Roland TR-606
Drum machine
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Roland TR-606 Drumatix is a drum machine built by Roland Corporation from 1981 to 1984.
| TR-606 | |
|---|---|
TR-606 front panel | |
| Manufacturer | Roland |
| Dates | 1981–1984 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Polyphony | 7 |
| Timbrality | 7 |
| Synthesis type | Analog subtractive |
| Storage memory | 32 patterns, 8 songs |
| Effects | Individual level |
| Input/output | |
| Keyboard | 16 pattern keys |
| External control | DIN sync in/out |
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.[1] MusicRadar wrote that "the snare snaps and cracks, the kick offers a satisfying thud, and the metallic hats sizzle".[1]
Sequencer
Rhythms can be programmed using the sequencer, which includes controls for accents.[1] The sequencer can hold 32 patterns in memory, and patterns can be sequenced to create songs.[1] The TR-606 was designed to be used with the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer, and can be synchronized using DIN sync.[1]
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,[1] Massive Attack,[2] and Nine Inch Nails.[2] It is used frequently in IDM. The electronic musician Kid606 took his stage name from the TR-606.[2]