PreEqFreq 0–255
Adjusts the ISOLATOR effect. that is applied before distorting the sound.
Balance -INF, -53.0dB– Specifies the low-frequency level of the EQ
OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the ISOLATOR effect PreEqL
INST [CTRL] *3
is at 100%. 0.0dB–+10.0dB that is applied before distorting the sound.
Adjusts the level of the low-frequency Specifies the high-frequency level of the EQ
Low 0dB–-INF that is applied before distorting the sound.
region.
-INF, -53.0dB– By slightly decreasing the high-frequency
Adjusts the level of the mid-frequency PreEqH
Mid 0dB–-INF 0.0dB–+10.0dB level, you can reduce the higher-order
region.
partials that are generated when the sound
Adjusts the level of the high-frequency is distorted.
High 0dB–-INF
region.
Specifies the center frequency of the EQ
TRANSIENT PostEqFreq 0–255
that is applied after distorting the sound.
EnvDepth -INF, -53.0dB– Specifies the low-frequency level of the EQ
0–255 Adjusts the intensity of Attack and Release. PostEqL
INST [CTRL] *3 0.0dB–+10.0dB that is applied after distorting the sound.
Attack -128–0–+127 Emphasizes or softens the attack. -INF, -53.0dB– Specifies the high-frequency level of the EQ
PostEqH
Release -128–0–+127 Emphasizes or softens the release. 0.0dB–+10.0dB that is applied after distorting the sound.
COMPRESSOR COMP+DRV
Adjusts the compression effect. Balance Adjusts the overall COMP+DRV effect.
Balance OFF, 1–255
OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the compression INST [CTRL] *3 With a setting of 255, the effect is at 100%.
INST [CTRL] *3
effect is at 100%. Adjusts the compression effect.
Specifies the time from when the input CmpBalance OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the compression
exceeds the level specified by Thre until the effect is at 100%.
volume is compressed.
Attack 0–255 Adjusts the drive effect.
As you increase the Attack value DrvBalance OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the drive effect is at
(lengthening the time), the sound’s attack is
100%.
compressed less.
Specifies the time from when the input
exceeds the level specified by Thre until the
Release 0–255 falls below the level specified by Thre until
volume is compressed.
compression stops being applied. CmpAttack 0–255
As you increase the Attack value
Specifies the level at which compression (lengthening the time), the sound’s attack is
begins. compressed less.
apply the effect deeply, or if the input level
Thre -40dB–0dB CmpRelease 0–255 falls below the level specified by Thre until
is low.
compression stops being applied.
Setting a low value for Thre will also
decrease the output level, so raise the Gain Specifies the level at which compression
to make adjustments. begins.
Specifies the output level.
apply the effect deeply, or if the input level
-40dB–0dB– Set this so that the volume is approximately CmpThre -40dB–0dB
Gain is low.
+40dB the same whether MASTER FX Sw is on or
Setting a low level for Thre will also decrease
off.
the output level, so raise the Gain to make
adjustments.
32

Specifies the output level.
-40dB–0dB– Drive
CmpGain Set this so that the volume is approximately 0–48 [dB] Strength of distortion
+40dB INST [CTRL] *3
the same whether MASTER FX Sw is on or
off.
THRU, LPF, HPF, Type of filter 1 which follows the distortion
Specifies the compression ratio. Post1Type
1: 1.00, 1: 1.12, 1: LSV, HSV processing
1.25, 1: 1.40, 1: The higher the ratio, the more compression Frequency at which post-distortion filter 1
1.60, 1: 1.80, 1: is applied to levels that exceed the Thre Post1Freq 20–16000 [Hz]
operates
CmpRatio 2.00, 1: 2.50, 1: setting.
3.20, 1: 4.00, 1: For the LSV/HSV types, the amount of
If the ratio is set to 1: INF, the sound will not Post1Gain -24–24 [dB]
5.60, 1: 8.00, 1: boost/cut
become any louder than the level specified
16.0, 1: INF by Thre. THRU, LPF, HPF, Type of filter 2 which follows the distortion
Post2Type
LSV, HSV processing
HARD, SOFT1, Adjusts how compression is applied.
SOFT2, SOFT3, The HARD setting applies compression Frequency at which post-distortion filter 2
Post2Freq 20–16000 [Hz]
CmpKnee SOFT4, SOFT5, abruptly, producing a hard sound. operates
SOFT6, SOFT7, The SOFT setting applies compression For the LSV/HSV types, the amount of
Post2Gain -24–24 [dB]
SOFT8, SOFT9 gently, producing a soft sound. boost/cut
Adjusts the depth of distortion. Type of filter 3 which follows the distortion processing
DrvDrive 0–255 Because increasing the Drive also increases THRU No filter is applied
the output level, make adjustments by A filter that passes the sound below the
lowering the Level. LPF
specified frequency
Specifies the output level. A filter that passes the sound above the
Post3Type HPF
DrvLevel 0–255 Set this so that the volume is approximately specified frequency
the same whether MASTER FX Sw is on or
A filter that passes only the specified
off. BPF
frequency
Specifies the frequency below which the
A filter that boosts/cuts the specified
low-frequency region of the input is cut. PKG
frequency
DrvHpF 0–255 As you raise the HpFreq value, the region
being cut extends into the high-frequency Frequency at which post-distortion filter 3
Post3Freq 20–16000 [Hz]
region. operates
Specifies the center frequency of the EQ Post3Gain -24–24 [dB] For the PKG type, the amount of boost/cut
DrvPreF 0–255
that is applied before distorting the sound. Width of the frequency range affected by
Post3Q 0.5–16.0
-INF, -53.0dB– Specifies the low-frequency level of the EQ the filter
DrvPreL
0.0dB–+10.0dB that is applied before distorting the sound. Adjust this value so that the sound is not
Sense -60–0 [dB]
Specifies the high-frequency level of the EQ made louder when distortion is applied.
that is applied before distorting the sound. PostGain -48–12 [dB] Gain following distortion processing
-INF, -53.0dB– By slightly decreasing the high-frequency Volume balance between the dry sound (D)
DrvPreH Balance OFF, 1–255
0.0dB–+10.0dB level, you can reduce the higher-order and effect sound (W)
partials that are generated when the sound
is distorted. Level 0–255 Output Level
Specifies the center frequency of the EQ FREQ SHIFT

