In 1984 an important and good thing happened to TR family: Roland TR-707 rhythm machine was released. It has its own peculiar sound and features comfortable working process, and an impressive set of percussion is found in countless numbers of dance tracks. T0o cut a long story short it’s a must-have for house and techno musicians.

Despite the modest specification, the drum machine has interesting features. It is the first full-digital rhythm machine made by Roland brand, which includes the "x0x" implementation of step sequencing, and is relatively flexibly synchronized with other devices via MIDI and DIN Sync connectors. Unfortunately, the main drawback is the limited range of the built-in sounds. However, the sample library (kicks, snares, toms, rimshot/cowbell, clap/tambourine, closed/open hi-hat) has a slightly sharp but warm and pleasant sound. Memory allows you to store up to 64 patterns, and among the additions there’s shuffle and flam.

It should be emphasized that it was TR-707 which formed the basis of many electronic classic tracks. Moreover TR-707 was one of the most popular devices during early Chicago and acid house epoch.

Sometimes the rhythm machine is compared to TR-909, and it's no surprise. They have a similar color scheme, and other obvious similarities between some percussion voices (hi-hat, cymbals, claps). But the main difference is in the absence of pitch and release missing in the first unit. Nevertheless 707 lures with its parameter set and the budget price. In addition, it can still be found in the studios of many famous musicians: Aphex Twin, Laurent Garnier, Squarepusher, Luke Vibert, Phil Collins, Marshall Jefferson and Plastikman.

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