System80 880 Drum Machine
The System80 880 drum machine is closely modelled on the classic ROLAND 808 Drum machine.
The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, commonly known as the 808, allowed users to program rhythms instead of using preset patterns. The 808 generates sounds using analog synthesis techniques. For example, see Patch Template 12 (Using White Noise as a Sound Source) to explore how cymbal sounds can be generated using White and Pink noise. Similarly, the 808 bass drum sound is built from the same tools in our modular system: a VCO (oscillator) sine wave, a low-pass filter (VCF), and a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA).
The System80 880 analog drum machine closely adopts the layout, synthesis techniques, and sound properties of the Roland 808. With the 880, you can program and save multiple rhythm loops/patterns, move between A/B loop patterns, and build rhythm patterns using unique time signatures. Need a boomier bass drum or snappier snare? Need more (or less) cowbell? No problem. Tune and shape various percussion instrument tones, as well as adjust the volume levels and decay rates of different instruments, using the bank of control knobs.
Using the Sync input, you can synchronize the tempo of the 880 with the sequencer so all of the modules are working together in time. See tutorial videos and Patch Template 9 (Synching your Modules).
0:10 Patch to Audio Out and Start/Stop + Tempo basics
0:34 Clearing the tracks (16 tracks) & Composing
1:45 Using ‘Tap’ to add notes or Coloured Buttons to add/remove notes
2:08 A/B track ‘Variation’ features
2:54 Copy variation A and Paste to B variation
3:58 Make A and B variations alternate back and forth
4:24 Change loop length (or time signatures)
4:56 Synching the 880 with the Sequencer
5:59 Synching the Clock module to the Sequencer/Drum Machine
Continue Learning Modular Synths
The System80 880 analog drum machine closely adopts the layout, synthesis techniques, and sound properties of the Roland 808. With the 880, you can program and save multiple rhythm loops/patterns, move between A/B loop patterns, and build rhythm patterns using unique time signatures. Need a boomier bass drum or snappier snare? Need more (or less) cowbell? No problem. Tune and shape various percussion instrument tones, as well as adjust the volume levels and decay rates of different instruments, using the bank of control knobs.
Using the Sync input, you can synchronize the tempo of the 880 with the sequencer so all of the modules are working together in time. See tutorial videos and Patch Template 9 (Synching your Modules).