DrvPstF 0–255
that is applied after distorting the sound. Freq
-8.0–0–8.0 [kHz] Shifts the frequency in a wide range.
-INF, -53.0dB– Specifies the low-frequency level of the EQ INST [CTRL] *3
DrvPstL
0.0dB–+10.0dB that is applied after distorting the sound. Fine -500–0–500 [Hz] Shifts the frequency in a narrow range.
-INF, -53.0dB– Specifies the high-frequency level of the EQ Volume balance between the dry sound (D)
DrvPstH Balance OFF, 1–255
0.0dB–+10.0dB that is applied after distorting the sound. and effect sound (W)
CRUSHER RING MOD
Adjusts the lo-fi effect. Freq
Balance 0–8, 000 [Hz] Shifts the frequency in a wide range.
OFF, 1–255 With a setting of 255, the lo-fi effect is at INST [CTRL] *3
INST [CTRL] *3
100%. Fine -128–0–127 [Hz] Shifts the frequency in a narrow range.
Specifies the sampling frequency at which Volume balance between the dry sound (D)
CRUSHER resamples the sound. Balance OFF, 1–255
and effect sound (W)
SampleRate 0–255 Higher settings of SampleRate lower the SPREAD
sampling frequency, producing a more lo-fi
sound. Rate
OFF, 0.2–200 [Hz] Rate of spread
INST [CTRL] *3
Specifies the cutoff frequency of the LFP
that is applied before CRUSHER resamples SHIFT Converts left/right in different directions.
Mode
Filter 0–255 the sound. RING Converts left/right by different frequencies.
By lowering the Filter value, you can reduce Volume balance between the dry sound (D)
harsh high-frequency noise. Balance OFF, 1–255
and effect sound (W)
SATURATOR
Type of filter that precedes the distortion processing *3 If you set the KIT: CTRL Sel parameter to InstFX, you can use
THRU No filter is applied the [CTRL] knobs of the instrument edit section to control this.
A filter that passes the sound below the (You can also set this in the screen that appears when you press
LPF
specified frequency the [CTRL SELECT] button.)
PreType HPF
A filter that passes the sound above the Additionally, by holding down a [BD]–[RC] button and
specified frequency operating the MASTER FX section’s [CTRL] knob, you can
LSV
A filter that boosts/cuts the sound below control the InstFX of the selected instrument. (You can control
the specified frequency this without setting the INST edit section’s [CTRL] knob
A filter that boosts/cuts the sound above assignment to InstFX.)
HSV
the specified frequency
Frequency at which the pre-distortion filter
PreFreq 20–16000 [Hz]
operates
For the LSV/HSV types, the amount of
PreGain -24–24 [dB]
boost/cut
33
Importing or Exporting a Pattern or Kit
Exporting a Pattern or Kit Exporting a Kit
Here’s how you can export a kit or pattern to an SD card. Insert the SDcard into the TR-8S.
1. Press the [UTILITY] button to make it light.

Exporting a Pattern The Utility screen appears.
Insert the SD card into the TR-8S.
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “UTILITY:Export,”
1. Press the [UTILITY] button to make it light. and then press the [ENTER] button.
The Utility screen appears.
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “UTILITY:Export,”
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “Kit,” and then
4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the kit that you
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “Pattern,” and then want to export, and then press the [ENTER] button.
press the [ENTER] button. You may select multiple kits.
4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the pattern that you A check mark appears at the left of the kit number(s) that will be
exported.
want to export, and then press the [ENTER] button.
You may select multiple patterns.
A check mark appears at the left of the pattern number(s) that will
be exported.
[ENTER] button, and input a name for the file that
will be exported.
[ENTER] button, and input a name for the file that
will be exported.
Controller Explanation
[VALUE] knob Change the character.
[UTILITY] button Moves to the right.
Controller Explanation
[SHIFT] button
[VALUE] knob Change the character. Deletes one character (Erase).
+[COPY] button
[UTILITY] button Moves to the right. [SHIFT] button
[COPY] button Moves to the left. +[UTILITY] button
[SHIFT] button [SHIFT] button Switches between uppercase/lowercase/
Deletes one character (Erase). +[VALUE] knob numerals.
+[COPY] button
[SHIFT] button
+[UTILITY] button 6. Press the [ENTER] button.

and press the OK.
When export is completed, the display indicates “Completed!,”
and press the OK. and you exit the UTILITY screen.
When export is completed, the display indicates “Completed!,”
and you exit the UTILITY screen.
34
Importing a Pattern or Kit 8. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the import-
destination, and then press the [ENTER] button.
Here’s how you can import a saved kit or pattern from an SD card.
File formats that can be imported
55 Backup files created by the TR-8S
55 Export files created by the TR-8S 9. If the data format you’re importing is BACK w/Kit
NOTE or EXPORT w/Kit, you can further use the [VALUE]
Simply executing the import does not save the kit or pattern knob to select the import destination for the kit,
in internal memory, so it will be lost when you turn off the and then press the [ENTER] button.
power. After importing, execute “Saving the Pattern, Kit, or
System Settings (WRITE)” (p. 29) to save the kits and patterns
if necessary.

Importing a Pattern
1. Insert the SD card into the TR-8S.
The Utility screen appears. 10. To execute, use the [VALUE] knob to select “OK,”
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “UTILITY:Import,” and press the OK.
and then press the [ENTER] button. If you decide to cancel, use the [VALUE] knob to select “Cancel,”
When the import is completed, the display indicates
“Completed!” and you exit the UTILITY screen.
4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “Pattern,” and then

5. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the data format
of the file that contains the pattern you want to
import, and then press the [ENTER] button.
Format Explanation
Import from a backup file
BACKUP w/Kit (including the kit specified by the pattern that you
import)
Import from a backup file
BACKUP
(only the pattern)
Import from an export file
EXPORT w/Kit (including the kit specified by the pattern that you
import)
Import from an export file
EXPORT
(only the pattern)
6. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the file that you

want to import, and then press the [ENTER] button.
7. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the pattern that you

MEMO
If the data format you’re importing is BACK w/Kit or EXPORT w/
Kit, you can press the [KIT] button to see the name of the kit
that’s specified by the currently selected pattern.
35
Importing a Kit
The Utility screen appears.
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “UTILITY:Import,”
4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “Kit,” and then

5. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the data format of
the file that contains the kit you want to import,
Format Explanation
BACKUP Import from a backup file
EXPORT Import from an export file
Import from kit data that is included in a pattern
EXPORT (Ptn)
export file

7. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the kit that you

8. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the import-

destination, and then press the [ENTER] button.

