Roland TR-606

TR-606
TR-606 front panel
ManufacturerRoland
Dates1981–1984
Technical specifications
Polyphony7
Timbrality7
Synthesis typeAnalog subtractive
Storage memory32 patterns, 8 songs
EffectsIndividual level
Input/output
Keyboard16 pattern keys
External controlDIN sync in/out

The Roland TR-606 Drumatix is a drum machine built by Roland Corporation from 1981 to 1984.

Sounds

It uses analog synthesis rather than samples to produce sound. It imitates acoustic percussion: the bass drum, snare, toms, cymbal and hi-hat (open and closed). The sounds cannot be edited. MusicRadar wrote that "the snare snaps and cracks, the kick offers a satisfying thud, and the metallic hats sizzle".

Sequencer

Rhythms can be programmed using the sequencer, which includes controls for accents. The sequencer can hold 32 patterns in memory, and patterns can be sequenced to create songs. The TR-606 was designed to be used with the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer, and can be synchronized using DIN sync.

Users

The TR-606 was used by artists including the Sisters of Mercy, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Skinny Puppy, Big Black, Autechre, Aphex Twin, Luke Vibert, Massive Attack, and Nine Inch Nails. It is used frequently in IDM. The electronic musician Kid606 took his stage name from the TR-606.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Blast from the past: Roland TR-606 Drumatix". MusicRadar. 2015-02-20. Retrieved 2024-05-04.
  2. 1 2 3 "Drumatix: The Perpetual Appeal of the TR-606". Retrieved 19 December 2024.