Roland today introduced the TR-707 and TR-727 Software Rhythm Composers, the latest in their Legendary series of software-based virtual instruments available via Roland Cloud.
The pair of virtual instruments use Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, which models the behavior of the individual components of the original circuits.
Here’s what Roland has to say about the TR-707 and TR-727 Software Rhythm Composers:
“In 1985, Roland introduced the now-famous TR-707 and TR-727, the company’s first drum machines with all sounds based around PCM samples. The TR-707, with its orange livery, had the most advanced pattern sequencing capabilities to date and included 15 punchy drum sounds covering all the basics, from kick and snare to toms and cymbals. Its sibling, the blue-highlighted TR-727, was an all-out percussion powerhouse with 15 Latin-inspired sounds that could take any groove to new heights. Each unit was formidable on its own, but together they were unstoppable.
Taking their rightful places next to other classics in the Roland TR series, this dynamic duo of drums and percussion has appeared on hit tracks in many genres through the years, including synth-pop, acid house, industrial, electro, indie, alternative, and more. The software-based recreations reproduce their sound and behavior with 100-percent authenticity, coupled with modern upgrades that take them into all-new creative territory.
The playback engines in the TR-707 and TR-727 were primitive by today’s standards, with 25 kHz sample rates and 8-bit resolution (and even 6-bit for some tones). To optimize performance, Roland engineers used short PCM waveforms with decay introduced later in the analog circuitry. But this early hybrid approach had its limitations, with deviations in the digital clock and analog circuitry causing variances in the pitch and decay characteristics. This combination of factors strongly contributes to the charm of the TR-707 and TR-727 and their unique and pleasing lo-fi punch. To replicate these behaviors in software, Roland started with the original PCM wave data from the hardware. Next, ACB technology was used to recreate the interaction between the PCM engine and analog output stages, carefully including all its quirks and instabilities.
The software-based TR-707 and TR-727 also include many updated features inspired by popular aftermarket modifications. Users have deep levels of sound control unavailable with stock hardware units, including attack, decay, and tuning for individual sounds, the ability to overdrive the internal circuitry, and much more. Additionally, the sequencer features include numerous modern enhancements for infusing grooves with added detail and nuance.”
Pricing and Availability
The TR-707 and TR-727 Software Rhythm Composers are available to now from Roland Cloud for $149 each, and are also included with the Roland Cloud Ultimate membership.
Roland, Roland, Roland…… I don’t know if I’m the only one, but I would sooner foxtrot across a Cambodian mine field with with fuckin snow shoes than use subscription or cloud based software. I don’t care if the software prints money, let alone makes 80s drum sounds, the likes of which free samples are already available. I buy it, I own my copy – don’t need to be connected to a central server just to use it, don’t want to pay a reoccurring fee for a product I might use once every full moon. The point is that there are some people, probably not a lot given the push-over nature of the average consumer these days, but there are SOME of us that will NEVER use a GOOD that is charged as a SERVICE. This is a good. This is a product, this isn’t someone I’m paying to build me a patio, it’s not regular house maid service – it’s a virtual item that you sell as such, but you’d rather run it off a server, just so you can justify charging me for the upkeep. I’m sorry for ranting, but this type of thing urks me!
I think with all their software, you can still just buy it and download it and you own it.
It seems like most companies are adding subscription options, because they are so popular. Yeah, there are a few vocal old guys that bitch about it, but subscriptions are extremely popular with a lot of people. Adobe basically proved the model out with their Adobe Cloud.
When I was starting out, I would have loved an option to pay $20/month and get a complete collection of pro audio software. Now I’d rather pay $100 and just get the software.
Subscriptions are extremely popular for software manufacturers because they generate a consistent revenue stream that earns significantly more per customer over time.
It’s all about squeezing maximum profit by offering a low up-front cost sucks in and traps customers. There’s not much to like from a consumer perspective.
I’m with you 100% and very well put.
I’m with Adam, up to a point. Companies operate for profit, not to be your pal. So far, you don’t have to go all-cloud for synthesizers. Good! I have a cloud synth I truly enjoy, but I’m using SampleRobot to save the sounds I like best, both dry and with effects. Sampling it means that if the cloud evaporates, I still have the heart of it.
Being a synthesist is like playing cards: maintain your poker face while awaiting a better hand and try not to shoot anyone in the foot, including yourself. That includes doing right by good labor-of-love efforts. If you’re into vintage, I can recommend this useful recreation of the Kawai K1, with all of its ROM cards included. Its a typical 80s ROMpler that won over some people who couldn’t afford a D-50. Its as good as any commercial synth of its type that I can name. Loads o’ useful fun. He says he’s slowly working on its bigger relative, the K4, which wows me. A solid example of why you should pay for donationware.
https://www.nilsschneider.de/wp/nils-k1v/
its good to have an emulation but you cant beat the real thing,I own a mks-7 which is very similar to 707 for the drum part,that k1 emulation looks great btw.
this is amazing, thank you!
now do drumulator rock drums eproms.
Analog component modelling of PCM drum machines. Sounds great, Roland.
“To replicate these behaviors in software, Roland started with the original PCM wave data from the hardware. Next, ACB technology was used to recreate the interaction between the PCM engine and analog output stages, carefully including all its quirks and instabilities.”
… hence the ACB modelling with PCM wave …
The problem with Roland cloud is that there are 3 version. For some plug-outs for your hardware you are forced to the ultimate subscription which is the most expensive while you may not need the other 90% of stuff under that subscription bundle. This product is repackaging the ACB code fro the TR8 7X7 expansion released in 2015, split it into two separate VSTs , wrap a UI around it and sell it for these prices. Kind of milking cows. https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2014/12/12/aira-7×7-tr8-drum-machine-expansion-demo/
Wrong. They added a lot of pertinent stuff, check their launch video on youtube.
https://youtu.be/kQz7XA7Rwtk