The 8raw8 Analog Drum Machine Expander is a new drum synth that’s a clone of the analog drum synth voices of the legendary Roland TR808.
According to the developers, the 8raw8 is designed to be an affordable reproduction of the original 808, without any compromise on the sound.
It is a MIDI drum synth module, not a full 808 clone. The standard 1-octave MIDI mapping ranges from C3 to B3 (11 analog voices + Accent).
Here’s the official video demo:
Features:
- 11 Analog drum voices + Accent
- Separate output for each voice
- Master output
- Through-hole electronic components
- ‘Ultra-fast’ MIDI processing
- Bass Drum tune mod
- Hand Clap VCA mod
- Aluminum chassis
- Quality Alpha potentiometers
- Moog-style rotary knobs
The 8raw8 is designed to offer an accurate reproduction of the original 808’s audio circuitry.
The developers note:
Every active component on the signal path is the exact same reference as those used in the original 808. This includes: OP amps, transistors, diodes, signal ICs. At the exception of the Hand Clap VCA (orig:BA662), replaced by it’s little brother (BA6110) sounding perfect with little tweaks.
When we receive parts, we make sure they are true originals by testing them. It took ages to find the real deal.
Passive components (capacitors, resistors) come from EU stocks. They were carefully selected for their sound properties when prototyping on breadboards. Their technology, brand, tolerancy… can make a big difference when A/B testing with an original 808.
All our components are Through Hole. It means they are soldered through the mainboard, unlike modern miniaturized SMD chips (Surface Mounting Device) which have different power ratings, and sometimes are off specs compared to a Through Hole version.
Power Supply and MIDI circuits were redesigned with up-to-date components.
The 8raw8 does include two mods to the sound-generation circuitry:
- Bass Drum Tune Mod: allows you to modify the BD pitch. Adjust the BassDrum oscillator frequency in the key of your song, or create basslines using long decay settings (rather than DAW detuning). Recall standard pitch by turning off the “Mod on/off” switch.
- Hand Clap VCA Mod: From soft clicky handclap to loud harsh CLAP. Opening the VCA potentiometer in Maracas mode will create a cool white noise FX (the clap isn’t triggered anymore).
8raw8 Direct Output:
Pricing and Availability
Information on pricing and availability is TBA, no details are currently provided on the 8raw8 site.
via protoolerblog
Oh man. Gotta love through-hole PCBs on a new product. Thank you x1000000 for not doing surface mount.
Why?
As an engineer i friggin hate through hole parts. Smd is higher spec, cheaper, and if you pick 0805 or 0603 footprints it is easier to work on.
But it has to be through-hole to make up for the lack of wood sides!
What no rack ears??!
My guess is because they are trying to match the original specs as closely as possible and modern SMT wouldn’t do that.
In fact, from their website-
“What we wanted to achieve with the 8raw8, is a 1:1 reproduction of the old fashionned TR808 electronic circuitry. A simple, useful device focused on the authentic sound.
Every Active component on the signal path is the exact same reference as those used in the original 808. This includes: OPamps, transistors, diodes, signal ICs. At the exception of the HandClap VCA (orig:BA662), replaced by it’s little brother (BA6110) sounding perfect with little tweaks.
When we recieve parts, we make sure they are true originals by testing them. It took ages to find the real deal.”
probly cost just as much as a used 808
great math
Sounds good. Be interesting to see what these end up pricing at.
I would definitely machine socket all those ICs though.
Your right about the IC’s but when you’ve spent 6 hours installing the resistors in a standy-upy-position you’ve probably lost sight of what you should be doing.
Not sure why it wasn’t posted. They’re priced at 599 Euro
Where on their site is that listed?
I don’t remember seeing it on their site, but you can contact them directly and they’ll tell you as they told me on facebook that it’s 599 Euro + shipping. I think it’s a super deal for an 808 clone. I love the look as well. Moogish knobs and blue side panels with the logo looking as if it was done by hand. Very stylish. Sure there’s no sequencer, but it’s meant to work with midi and a daw preferably. I don’t see anything wrong with that. Forces people to work with modern tech.
The price is 599 euro. But the first run is sold out.
How does it do accents?
Why no CV?
Why no sequencer?
Why no onboard DSP and touchscreen?
Shut up and play.
never seen before the way ics are hooked in that pic =-O
“which have different power ratings, and sometimes are off specs compared to a Through Hole version.” yeah, no. this is just flat out wrong.
Sounds nice, the clap though (as with the yocto) is a bummer. Also I think a different faceplate and knobs would be ace, the design is a bit odd to be honest.