Long before the legendary TR-808 and 909 the company released (in 1978) an instrument which impresses with something different. It is called CR-68 CompuRhythm. The drum machine offers 14 types of drums, played right when you click on one of the patterns, as well as a basic set of standard settings.
Like the late classic Roland instruments, CR-68 uses analog synthesis, but its sounds are warmer and more refined than those featured by its followers. The drum machine has a soft kick, hissing hi-hat, and a neat snare. The drum patterns vary from rock and disco to more exotic Boogie and Samba rhythms.
While Roland TR-808 and TR-909 have long been considered classics, CR-68 is currently gaining popularity. Thus, over the past few years, prices have risen, and yet, due to the simplicity of internal sounds, it is fairly easy to recreate those samples, many of which can be found on the Internet. CR-68 used to be the part of Phil Collins’ and Warrenn Cann’s studios.
For many, drum machines were those boxes stuffed with "rattling", "booming" kick sounds from TR-808, or thick TR-909 snares. They were very popular in hip-hop and dance music, and completely changed our perception of drum machine sounds. But before all...
The drum machine Roland CR-8000 was released in the early 80's. The expensive device offers 10 distinctive types of percussion. Unlike the predecessors - CR-68 and CR-78 - CR-8000 got a small screen with tempo displaying, as well as knobs made in the...