and press the OK.
36
Assigning an Imported User Sample to an Instrument
Importing a User Sample (SAMPLE Import) 2. Insert the SD card into the TR-8S
Here’s how an audio file saved on an SD card can be imported as a
user sample. 4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “SAMPLE:mport,”
* Use the TR-8S to format the SD card. and then press the [ENTER] button.
* The maximum time length of a single audio file is approximately 180
seconds (in the case of 44.1 kHz/mono), and a maximum of 400 files
can be imported. Depending on memory usage, the maximum time
and maximum number might be less.
1. Using your computer, copy an audio file to the 5. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “FILE” or “FOLDER,”
following folder of the SD card. and then press the [ENTER] button.
ROLAND\TR-8S\SAMPLE\
Item Explanation
If you want to import multiple audio files in a single operation, FILE Select and import audio files individually.
create another folder inside the above folder, and place the audio
FOLDER Import all the audio files in the specified folder.
files in it.
If you want to select and

6. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the audio file that
import files individually, you want to import, and press the [ENTER] button.
ROLAND place the files in this folder
(up to 256 files).
TR-8S
SAMPLE
MEMO
My_Wave1.wav 55 When you select an audio file, the [SAMPLE] button blinks.
If you press the [SAMPLE] button in this state, the selected
audio file plays, allowing you to audition the sounds while you
My_Wave2.wav
select an audio file.
55 If you select a folder, all the audio files in that folder are
Kicks
imported together.
To import multiple files My_Kick1.wav

in a single operation, and press the OK.
create a folder and
place the files in it (a If you decide to cancel, use the [VALUE] knob to select “Cancel,”
maximum of 256 folders, My_Kick2.wav and then press the [ENTER] button.
with a maximum of 256
files in each folder).
Snares “Completed!” and you exit the UTILITY screen.
My_Snare1.wav
2nd_Snares
If you create a folder within a folder, it will not be

recognized. Do not create folders below the second
level of the folder hierarchy.
Audio files that can be imported

File format
WAV, AIFF
Sampling frequency
WAV: up to 96 kHz
AIFF: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz
Bit depth
8bit, 16bit, 24bit, 32bit, 32bit float
Channel count
Monaural, stereo
37
Selecting a Sample (SAMPLE) Editing a User Sample Tone’s Settings (SAMPLE Edit)
1. Press the [SAMPLE] button. 1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the
The [SAMPLE] button and the [BD]–[RC] button (that had been [SAMPLE] button.
selected in [TR-REC]) are lit, and the SAMPLE screen appears. The SAMPLE Edit screen appears.
When you select an instrument for which a sample is selected, the

sample name is shown.
2. Select a parameter.
2-1. Use the [VALUE] knob to select a parameter.
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the user sample
that you want to assign as the instrument’s tone.
3. Modify values.
MEMO Return to the parameter selection (step 2).
55 Choose from the sample that you imported from the SD card. NOTE
55 You can press a [BD]–[RC] button to change the loading- If the screen indicates “–-,” editing is not possible.
destination.
4. Press the [SAMPLE] button.
3. Press the lit [SAMPLE] button.
Exit the SAMPLE Edit screen.
The [SAMPLE] button goes dark, and you exit the SAMPLE screen.
If you had edited the settings, a screen asks whether you want to
Icons appearing in the SAMPLE screen save the sample.
MEMO
55 The settings you specify here are common to all kits that use
the same user sample.
Preset: Samples originally in the TR-8S 55 If an ACB tone or a preset sample (a sample indicated by a
icon) is assigned to the instrument, the parameter value is
User: Imported samples shown as “---” and cannot be edited.
Loop: Samples that play repeatedly
Start (number of
Specify the locations at which playback
samples, in steps
End starts and ends.
of 10 samples)
-18dB–0dB–
Gain Specifies the playback gain.
+18dB
IMPORT,
BD,
SD,
TOM,
RS,
HC,
CH/OH,
CC/RC,
PERC1,
PERC2,
PERC3, Specifies the category used when
Category
PERC4, selecting a tone.
PERC5,
FX/HIT,
VOICE,
SYNTH1,
SYNTH2,
BASS,
SCALED,
CHORD,
OTHERS,
USER01–32
Name Specifies the sample name (maximum 16 characters).
38
Deleting a User Sample (SAMPLE Delete) Renaming a User Category (Category Name)
1. Press the [UTILITY] button to make it light. Here’s how to rename a user category.
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “SAMPLE:Delete,” 1. Press the [UTILITY] button to make it light.
and then press the [ENTER] button. 2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “SAMPLE: Category
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the user sample Name,” and then press the [ENTER] button.
that you want to delete, and then press the [ENTER] The user category select screen appears.
button to apply a check mark.
4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “Delete,” and then
A confirmation message appears. 3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the user category
number (01–32) whose name you want to edit,
and then press the [ENTER] button to access the
character input screen.
MEMO 4. Edit the name.
55 After applying a check mark in step 3, you can also move to the Controller Explanation
confirmation message by holding down the [SHIFT] button
Knob [VALUE] Change the character.
and pressing the [ENTER] button.
[UTILITY] button Moves to the right.
55 Preset samples cannot be deleted.
5. To execute, use the [VALUE] knob to select “OK,” [SHIFT] button
+[COPY] button
and press the OK.
[SHIFT] button
If you decide to cancel, use the [VALUE] knob to select “Cancel,” +[UTILITY] button
When the delete is completed, the display indicates +[VALUE] knob numerals.
5. When you finish editing, press the [ENTER] button.
39
Optimizing the User Sample Area (OPTIMIZE)

Here’s how to optimize the user sample area.
If you repeatedly import and delete user samples, the user sample
area might become fragmented, reducing the number of samples
that can be loaded.
This function optimizes the user sample area so that samples can
be loaded.
NOTE
55 Be sure to back up before executing this.
55 This process might take several tens of minutes or longer
(depending on the number and size of the user samples).
55 Never turn off the power while this operation is in progress. If
you do so, the user samples might be lost.
55 In some cases, optimizing might not produce results.
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select
“SAMPLE:Optimize,” and then press the [ENTER]
button.
The amount of free capacity (Free) and the fragmented proportion
(Fragment) for the user sample area are shown.
If the Fragment (fragmented proportion) value is not 0%,

fragmentation exists.
If you decide to cancel the operation, press the [UTILITY] button
to exit the UTILITY screen.

and press the OK.
When optimization is complete, the display indicates
40
Convenient Functions and Settings (UTILITY)
Here’s how to make system settings for the TR-8S itself, or back up Parameter Value Explanation
and restore data. Selects the sensitivity of the inst pad.
1. Press the [UTILITY] button to make it light. InstPad

