The Roland TR-909 drum machine, like other pieces of now iconic Roland gear, was not embraced by the masses when it came out. It received mixed reviews, and like the TB-303 before it, Roland scrapped ...

The congas ring cheekily, the cowbell plays a corroded chime, the snare is parched and cruel – and the bass drum, a hard bloom of air, is barely music at all. With these core sounds, abetted by a ...

The TR-808 drum machine help crafted many classics records, to celebrate the device’s 40th anniversary, Roland decided to bless beat junkies with some freebies. There is also a very insightful ...

To say the full announcement of Roland's new Aira has been eagerly awaited would be something of an understatement. Between the company's drawn-out teaser campaign, the various leaks and rumours, and ...

In 2018 Roland introduced the TR-8S drum machine and instantly won the heart of my colleague Roberto Baldwin. Then, last year it resurrected its MC line of grooveboxes, and launched the portable, ...

After a brief teaser campaign, Roland has revealed a new addition to the company's iconic digital drum machine portfolio – the Aira TR-8S Rhythm Performer. As well as emulating classic 80s drum ...

Roland has announced the release of the TR-909 Rhythm Composer, an update of the classic 909 drum machine, and a new TB-03 Bass Line synthesizer, a relaunch of the similarly classic 303. The ...

If you know the history of drum machines, the first thing you want to do with the TR-8S is load up the 808 kick drum. It's a deep, satisfying boom that's been an important part of everything from ...

Electronic music instrument maker Roland has branded today, September 9, as #909day. To celebrate, the company behind pioneering synths and drum machines such as the TR-808 and, most appropriately, ...

Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. is The Verge’s executive editor. He has covered tech, policy, and online creators for over a decade. The sound ...

Best of 2023: If they hadn't panned the 909, you might now be dancing to a very different beat… When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.