Roland TR-606
The TR-606 is a drum computer made by the Japanese company Roland , which was launched in 1981.
history
The TR-606 (the "TR" stands for "Transistor Rhythm") was released as a rhythm device to the optically related Roland TB-303 ("Transistor Bassline"). Both devices originally found only a small group of customers, and production was soon discontinued. Today the TR-606 is a popular vintage instrument and is used by artists such as Aphex Twin , Moby , Astral Projection , Nine Inch Nails , OMD , Sneaker Pimps , Big Black and many others. One of the most famous hits produced with a 606 is Flat Beat by Mr. Oizo .
description
General
The TR-606 is an analog drum computer with an integrated step sequencer . The sounds ( bass drum , snare drum , hi tom , low tom, closed hi hat , open hi hat, cymbal ) can only be changed in volume, but not, as with the Roland TR-808 , in pitch . Compared to the 808, the handclap and cowbell are also missing . Like the 808, however, the 606 has an accent function that can be used to dynamically highlight certain steps of a pattern .
The device can be synchronized with other Roland brand devices (e.g. with the TB-303) via the DIN sync connection. It does not have a MIDI connection.
Technical specifications
- Fully analog sound synthesis
- 7 percussion sounds
- Step sequencer with 16 steps
- Memory for 32 patterns
- Song mode: 8 songs (tracks 1–7 up to 64 bars, track 8 up to 256 bars)
- Connections: line out, headphones, trigger out 1/2, DIN sync (in / out), DC 9V power supply
Web links
- Portrait of the TR-606 with demo videos at cdm.link
- Test report for the TR-606 at Bonedo.de
- Test report for the TR-606 at Amazona.de