LIGHT, MEDIUM,
HEAVY, FIX
LIGHT, MEDIUM, HEAVY: Select the
sensitivity (low, medium, high).
The setting screen appears. FIX: Velocity is fixed.
Selects the operation of the AUTO FILL IN
[MANUAL TRIG] button.
MOMENTARY: The fill-in plays only while
you hold down the [MANUAL TRIG]
2. Select a parameter. MOMENTARY,
button.
M. Trig LATCH: If you press the [MANUAL TRIG]
2-1. Use the [VALUE] knob to select a parameter. LATCH button during the first half of the pattern,
the fill-in is inserted immediately. If you
2-2. Press the [ENTER] button. press the [MANUAL TRIG] button during
If a “>” is shown at the right of the parameter name, an the last half of the pattern, the fill-in is
additional parameter select screen appears following step inserted after waiting for the beginning
of the pattern.
2-2. In this case, repeat steps 2-1. and 2-2. to proceed to Selects how weak beats are entered during
step 3. TR-REC.
3. Modify values. Weak Beat wSHIFT, PAD
wSHIFT: Hold down the [SHIFT] button and
press a pad [1]–[16].
3-1. Use the [VALUE] knob to edit the parameter value. PAD: Each time you press a pad [1]–[16], the
setting cycles between strong 0 weak
3-2. Press the [ENTER] button. 0 off.
Return to the parameter selection (step 2). Selects the audio signals that are sent from
the TR-8S to the computer via USB IN 1-2–IN
4. Press the lit [UTILITY] button. 5-6.
The [UTILITY] button goes dark, and you exit the UTILITY screen. * The same signals as MIX OUT are
always sent to USB IN MIX.
GENERAL USB Audio ASGN, INDIV ASGN: The same signals as are being output
from the ASSIGNABLE OUT/TRIGGER OUT
jacks are sent to USB IN 1-6.
Parameter Value Explanation * USB IN 7–12 are silent.
LCD Contrast 1–10 Adjusts the contrast of the display. INDIV: INST x 11 and EXT IN are output in
mono to USB IN 1–12.
DIRECT: Control data corresponding to the
knob’s position is always output when Specifies how patterns, kits, and system
you move a knob. settings are saved.
KnobMode DIRECT, CATCH OFF: Saved when you execute the WRITE
CATCH: Control data is output only after
the knob passes through the parameter’s operation.
current value. ON: Automatically saved when you turn the
Auto Save OFF, ON
[POWER] switch OFF.
OFF: The sound is heard according to the
settings of the kit. * If Ptn Lock (Pattern Lock) is ON,
LVL: The sound is heard at the volume of changes to the pattern are discarded;
ManualMode OFF, LVL, ALL the level fader positions. Otherwise, the only changes to the kit and the system
settings of the kit are used. settings are automatically saved.
ALL: The sound is heard with settings that
correspond to the positions of the knobs.
Ptn Lock OFF, ON

Turn this ON if you want the saved pattern
to be loaded when you reselect the pattern.
RELOAD
Specifies the pattern that is selected at
Function Explanation
start-up.
Start Ptn LAST, 1-01–8-16 Pattern Reloads the saved pattern.
If this is set to LAST, the last-selected pattern
is selected at start-up. Kit Reloads the saved kit.
Specifies the pattern that is selected at Inst Reloads the saved instrument.
start-up.
If this is set to LAST, the last-selected pattern
Start Kit LAST, 001–128
is selected at start-up.
* If KitSel is set to PTN, and a pattern
SAMPLE
whose PTN SETTING parameter KIT Sw Function Explanation
is ON is specified as the Start Ptn, the
Import Loads an audio file from the SD card into the TR-8S (import).
Start Kit setting is ignored.
Delete Deletes a loaded (imported) user sample.
PTN: Use the tempo specified by each
pattern. Specifies a name (maximum 16 characters) for each category
TempoSrc PTN, SYSTEM Category Name
SYSTEM: Always use the tempo specified by USER 01–32.
the [TEMPO] knob. Shows and reorganizes the available space in the user sample
Optimize
PTN: Use the shuffle setting specified by area of the TR-8S.
each pattern.
Shuffle PTN, SYSTEM
SYSTEM: Always use the shuffle setting
specified by the [SHUFFLE] knob.
KIT: Switching patterns does not change LED
the kit.
KitSel KIT, PTN PTN: When you switch patterns, the Parameter Value Explanation
kit specified by the PTN SETTING Kit Specifies the LED brightness for the sliders
Bright 1–10
parameter is selected. and buttons.
41

Specifies whether the MIDI messages
Specifies the brightness of a dimly lit button received from the USB port or MIDI IN port
Glow 1–10 are retransmitted without change from the
LED.
MIDI OUT connector and USB port (ON) or
are not retransmitted (OFF).
Specify the color of each level fader. If this is ON, MIDI messages received at the
USBMidiThru OFF, ON
KIT: Lit in the color specified by each kit. USB port are sent to the internal sound
Slider KIT, SYSTEM
SYSTEM: Lit in the color specified by LED engine and to the MIDI OUT connector,
Slider Color. and MIDI messages received at the MIDI IN
connector are combined with the messages
RED, ORANGE, from the internal sound engine and sent to
YELLOW, LIME, the USB port.
Slider Color:
GREEN, SKYBLUE,
BD/SD/LT/MT/ Specifies the color of each BD–RC level fader If this is ON, MIDI messages that are
LIGHTBLUE,
HT/RS/HC/CH/ when LED Slider is set to SYSTEM. input from the MIDI IN connector are re-
BLUE, PURPLE, Soft Thru OFF, ON
OH/CC/RC transmitted without change from the MIDI
MAGENTA, PINK,
WHITE OUT connector.
Specifies the time (minutes) until the LED Specifies whether program change
Demo OFF, 1min–10min Tx Prog Chg OFF, ON messages are transmitted (ON) or are not
demo is shown.
transmitted (OFF).
Specifies whether changes to the kit
SYNC/TEMPO Tx EditData OFF, ON
settings (panel operations) are transmitted
as MIDI messages (ON) or are not
transmitted (OFF).
Specifies whether MIDI Clock messages
Specifies the tempo source.
are transmitted when you perform NUDGE
AUTO: If MIDI clock is input from the MIDI Tx Nudge OFF, ON
operations (ON) or are not transmitted
IN connector or the USB port, the tempo (OFF).
automatically synchronizes to MIDI clock.
If MIDI clock is input simultaneously from Specifies whether program change
the MIDI IN connector and the USB port, Rx Prog Chg OFF, ON messages are received (ON) or are not
the USB port takes priority. received (OFF).
AUTO, MIDI, USB, Specifies whether MIDI messages that
TempoSync MIDI: The tempo synchronizes to MIDI clock
INT Rx EditData OFF, ON edit the kit settings (panel operations) are
being input from the MIDI IN connector.
USB: The tempo synchronizes to MIDI clock received (ON) or are not received (OFF).
being input from the USB port.
INT: The tempo operates according to the
TR-8S’s own setting. Use this setting if SOUND
you don’t want to synchronize with an
external device.
Specifies whether clock, start, and stop
Sync Out OFF, ON messages are transmitted to other devices Specifies how the controller section
(ON) or are not transmitted (OFF). (pads [1]–[16], panel knobs, etc.) and the
sequencer section (patterns) are connected
When synchronizing to external MIDI clock, to the internal sound engine.
specifies whether the step sequencer’s start/
RxStartStop OFF, ON OFF: The controller section and sequencer
stop is controlled from an external device
(ON) or is not controlled (OFF). section are internally disconnected
from the internal sound engine.
Sound is produced only in response to
MIDI LocalSw OFF, ON, SURFACE

