Drum Machines ⇝ Roland ⇝ Roland R-8M

Marketed as the "Total Percussion Sound Module", the R-8M has 3 card slots for SN-R8 PCM expansion cards and one RAM card slot (for an M-256D or M-256E).

It is the rackmount form of the Roland R-8, but without sequencing capabilities and with only 12 notes of polyphony. Since it lacks the "Human" (variation) and "rhythm composer" (sequencing) capabilities of the R-8, a used R-8M costs far less than a used R-8.

Specifications

Year Released: 1989

Polyphony: 32 notes

User Drumkits: 32

ROM Size: 68 sampled waveforms at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz resolution

Outputs: 8 individual 1/4" outputs

Screen: 16 x 2 character backlit LCD

Power Consumption: 15 watts

Weight: 4.5 kg

Dimensions: 482 mm x 358 mm x 45 mm

User Demo Videos

Rating

Sound Samples

WAV samples are available on freewavesamples.com.

File Downloads

Roland R-8M Manual

Items for Sale on Reverb

Roland R-8M DANCE and ELECTRONIC CARDS ($425)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module ($232.80)

Roland R-8M & PM-16 Percussion Sound Kit 1989 ($367.77)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module - 1980s - Serviced – