Roland AIRA Compact T-8 Beat Machine

The Roland Aira Compact T-8 Beat Machine combines the legendary sounds of the TR drum and TB bass units into one portable beat machine. The TR and TB series are renowned for their quick workflow and ability to create complex compositions on the fly. The T-8 embodies this design aspect allowing you to create ideas and tracks in a matter of minutes. The Roland Aira T-8 features both the 16-step sequencer found on the TR drum machines and the powerful bass sounds from the TB bassline synthesizers.

With seven tracks (six drum tracks and one bass track) to use, you can create grooves, loops and sequences with ease thanks to the intuitive controls. Roland utilise their ACB (Acoustic Circuit Behaviour) technology to recreate the iconic sound found within the TR/TB hardware units. Get that classic acid-style sound thanks to the dedicated bass track equipped with sawtooth/square waveforms taken from the TB-303.

Get creative with your sequencing using the legendary TR-REC drum sequencer, complete with 64 user patterns and up to 32 steps each. Designed for performers and music producers alike, you can capture real-time recordings and use advanced rhythm programming to switch things up a bit. Not only that, but the T-8 Beat Machine also includes onboard effects for processing sounds. The compact design and built-in Lithium-ion battery make the T-8 highly portable - perfect for musicians on the move.

Drums and bass – the TR and TB series combine!

Combining the best of both worlds into one portable unit; the Roland Aira T-8 provides you with seven tracks comprised of drums and bass. Six tracks are dedicated to drums with another track for bass sequencing. Utilising class-TR-REC drum sequencing capabilities; you can quickly and easily put down your ideas and capture inspiration when it strikes. From crafting on-the-fly loops and capturing ideas to creating fully-fledged tracks; the T-8 Beat Machine can do it all.

Iconic Roland sounds via ACB technology

Get all the iconic sounds from past TR/TB Roland units via cutting-edge Analog Circuit Behaviour technology (ACB). ACB technology was developed specifically to enable the user to authentically recreate the sound and behaviour of classic analog synthesizers and drum machines. The ACB engine provides expressive and diverse sound with incredibly realistic characteristics, capturing every nuance of the legendary sounds found in the TR-808, TR-909, and TR-606 and the iconic TB-303 Bass Line synthesizer.

Modernised workflow with intuitive controls

Whilst staying true to its vintage counterparts; the T-8 modernised the classic workflow with a range of new features and intuitive controls. At the heart of the T-8 is the powerful TR-REC step sequencer, first developed in the 80s and revered by beatmakers the world round. The intuitive sequencer makes it easy to develop ideas without having to stop the action. You can even use the same sounds found in the TB-303 so you can mangle waveforms and tones in an instant.

Let your creativity guide you with real-time recording and create dynamic performances and ever-evolving sequences. There is a range of new sequencing parameters and tools including sub-steps, velocity, step loop, pattern shift and more. You can even randomise your steps using the probability parameter; randomising when steps are hit within the sequencer. This can be useful for live performances or as a composition tool for creating new ideas.

Onboard effects for adding texture/colour

For those who like to get in-depth when it comes to sound design, the Roland Aira T-8 provides a range of tools for shaping and processing sounds. A range of high-grade effects are on offer including overdrive and sidechain compression. There are also dedicated delay and reverb knobs so you can add depth and spatial colour to your sequences and grooves.

Portable design with versatile connectivity

Designed for musicians and performers on the go; the Roland Aira T-8 features a highly compact design that will fit in your lap and be stored easily within most backpacks. Play and perform wherever you go thanks to the built-in Lithium-ion battery, which provides up to 4.5 hours of playback from a full charge. Not only that but the housing of the beat machine is constructed using robust materials to ensure a durable enclosure. Roland has also used high-quality components throughout the manufacturing process including premium-quality rubber pads for the various controls, ensuring a long lifespan.

The rear panel of the Aira Compact T-8 features a wide variety of connection options including audio, MIDI and sync I/O, as well as an AIRA Link port for connecting multiple Aira Compact units together. You can also use the T-8 with your favourite music software or as a MIDI controller thanks to the built-in, class-compliant USB-C audio MIDI interface.

What’s Included

• T-8 Beat Machine

• USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable

• Read me first leaflet

Features

• Combines elements from the TR and TB vintage synthesizer from Roland

• The ultimate beat/bass machine for musicians on the go

• Includes iconic sounds from vintage synths including the TR-808, TR-909, TR-606 and the TB-303

• Bass track inspired by the TB-303 with sawtooth/square waveforms and hands-on controls

• Advanced sequencing programming with probability, sub step last step and velocity

• Real-time recording allows you to capture inspiration when it strikes

• Wide range of performance features including step loop, mute, fill, reload and pattern shift

• Studio-quality effects including delay, reverb, overdrive and sidechain compression

• Wide range of connectivity with audio, MIDI and sync I/O plus AIRA link

• Class-compliant USB-C audio/MIDI interface – no drivers required

• Lithium-ion battery with up to 4.5 hours of use from a full charge

• Durable design with premium-quality rubber pads

Specifications

• User Patterns: 64

• Step Sequencer:

  • Rhythm Instrument parts x 6

  • Bass part x 1

• INST tone:

  • BASS DRUM

  • SNARE DRUM

  • HAND CLAP

  • TOM

  • CLOSED HIHAT

  • OPEN HIHAT

  • BASS

• Effects: DELAY, REVERB, OVERDRIVE, SIDE CHAIN

• Display: 7 segments, 4 characters (LED)

• Connectors:

  • SYNC (IN, OUT) jacks: Mini phone type

  • MIX (IN, OUT) / PHONES jacks: Stereo mini phone type

  • MIDI (IN, OUT) jacks: Stereo mini phone type

  • USB port: USB Type-C® (Audio, MIDI)

• Power Supply:

  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

  • Obtained via USB port (USB bus power)

• Current Draw: 500 mA

• Expected battery life under continuous use: Approx. 4.5 hours

• Expected battery charging time: Approx. 3 hours

• Dimensions: 36.2 x 106 x 188 mm

• Weight: 0.61 kg

• Product Code: T-8