performance data from an external MIDI
device.
ON: The controller section and sequencer
Parameter Value Explanation section are internally connected with the
When transmitting and receiving system internal sound engine. Normally you will
Device ID 17–32 exclusive messages, the device ID numbers leave this setting selected.
of both devices must match. SURFACE: The controller section, sequencer
If this is ON, MIDI messages of all channels section, and external MIDI device are
Omni Mode OFF, ON disconnected from the internal sound
are received.
engine. Choose this setting if you want
Specifies the MIDI transmit/receive channel operations on the TR-8S to only control
Pattern Ch 1–16
of the pattern sequencer. an external device.
Specifies the MIDI transmit/receive channel
Kit Ch 1–16 for program change messages that switch
Inst Note: BD/

kits.
MIX OUT
SD/LT/MT/HT/
RS/HC/CH/OH/ Parameter Value Explanation
CC/RC/
NORMAL: The output level is not boosted.
BD Alt/SD Alt/
OFF (---), Specify the MIDI note number for each BOOST: The output level is boosted.
LT Alt/MT Alt/
track’s instrument, instrument alternate
HT Alt/RS Alt/ 0 (C -)–127 (G 9) Mode NORMAL, BOOST * Before switching this setting, you
sound, and TRIGGER OUT.
HC Alt/ should either minimize the volume of
CH Alt/ the output-destination device or turn
OH Alt/ off its power.
CC Alt/RC Alt/
Trig
42
ASSIGN OUT 1–6 UTILITY

Parameter Value Explanation Function Value Explanation
NORMAL: The output level is not boosted. Initialize Pattern, Kit Initializes a pattern or kit.
The instruments that are output to these Exchange Pattern, Kit Changes the order of patterns or kits.
jacks are not output from MIX OUT.
Export Pattern, Kit Exports a pattern or kit.
BOOST: The output level is boosted. The
instruments that are output to these Import Pattern, Kit Imports a pattern or kit.
jacks are not output from MIX OUT. Backup --- Backs-up data to an SD card.
NORMAL, BOOST, TRIGGER: The jacks are used as trigger
Mode Restore --- Restores backup data from an SD card.
TRIGGER output jacks. The instruments that are
output to these jacks are also output Returns the unit to the factory settings.
from MIX OUT. ALL: All settings including kits and patterns
Factory Reset ALL, KIT, PTN
* Before switching this setting, you KIT: Only kit settings
should either minimize the volume of PTN: Only pattern settings
the output-destination device or turn
off its power.
SD CARD
EXT IN Function Explanation
Format Formats the SD card.
Selects the function of the EXT IN jacks.
Type STEREO, MONO STEREO: Function as stereo input jacks.
MONO: Function as two mono input jacks.
INFORMATION
Parameter Explanation
Version Displays the system version.
43
Initializing, Backing-Up, Restoring
Returning to the Factory Settings Backing Up Data to SD Card (BACKUP)
(FACTORY RESET) * If you want to make a backup, save the data (patterns, kits, system
settings) before you proceed. The backup will not include the pattern
Here’s how to return the TR-8S to its factory-set state. or kit that you’re currently editing (shown by an “*” indication) or
system settings that you have not saved.
NOTE
Be aware that when you execute FACTORY RESET: ALL, the user
sample tones and user sample data are also erased. 2. Press the [UTILITY] button to make it light.
1. Press the [UTILITY] button to make it light. The UTILITY screen appears.
The UTILITY screen appears. 3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “UTILITY: Backup.”
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “UTILITY: Factory
Reset.”

The BACKUP:NAME screen appears.
The target selection screen appears.
MEMO
If a backup file already exists, the BACKUP:SELECT screen
appears.
Target Explanation
Returns all settings including patterns and kits to their
ALL
factory-set state.
KIT Returns only the kit settings to their factory-set state.
PTN Returns only the patterns to their factory-set state. To overwrite-save, select the existing backup file and press the
[ENTER] button.
MEMO If you select Save As and press the [ENTER] button, the
BACKUP:NAME screen appears.
You can also access the target select screen by holding down
the [CLEAR] button while you turn on the power. 5. Edit the name if necessary.
4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the target, and Controller Explanation
press the [ENTER] button. [VALUE] knob Change the character.
A confirmation message appears. [UTILITY] button Moves to the right.
[SHIFT] button
+[COPY] button
[SHIFT] button
5. To execute, use the [VALUE] knob to select “OK,” +[UTILITY] button
and press the [ENTER] button. [SHIFT] button Switches between uppercase/lowercase/
6. When you’ve finished inputting characters, press
6. When the display indicates “Completed. Turn off the [ENTER] button.
power.” turn the TR-8S’s power off and on again. A confirmation message appears.

44
Initializing, Backing-Up, Restoring
Restoring Data That Was Backed Up to SD Card

(RESTORE)
The UTILITY screen appears.
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “UTILITY: Restore.”

The RESTORE screen appears.

want to restore.

and press the OK.
8. When the display indicates “Completed. Turn off
power.,” turn the power of the TR-8S off and then
on again.
45
Synchronizing/Recording with Other Devices
The TR-8S can receive MIDI Clock (F8) data to synchronize its tempo.
It can also receive MIDI Start (FA) and MIDI Stop (FC) to start/stop Using the ASSIGNABLE OUT/TRIGGER OUT jacks
itself. as Trigger Out
Synchronizing with a DAW (TR-8S as Slave) Before you proceed, power-off all devices, and connect the jack that
you want to use as TRIGGER out to your device that accepts a trigger
You can synchronize the TR-8S with your DAW by connecting it to input.
your computer via a commercially available USB cable.
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the ASSIGN OUT
USB MIDI IN
USB MIDI OUT

1–6 “Mode” parameter, and press the [ENTER]
button.
Computer TR-8S
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “TRIGGER,” and
then press the [ENTER] button.
Synchronizing with a TB-3 (TR-8S as Master)
You can synchronize the TR-8 with a TB-3 by using a commercially
available MIDI cable to make connections.
NOTE
Before switching this setting, you should either minimize the
MIDI OUT volume of the output-destination device or turn off its power.
MIDI IN
4. Press the [UTILITY] button.
The [UTILITY] button goes dark, and you exit the UTILITY screen.
TR-8S TB-3
Using the TR-8S as a MIDI Controller

You can use the TR-8S as a controller for your computer software
without using the sounds of the TR-8S’s internal sound engine.

