Roland TR-6S: 808, 909 and FM on Six Tracks in a Tiny Box
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
Roland TR-6S: six tracks of 808, 909 and FM sounds, samples and a probability sequencer in a battery-powered box. What the mini TR-8S does and what it lacks.
The Roland TR-6S squeezes the sound engine of the TR-8S into a 224 × 132 mm box that runs on four AA batteries. Six tracks, circuit models of the TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707 and CR-78, plus samples and FM tones: for you, that means techno grooves without a laptop or a power socket.
At a glance
- Six-track version of the TR-8S with ACB models of the TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707 and CR-78
- More than 300 preset samples, 72 FM tones and your own samples from SD card
- Powered by four AA batteries or via USB, weighs 705 g
- Doubles as a USB audio and MIDI interface
The TR-8S, boiled down to six tracks
Roland describes the TR-6S as a six-track version of the TR-8S in a compact package. According to MusicRadar, it arrived at the end of 2020 as part of Roland's “606” launch, alongside the TR-06 and the TR-606 plug-in. Despite the name, it has little to do with the original 606.
MusicRadar puts its footprint at around a quarter of the TR-8S. The big buttons give way to small rubber ones, every track keeps its own fader, and all six instruments share a single trio of rotaries.
808, 909 and FM in one kit
At its core are Roland's ACB models (Analog Circuit Behavior): digital recreations at circuit level, not analog sound generation. Besides the TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707 and CR-78, Roland also lists the TR-727. On top come more than 300 preset samples, 72 FM tones and a chromatic TR-808 bass instrument for basslines.
Any of the six tracks can host any sound type, so you can build hybrid kits: a 909 kick under an FM percussion hit and one of your own samples. You load your own files as WAV or AIFF from SD card, around 600 seconds in total. If you're working on your low end right now, also read our piece Techno production: kick drums like the pros.
A sequencer with probability and sub steps
Programming follows the classic TR-REC style across 16 steps. Each pattern offers eight variations (A to H) and two fill-ins, and the unit stores up to 128 patterns and 128 kits. Sub steps for ratchets, flam, step loop, motion recording and probability on several levels keep long loops moving.
For shaping the sound there is an insert effect per track, a master effect with compressor, drive, filters or vinyl simulation, plus reverb and delay. Sidechain is on board too. On your computer, you edit patterns and kits with the free TR-EDITOR via Roland Cloud Manager.
Specifications
| Tracks | 6 instrument tracks |
|---|---|
| Sound generation | ACB models, FM (72 tones), samples |
| Preset samples | more than 300 |
| User samples | WAV/AIFF from SD card, approx. 600 s in total |
| Memory | 128 kits, 128 patterns |
| Sequencer | 16 steps, 8 variations (A–H), 2 fill-ins per pattern |
| Display | backlit LCD, 2 lines of 16 characters |
| Outputs | 2 × 1/4-inch jack (L/mono, R), headphones on mini jack |
| MIDI | In, Out |
| USB | Type B (audio, MIDI) |
| Power supply | 4 × AA battery or USB bus power |
| Battery life | approx. 4.5 h (alkaline), approx. 5.5 h (NiMH) |
| Dimensions | 224 × 132 × 60.1 mm |
| Weight | 705 g including batteries |
Who the TR-6S suits
Roland's specs point to mobile and minimal setups: battery power, low weight and a built-in audio interface. According to MusicRadar, the TR-6S streams every track individually plus the stereo master to your DAW over USB. The TR-8S's individual outputs and external inputs are gone, though; on the analog side you only get the stereo output and headphones.
No SD card is included. If you prefer working with pads and tight software integration, our article on the Native Instruments Maschine+ shows a different approach.
“The TR-6S’s dinky, portable frame hides a surprising amount of depth. This could well be the most versatile budget beatmaker going.”
— Si Truss, MusicRadar
Frequently asked questions
Is the Roland TR-6S analog?
No. It uses digital ACB models that recreate the behaviour of the original TR-808, TR-909 and other circuits, complemented by samples and FM synthesis.
Does the TR-6S need a power adapter?
No. It runs on four AA batteries or on USB bus power. According to Roland, four alkaline batteries are included.
How does the TR-6S differ from the TR-8S?
Six instead of twelve tracks, a much smaller housing, shared rotaries and fewer connections. According to MusicRadar, it largely carries over the TR-8S's sound engine, sequencer and effects.
Source: Roland, MusicRadar
