Roland’s TR-6S is a Drum Sampling Machine. There are six pads, each of which can play mono or stereo samples. The TR-6S also has a built-in sequencer for creating patterns and songs. You can even sort external gears with the Roland TR 6S. And if you want to get creative, you can use the TR-6S as an audio interface to record your samples directly into the machine.
Roland TR 6S Rhythm Performer Best Review
With its small size and remote controls, the TR-6S could be mistaken for a simple plastic toy, but underneath the hood is a severe digital beatmaker. And while the track count has been cut in half compared to the TR-8S, the track depth has been retained. Each track can use an emulated sound, a sample, or an FM synth tone.
The emulations provide impressive circuit-level recreations of each sound from the 909, 808, 707, and 606. Tones can be sampled from the instrument’s stock of 300+ preset sounds or imported via the rear panel SD card slot (one of our few criticisms is that an SD card is not included).
Basic sample editing is included, allowing you to set user samples’ start, end, and naming. Meanwhile, the FM engine is relatively basic, with only tuning, decay, and a ‘morph’ parameter for changing the base sound. However, the tones on offer are fantastic and provide an excellent accompaniment to the sampled and emulated sounds.
Aside from the core sound generation, each channel has many instrument parameters that vary slightly depending on the type of sound used. All sounds share LFO routing, which allows the kit’s master LFO to modulate various parameters such as tuning, panning, and decay.
Each instrument, like the TR-8S, has a customizable Ctrl rotary that can use for live tweaking of a single parameter. In addition, the TR-6S includes a master effect module with 19 effect types, and separate delay and reverb send effects.
The only significant effect missing from the TR-8S is the glitchy Auto-Fill/Scatter effect. When taken as a whole, it’s a lot of power for such a small drum box.
Pros
- Combines emulated, sampled, and FM tones, each with plenty of depth for sound shaping.
- Can output individual tracks as audio via USB.
Cons
- No SD card covered.
- Controls may be a little fiddly.
Roland TR 6S Sequencing
Sample sequencing at this Roland drum machine is often accomplished in ‘TR‑Rec’ mode thru the familiar device of choosing sounds and including gates across the sixteen-step buttons. Like the 8S, there’s an Inst Rec mode for finger drumming at the pads. Unlike the eight, there’s no 808‑fashion faucet entry pad for velocity‑sensitive recording, and that’s a disgrace. While there’s no way to application speed either (not like the TR‑06), you could input ‘susceptible beats’ with Shift, and there’s accessory music, efficaciously supplying you with three power stages.
The 6S has a section/variant method to patterns that harkens again to the 808 but has an awful lot in not unusual with Novation’s sequencers. Every pattern slot has eight sub‑versions that are always 16 steps lengthy (though individual tracks can be shorter). You could use those to create variations, song sections, or fills and might easily chain them together to create longer pattern cycles.
Roland TR-6S Sounds & Effects
The TR‑6S is supposed to be the successor to the excellent‑sounding, if a bit lightweight, TR‑08. It’s an ambitious aim, and it falls quick in some respects. The sampled sounds are good enough but not as wealthy or layered because of the originals. The 909 kick doesn’t mean boom as lots because it ought to, and the hats are a little anemic. The snares are better, and the claps have a more significant presence than on maximum drum machines. The ride cymbal is sharp and present, too, without being overwhelming.
The TR‑6S’ emulations are more convincing. The 808 and 909 snares have that specific snappy sound, and the 909 kick warms up nicely with a few decays. The hats are thinner than on the TR‑08. However, they’re still serviceable.
The TR-6S also covers classic FM sounds, with six operators on board. You can dial in some very usable, if a little bit harsh, hi‑hats and snares, and there are some lovely bass tones to be had as well.
As on the TR‑8S, each sound has its LFO that can be routed to various parameters. There are also three effects sent per track, with a choice of delay, reverb, or both. The effects are the same as on the TR‑8S, and they sound great.
The only downside to the TR-6S is that it doesn’t have an SD card slot for storing samples. That means you’re limited to the sounds on board and can’t expand the machine with your samples.
How do you use Roland TR 6S?
The Roland TR-6S is a drum machine that can use for various purposes. It can be used as a simple beat maker or to create more complex patterns and arrangements.
To use the TR-6S, you will need to connect it to a computer or other MIDI device. You can then use the pads to trigger sounds, or you can use the sequencer to create more complex patterns.
The TR-6S also has some built-in effects that can use to shape your sound further. These include delay, reverb, and EQ.
In addition to its internal sounds, the TR-6S can also be used to load samples from an SD card; This allows you to expand the sound palette of the machine, and it also makes it possible to store your samples for use in future projects.
Roland TR-6S vs TR-06, Which is Better?
The Roland TR-6S and TR-06 are drum machines that offer a variety of sounds and features. Both devices can create complex patterns and arrangements, but the TR-6S has some additional features that make it a more versatile machine.
The TR-6S offers more sound options than the TR-06, including FM synthesis and sample playback; This makes it a more versatile machine for creating different types of sounds.
The TR-6S also has more built-in effects, which gives you more ways to shape your sound. Additionally, the TR-6S can load samples from an SD card, which allows you to expand the sound palette of the machine.
Finally, the TR-6S has a larger display, which makes it easier to see what you are doing when creating patterns. For these reasons, the TR-6S is the better choice for those looking for a more versatile drum machine.
Conclusion
The Roland TR-6S is a drum built-reintegrated that offers a variety of sounds and functions. It’s a more flexible system than the TR-06 because it built-includes FM synthesis and pattern playback. Additionally, the Roland TR drum machines has more excellent effects and a larger show. For those motives, the TR-6S is the higher choice for the ones built-in, an extra flexible drum built-reintegrated.