2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “MIDI: Tx EditData”

3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “ON” and then
4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “SOUND: Local Sw,”
5. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “SURFACE,” and

then press the [ENTER] button.
6. Press the lit [UTILITY] button.

The [UTILITY] button goes dark, and you exit the UTILITY screen.
* Even if you press pads or if MIDI is received, the TR-8S’s internal
sound engine does not produce sound.
46
Assigning an Instrument to the ASSIGNABLE Inputting an External Audio Source (EXT IN)
OUT/TRIGGER OUT jacks Connect a microphone, synthesizer, or rhythm machine etc. to the
EXT IN jacks.
1. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [KIT] You can do the following things to the audio source that’s input to
button. the EXT IN jacks.
The setting screen appears. 55 Select the input (stereo input x 1 / mono input x 2)
2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the KIT:OUTPUT & “Convenient Functions and Settings (UTILITY)” 0 “EXT IN” (p. 43)
“BD”–”RC” parameter, and press the [ENTER] 55 Apply a side-chain

& “Editing a Kit’s Settings (KIT Edit)” 0 “KIT: EXT IN” (p. 27)
button.
55 Specify the gain (Gain).
55 Specify the stereo position (Pan).
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select the jack that you 55 Apply reverb (Reverb Send)
want to assign, and press the [ENTER] button. & “Editing a Kit’s Settings (KIT Edit)” 0 “KIT: EXT IN” (p. 27)
55 Apply delay (Delay Send)
Parameter Explanation & “Editing a Kit’s Settings (KIT Edit)” 0 “KIT: EXT IN” (p. 27)
Output stereo audio from the MIX OUT jacks. 55 Select the output destination (MIX OUT / ASSIGNABLE OUT)
MIX OUT
55 Apply SCATTER (if FILL IN is set to SCATTER, and using MIX OUT
MIX
Instrument output)
55 Apply MASTER FX (if using MIX OUT output)
ASSIGNSBLE OUT
TRIGGER OUT
Connecting a Computer via USB

Output mono audio from an ASSIGNABLE OUT/
TRIGGER OUT 1–6 jack.
Output stereo audio from the ASSIGNABLE OUT/
TRIGGER OUT A–C jacks. If you use a commercially available USB 2.0 cable to connect the TR-8S
to your computer, you can synchronize the TR-8S with your DAW via
MIX OUT
USB MIDI, or record individual instruments of the TR-8S onto tracks of
Instrument your DAW via USB audio.
ASSIGNSBLE OUT
ASSIGN 1–6
TRIGGER OUT In order to use the TR-8S, you’ll need to download the driver from the
ASSIGN A–C * If the UTILITY: ASSIGN OUT 1–6 setting is following URL and install it on your computer.
NORMAL or BOOST, audio is output. If the For details on installation, refer to the following URL.
setting is TRIGGER, a trigger is output, and audio
is also output from the MIX OUT jacks. & https://www.roland.com/support/
MIX OUT NOTE
Instrument
Do not connect the TR-8S to your computer before you have
ASSIGNSBLE OUT
TRIGGER OUT
finished installing the driver.
If you have already connected the TR-8S, disconnect it, and
then reconnect it after driver installation is completed.
4. Press the [KIT] button.
Exit the KIT Edit screen.
47
Using a Computer to Manage the Connected SD

Card (STORAGE MODE)
By connecting in Storage mode, you can use your computer to
manage the contents of an SD card that’s inserted in the TR-8S.
1. With the pattern stopped, connect a commercially

available USB cable to the USB port of the TR-8S.
At this point, do not connect your computer yet.
2. With the pattern stopped, connect the USB cable
to your computer while holding down the [SHIFT]
button.
The screen of the TR-8S indicates “STORAGE MODE,” and the TR-
8S stops responding to operations.
The SD card inserted in the TR-8S is mounted on your computer.
STORAGE MODE
3. To disconnect, perform the appropriate operation

on your computer to safely eject, and then
disconnect the USB cable.
48
Error Messages
Message Meaning Action
The SD card is not inserted,
or is inserted incompletely. Turn off the unit, firmly insert
The SD card was removed the SD card, and then turn on
SDCard the unit once again.
after you selected data that
NotReady!
was on the SD card.
The format of the SD card is Use the TR-8S to format the
invalid. SD card (p. 7).
Data could not be read from Make sure that the SD card is
Read Error! the SD card. correctly inserted.
The file is damaged. Do not use this file.
Data could not be written to Make sure that the SD card is
the SD card. correctly inserted.
Write Error!
The format of the SD card is Use the TR-8S to format the
invalid. SD card (p. 7).
There is insufficient space on
SD Card Full! Delete unneeded data.
the SD card.
Execute the factory reset
operation (p. 44).
Sys Mem The contents of the TR-8S’s
Damaged! save area may be damaged. If this does not solve the
problem, contact your dealer
or customer support.
An unusually large amount of Reduce the amount of MIDI
MIDI Buff Full! MIDI data was received, and messages that are being
could not be processed. transmitted.
Check that there is no
problem with the MIDI cable
The MIDI IN connection was
MIDI Offline! connected to the TR-8S’s
broken.
MIDI IN, and that the MIDI
cable was not disconnected.
The TR-8S was unable
Use the correct program to
to start up. The program
perform the update once
could not be read correctly.
Program Error! again. If this does not solve
Alternatively, the system
the problem, contact your
update program may be
dealer or customer support.
invalid.
Since the TR-8S is playing,
Stop playback before you
Now Playing! this operation cannot be
execute the operation.
executed.
Since the TR-8S is recording,
Now Stop recording before you
this operation cannot be
Recording! execute the operation.
executed.
The file was not found on the Make sure that the file exists
Not Found!
SD card. on the SD card.
In order to load the file,
Not The format of the audio file is
you’ll need to convert it to a
Supported! not supported.
supported format.
In order to load the audio
The audio file exceeds file, you’ll need to shorten
Too Long Size! the supported number of it (decrease the number
samples. of samples) or lower its
sampling frequency.
Delete unneeded user
There is no free space in the
No Space! samples to increase the
user sample area.
amount of free space.
There is no enough free Delete unneeded user
No Tone! space to save the user samples to increase the
sample tone settings. amount of free space.
49
List of Shortcut Keys
Switching Screens and Modes Operation Shortcut
[CTRL SELECT] + [BD]–[RC]
Show the parameter assigned
(in this state, you can turn the [VALUE] knob to change the
to the [CTRL] knobs assignment)
Operation Shortcut
Assign a parameter to the
Show the PTN SETTING screen [SHIFT] + [PTN SELECT] [CTRL SELECT] +[CTRL] knob
[CTRL] knobs
Show the KIT EDIT screen [SHIFT] + [KIT]
Show the INST EDIT screen [SHIFT] + [INST]
Show the SAMPLE EDIT
SETTING screen
[SHIFT] + [SAMPLE] Editing a Pattern
Show the MASTER FX EDIT
[SHIFT] + MASTER FX [CTRL] knob Operation Shortcut
screen
Show the FILL IN EDIT screen [SHIFT] + AUTO FILL IN [ON] Show the PTN SETTING screen [SHIFT] + [PTN SELECT]
Show the mixer screen [SHIFT] + [CTRL SELECT]
Provisionally generate a
Show the ERASE MOTION [PTN SELECT] + [SAMPLE]
[SHIFT] + MOTION [ON] random pattern
screen
(when FILL IN Type = SCATTER)
Show the MOTION/VELOCITY (in TR-REC mode) Change the SCATTER DEPTH
[MANUAL TRIG] +[VALUE] knob
input screen long-press a pad [1]–[16]
AUTO FILL IN [ON] + Pad [14]–[16] or
Show the TRIGGER OUT track Select a fill-in variation
[CC] + [RC] [A]–[H]
input screen
Show the FILL IN EDIT screen [SHIFT] + AUTO FILL IN [ON]
Switch to step loop mode
[SHIFT] + [INST PLAY] Show the TRIGGER OUT track
(STEP LOOP)
[CC] + [RC]
input screen
Showing the Value or Parameter Name of a MOTION

