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Roland TR-606

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TR-606
ManufacturerRoland Corporation
Dates1981–1984
Technical specifications
Input/output

The Roland TR-606 Drumatix is a drum machine built by Roland Corporation from 1981 to 1984.

Sounds

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It uses analog synthesis rather than samples to produce sound. It imitates acoustic percussion: the bass drum, snare, toms, cymbal and hi-hat (open and closed). The sounds cannot be edited.[1] MusicRadar wrote that "the snare snaps and cracks, the kick offers a satisfying thud, and the metallic hats sizzle".[1]

Sequencer

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Rhythms can be programmed using the sequencer, which includes controls for accents.[1] The sequencer can hold 32 patterns in memory, and patterns can be sequenced to create songs.[1] The TR-606 was designed to be used with the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer, and can be synchronized using DIN sync.[1]

Users

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The TR-606 was used by artists including the Sisters of Mercy, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Skinny Puppy, Big Black, Autechre, Aphex Twin and Luke Vibert.[1] Prince used it on the Purple Rain outtake "Velvet Kitty Cat".[2] The electronic musician Kid606 took his stage name from the TR-606.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Blast from the past: Roland TR-606 Drumatix". MusicRadar. 2015-02-20. Retrieved 2024-05-04.
  2. ^ Tudahl, Duane (2018). Prince and the Purple Rain Era Studio Sessions: 1983 and 1984 (Expanded ed.). Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 9781538116432.
  3. ^ "Kid606 overlaps genres into bouncy club music". 22 October 2009.