Roland

The Roland TR-808 has been inducted into the NAMM TECnology Hall of Fame.

Manufactured between 1980 and 1983, the legendary drum machine has contributed to music from the likes of Beastie Boys, Marvin Gaye, and Public Enemy, and is still a popular piece of studio kit today.

Behringer have announced WING, a futuristic new mixing console. The new device features eight MIDAS preamps, 24 motorised 100mm faders, 11 colour TFT screens to display parameters, a 48-ins/48-outs USB audio interface with HUI control for your favourite DAW and the option of another 64 I/O via Ethernet, supporting WAVES Soundgrid. There are also two SD cards for recording straight to disk. 

Behringer have closed the classic Roland TB-303 with their new synth the TD-3-SR. The new synth will cost only €150 – currently under £130 – and features similar architecture to the original 303 with a single VCO, switchable between saw and square, single filter, 16-step sequencer and a new distortion effect. 

Roland have announced a series of new products based around the Juno-60, classic MC-303 and Jupiter synths. The new 'DAW-less groovebox' takes its name from the popular hardware sequencer from 1993, renamed it the MC-707 and remodelling it for 2019. With a style that's similar to their TR-8 drum machine, the MC-707 features eight faders, but where the TR-8's sequencer would be is no 16 backlit coloured pads for playing in and controlling samples. The sequencer now sits on top of the pads, for quick dialling in of step sequences. 

Roland have announced a new controller for Serato that features some unique additions specifically aimed at mobile DJs. The DJ-707M features everything you'd expect from a two-channel DJ controller including jog wheels, eight performance pads per channel, effects control, with four faders and a crossfader for switching to decks C and D. 

Roland have shared a video celebrating the history of the TR-808 Rhythm Composer.

Each year on the 8th August Roland celebrate 808 Day and this year, they've launched a microsite to celebrate the birth, history and influence of the beloved 808 machine.

Roland have teamed up with V-MODA to create some 808-inspired headphones for 808 day. The cans – which feature a decal of the same colour concepts of the classic drum machine – have the same innards as their famous and popular M-100s – which are used by DJs and producers in the studio.