Controller
Operation Shortcut
Operation Shortcut Show the ERASE MOTION
[SHIFT] + MOTION [ON]
Show the value of a level fader [SHIFT] + Level fader screen
Show the value of a knob [SHIFT] + Knob Show the MOTION/VELOCITY (in TR-REC mode)
input screen Long-press a pad [1]–[16]

Show the parameter assigned
[CTRL SELECT] + [BD]–[RC] Erase motion data of the
to the [CTRL] knobs MOTION [ON] + [CLEAR]
variation selected for playback
Erase motion data of a specific
Inputting Characters track of the variation selected
for playback
MOTION [ON] + [BD]–[RC]
Erase motion data of a specific

Operation Shortcut knob of the variation selected MOTION [ON] + Knob
Erase one character (Erase) [SHIFT] + [COPY] for playback
Insert one character (Insert) [SHIFT] + [UTILITY] Erase motion data of a specific
MOTION [ON] + [A]–[H]
variation
Switch between uppercase/
[SHIFT] +[VALUE] knob
lowercase/numerals
Inputting Sub Steps, Weak Beats, Alternates,

Editing Parameters and Dynamics
Operation Shortcut Operation Shortcut
Edit the value when the cursor Change the sub step division [SUB] +[VALUE] knob
[ENTER] + [VALUE] knob
is at the parameter name Input sub steps [SUB] + [1]–[16]
Switch between inputting sub
Edit the parameter value in [SHIFT] + [SUB]
[SHIFT] + [VALUE] knob steps and flams
large steps
Input weak beats (WEAK BEATS) [SHIFT] + [1]–[16]
(when FILL IN Type = SCATTER)
Edit the SCATTER DEPTH Input alternate sounds
[MANUAL TRIG] + [VALUE] knob [BD]–[RC] + [1]–[16]
(ALT INST)
AUTO FILL IN [ON] + Pad [14]–[16] or
Select the fill-in variation Change dynamics of each step [1]–[16] + ACCENT [LEVEL] knob
[A]–[H]
Edit the length of reverb [KIT] + REVERB [LEVEL] knob
Adjust the instrument’s reverb
send level
[BD]–[RC] + REVERB [LEVEL] knob Playback/Recording
Adjust the instrument’s delay
[BD]–[RC] + DELAY [LEVEL] knob
send level Operation Shortcut
Adjust the INST FX [BD]–[RC] + MASTER FX [CTRL] knob Record to a variation that’s not
[TR-REC] + [A]–[H]
playing
During pattern playback,
Assigning a Parameter to the [CTRL] Knob forcibly return to the
beginning of the pattern
[SHIFT] + [START/STOP] during playback
If more than one variation

Operation Shortcut is selected, move to the
[SHIFT] + [A]–[H] during playback
Assign a parameter to the beginning of any one of those
[CTRL SELECT] + MASTER FX [CTRL] knob variations
MASTER FX [CTRL] knob
50
List of Shortcut Keys
Operation Shortcut Operation Shortcut

Silence a sample that Change instruments in steps
(after pressing the [INST] button to enter the INST SELECT
screen)
continues playing after [SHIFT] + [START/STOP] while stopped of 10
stopping [ENTER] +[VALUE] knob
(after using [SHIFT] + [KIT] to enter the KIT EDIT screen)
Long-press the [BD]–[RC] that you want to
Tempo/Nudge Group instruments

