Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer Drum Machine

zZounds Gear Experts Say...

Get the classic sounds of Roland drum machines of the past plus custom samples, FM tones, and advanced sequencing with the Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer.

Overview

Roland TR drum machines have impacted music for over 40 years -- and they're as influential now as ever. Based on the much-loved TR-8S, the compact and affordable TR-6S has the same speaker-pummeling, window-rattling, body-moving sound of its bigger sibling. Elevate your drum tracks, make beats on the go, and experience the joy of hands-on production. With the TR-6S, the sound of classic tracks, today's trends, and tomorrow's hits are always within reach.

Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer:

Compact drum machine with six tracks of authentic TR sounds, samples, FM tones, and effects.

Six tracks of rhythmic bliss.

With the TR-6S, you get six tracks of advanced drum sequencing and the most iconic rhythm sounds in music history--all in a battery-powered box that fits just about anywhere. And like other Roland drum machines, it's fun and inspiring. With the familiar step-sequencer, plus dedicated faders and knobs, it's easy to craft custom beats with visceral, hands-on control.

Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer Overview:

All the sounds and more.

The TR-6S is filled with authentic recreations of legendary Roland drum machines that have defined genres and driven culture for decades--including the 808, 909, 707, and 606. And these aren't sample packs or cheap knock-offs--they're living, breathing replicas that sound and behave just like their vintage counterparts. Going further, you can mix-and-match these sounds with preset and custom samples and futuristic FM tones, creating… read more exotic hybrid kits that reflect your unique taste and style.

The gold standard in drum programming.

The sound of today's music owes a lot to the classic step-sequencer--particularly the "TR-REC" variety found in early Roland drum machines. The TR-6S employs the same tried-and-true approach, enhanced with realtime recording and modern features like sub-steps for ratcheted parts and motion recording for rhythms that move.

Positive effects.

Create punch, space, warmth, or grit with the array of high-quality effects in the TR-6S. Vital compressors and EQs are at your fingertips, along with lush reverb, delay, and modulation effects. Push your creative boundaries with filters, LFOs, and wild effects that incite sonic mayhem.

Convenience and flexibility.

The TR-6S is a also a high-quality USB audio/MIDI interface, perfect for mobile or minimal production setups. And it fits in even the most space-starved studios or live rigs, so you can turn life into music whenever inspiration strikes.

Features:

- Six-track version of the TR-8S in a compact and affordable package
- Detailed circuit models of the Roland TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707, and more
- Large preset sample library with support for custom user samples
- FM sound engine for futuristic tones
- Mix and match sounds for exotic hybrid drum kits
- Advanced sequencer with sub-steps, flam, step-loop, motion recording, and more
- Runs on four AA batteries or USB bus power
- Also functions as a high-quality USB audio/MIDI interface

Specs

- Roland TR-6S: RHYTHM PERFORMER
- User Drum Kit: 128
- User Patterns: 128
- Step Sequencer:
- 6 instrument parts
- 16 steps per 1 variation
- 8 (A - H) variations per 1 pattern
- 2 Fill-in patterns per 1 pattern

- INST tone (Tone can be assigned to each 6 instrument parts freely.):
- BASS DRUM: 11 ACB tones
- SNARE DRUM: 8 ACB tones
- TOM: 19 ACB tones
- RIM SHOT: 3 ACB tones
- HAND CLAP: 5 ACB tones
- HI HAT: 8 ACB tones
- CYMBAL: 8 ACB tones
- PERCUSSION: 24 ACB tones
- FM: 66 tones
- PRESET SAMPLE: 300 tones or greater
- USER SAMPLE (imported form SD CARD for playback): Avarable format: WAV, AIFF
- Total time for all samples: Approximately 600 sec (at 44.1 kHz, mono)

* The maximum length of a single audio file that can be imported is approximately 180 seconds (at 44.1 kHz).

- Available format of Sample:
- WAV 96 kHz maximum/8bits, 16 bits, 24 bits, 32 bits, 32 bits float (mono, stereo)
- AIFF 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96 kHz/8bits, 16 bits, 24 bits, 32 bits, 32 bits float (mono, stereo)

- Effects:
- INST FX: THRU, HPF, LPF, LPF/HPF, H BOOST, L BOOST, L/H BOOST, ISOLATOR,
- TRANSIENT, COMPRESSOR, DRIVE, COMP+DRV, CRUSHER, SATURATOR, FREQ SHIFT, RING MOD, SPREAD
- REVERB: AMBI, ROOM, HALL1, HALL2, PLATE, MOD
- DELAY: DLY, PAN, TAPE ECHO
- MASTER FX: HPF, LPF, LPF/HPF, H BOOST, L BOOST, L/H BOOST, ISOLATOR,
- TRANSIENT, TRANSIENT2, COMPRESSOR, DRIVE, OVERDRIVE, DISTORTION, FUZZ,
- CRUSHER, PHASER, FLANGER, SBF, NOISE
- Other: SCATTER (as one of AUTO FILL IN function), SIDE CHAIN

- Display: 16 characters, 2 line (backlit LCD)
- External Storage: SD Card (SDHC supported) for backup/restore function and import sample data

- Connectors:
- PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- OUT(L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
- MIDI(IN, OUT) connectors
- USB port: USB B type (Audio, MIDI)

- Power Supply:
- Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4
- Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
- Obtained via USB port (USB bus power)

- Current Draw: 500 mA

- Expected battery life under continuous use:
- Alkaline battery: Approx. 4.5 hours
- Ni-MH battery: Approx. 5.5 hours (When using batteries having a capacity of 1,900 mAh.)

* This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.

- Dimensions: 224(W) x 132(D) x 60.1(H) mm / 8-13/16(W) x 5-3/16(D) x 2-3/8(H) inches
- Weight (including batteries): 705 g / 1 lb 9 oz
- Accessories:
- Leaflet "Read Me First"
- Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 2.75 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 13 x 8 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): TR-6S

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-890-3700

Reviews

(2 ratings)

Submitted December 3, 2022 by Hunter R in San Francisco, CA

"One of the best portable drum machines"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

As a house producer, this was one of the best purchases I bought for my dawless set up. I love that it’s battery powered, portability,features like scatters and the sounds from the classic Roland drum machines and many more. You can also add your own samples into the sd card slot! The problem with this machine is the menu diving but you’ll get used to it within a week. Overall, this is a good drum machine for beginners and for professionals!