Roland TR-1000 Rhythm Creator vs Original TR-808

Key Specifications and Features Comparison

TR-808 (1980) vs TR-1000 (2025)
Aspect TR-808 (1980) TR-1000 (2025)
Sound Generation Fully analog subtractive synthesis (12 voices) 16 analog circuits recreating 808/909 voices + digital (ACB, FM, VA, PCM, sampling)
808 Voices Included All original: BD, SD, LT/MT/HT, LC/MC/HC, RS/CP, CL/MA/CB, CY, OH/CH BD, SD, LT/HT (tunable for MT), RS, CP, CH/OH, CY, CB (no congas/claves/maracas—use digital)
Parameter Extensions Limited (e.g., no BD tuning) Expanded: BD tuning, longer decays, velocity response, more headroom/dynamics
Sound Character Lo-fi, characterful (age/variations affect sound) Very close but often crisper/punchier; some say originals have subtle edge
Sequencer 32 patterns, 768 measures, basic step programming Advanced TR-REC with off-grid timing, real-time controls, Morph slider, snapshots
Sampling/Extras None Full stereo sampler (64GB, 2,000 presets), time-stretch, slicing, effects
Effects/Processing Individual levels/accents Per-track compressor/filter/EQ, analog drive/filter, master FX, sidechain
I/O & Integration DIN Sync, triggers, individual outs MIDI, USB audio/MIDI, CV/Gate, 10 outs, app control
Price (launch) ~$1,195 (1980) → ~$4,500 adjusted for inflation $2,699 USD