be the master instrument, and when the
INST GROUP screen appears, press the [BD]
–[RC] buttons that you want to specify as
slave instruments.
Operation Shortcut
Mute track [MUTE] + [BD]–[RC]
Adjust tempo in 0.1 units [SHIFT] + [TEMPO]
Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press
Tap tempo
Performing on the Pad, Inst Pad
the [ENTER] button three or more times.
Mark tempo [MUTE] + [UTILITY]
Return to marked tempo [MUTE] + [COPY]
Move playback timing earlier Operation Shortcut
[SHIFT] + [COPY]
(nudge function) Play sub steps [SUB] + Pad [1] (BD)–[11] (RC) , Inst pad
Move playback timing later Switch between sub steps and
[SHIFT] + [UTILITY] [SHIFT] + [SUB]
(nudge function) flams
Play weak beats (WEAK BEATS) [SHIFT] + Pad [1] (BD)–[11] (RC)
Saving Play alternate sounds (ALT INST) [BD]–[RC] + Pad [1] (BD)–[11] (RC) , Inst pad
Pad [12] (16th)–[13] (32nd) + Pad [1] (BD)–
Play a roll
[11] (RC) , Inst pad
Operation Shortcut [INST PLAY] + Pad [12] (16th)–[13] (32nd) +
Hold a roll
Save a pattern (PATTERN WRITE Pad [1] (BD)–[11] (RC) , Inst pad
[WRITE] + [PTN SELECT]
screen)
Switch to step loop mode
[SHIFT] + [INST PLAY]
Save a kit (KIT WRITE screen) [WRITE] + [KIT] (STEP LOOP)
(in the STEP LOOP state)
Save pattern and kit
[SHIFT] + [WRITE] Hold step loop play one of the [BD]–[RC] buttons + the pad [1]
simultaneously (OVERWRITE)
(BD)–[16] (SCATTER) that you want to hold
Inst pad in TR-REC mode will (when an instrument is selected)
Copying record (lit) or will not record
(blinking) [TR REC] + Inst pad
Operation Shortcut
Copy pattern (PATTERN COPY
screen)
[COPY] + [PTN SELECT]
Reloading
Copy kit (KIT COPY screen) [COPY] + [KIT]
Operation Shortcut
Copy instrument (INST COPY
[COPY] + [INST] Load a pattern [UTILITY] + [PTN SELECT]
screen)
Copy selected track (track copy- Load a variation [UTILITY] + Pad [A]–[H]
[COPY] + [BD]–[RC]
destination confirmation screen) Load a track [UTILITY] + [BD]–[OH]
Copy selected variation Load controllers
(variation copy-destination [COPY] + [A]–[H] [UTILITY] + [KIT]
(all)
confirmation screen)
Load controller
(currently selected [UTILITY] + [INST]
instrument)
Deleting
Operation Shortcut Other
(after pressing the [PTN SELECT] button to enter the
PATTERN SELECT screen)
Delete pattern Operation Shortcut
[CLEAR] + pad [1] (BD)–[16] (SCATTER)
Use your computer to (with the pattern stopped)
Delete variation [CLEAR] + [A]–[H]
manage a connected SD card While holding down the [SHIFT] button,
Delete track (delete all steps in (STORAGE MODE) connect to your computer via a USB cable.
[BD]–[RC] + [CLEAR]
the track)
Delete motion data of the
MOTION [ON] + [CLEAR]
variation selected for playback
Delete motion data of a
specific track of the variation MOTION [ON] + [BD]–[RC]
selected for playback
specific knob of the variation MOTION [ON] + Knob
selected for playback
MOTION [ON] + [A]–[H]
specific variation
Editing an Instrument or Track

Operation Shortcut
(after pressing the [INST] button to enter the INST SELECT
Change the instrument screen)
category [SHIFT] +[VALUE] knob
51
TR-8S Audio Diagram TR-8S Audio Diagram
KIT
:EXT IN
Delay Send
INST DELAY
Delay Send
BD - RC
KIT
:DELAY
Reverb Send
KIT
:EXT IN
Reverb Send
REVERB
INST
Reverb Send
BD - RC
UTILITY
: EXTIN KIT KIT
EXT IN
Type : EXT IN : EXT IN
Knob
Gain Pan
STEREO / VOLUME
EXT IN SIDE CHAIN
MONO Knob
USB OUT
PHONES
UTILITY
INST INST INST UTILITY KIT : MIX OUT
: ASSIGN OUT KIT Level
: BD : BD : BD Mode
: Mode :OUTPUT
Level Gain Pan
= TRIGGER = MIX SCATTER MASTER FX Soft Clipper
Step MIX OUT
TONE INST FX BD - RC
Sequencer
BD
= NORMAL, BOOST = ASSIGN 1- 6, A - C

RC USB IN MIX
KIT UTILITY
:OUTPUT : ASSIGN OUT UTILITY
= ASSIGN A- C : Mode USB MULTI A- C : ASSIGNOUT
= NORMAL, BOOST Mode
ASSIGNABLE OUT /
TRIGGER OUT
= ASSIGN 1- 6 1-6
= TRIGGER UTILITY
: GENERAL
: USB Mode
= ASGN (7- 12 : no signal)
USB IN 1 - 12
= INDIV
TRIGGER OUT
(Miniature phone type)
52

TR-8S Reference Eng03 W

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Reference Manual

Checking the version System Update

1. Press the [UTILITY] button. https://www.roland.com/support/

** Don’t perform the update if the product is already up-to-date.

Copyright © 2020 ROLAND CORPORATION 03

Assigning an Imported User Sample to an Instrument . . . . . . . . . 37 TR-8S Audio Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Convenient Functions and Settings (UTILITY) . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Initializing, Backing-Up, Restoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Synchronizing/Recording with Other Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

List of Shortcut Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

1 Common section 1 MOTION [ON] button

If this is ON, knob operation data (MOTION) is page 16

[PTN SELECT] button Play or stop the pattern.

6 AUTO FILL IN section [SAMPLE] button

[ON] button Selects a sample as the sound (instrument’s tone) page 37

Level fader Mutes (silences) the selected instrument.

Adjusts the volume. Inst pad

10 Pad [1]–[16] Mode Explanation

For each step, specify whether the instrument’s tone

Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment)

COMPUTER TRIGGER OUT MIX OUT HEADPHONES

Connect a MIDI device. Connect an audio

MIDI EXT IN ASSIGNABLE OUT/TRIGGER OUT

A DC IN jack D MIDI (OUT, IN) jacks

F TRIGGER OUT jack I MIX OUT (L/MONO, R) jacks

H ASSIGNABLE OUT/TRIGGER OUT jacks

Turning Off the Power 3. Press the [ENTER] button.

4. To execute, use the [VALUE] knob to select “OK,”

PATTERN No. 8-16 KIT No. 128

PATTERN No. 1-3 KIT No. 3

INST INST INST

INST INST INST

About saving the pattern and kit

Saving the pattern and kit simultaneously (OVERWRITE)

What Is a “PATTERN”? What Is a “MOTION”

When MOTION [REC] button is unlit

PTN SELECT Pattern that plays next TR-REC

Name of pattern that plays next

Name of currently playing pattern

Variation currently selected

Pattern that plays next

3. Use pads [1]–[16] to select the last step.

Clearing a track’s Last Step setting Deleting a Pattern

Selecting a Fill-In Variation Adjusting the Reverb or Delay

Muting a Track (MUTE)

1. Press the [MUTE] button to make it light.

Listening to Only the Selected Instrument (SOLO)

1. Press the [MUTE] button to make it light.

Master Effects Adjusting the Tempo

Marking the tempo

1. While holding down the [CTRL SELECT] button,

2. Use the [VALUE] knob to select a parameter.

Finely Adjusting the Timing of Notes Operation

Operation Explanation Accessing the Mixer Screens

A system setting lets you choose whether the timing of the

Returning to the Beginning of the Pattern Pan

1. While a pattern plays, hold down the MOTION [REC]

Clearing Motion Data

Clearing motion data from the variation selected for playback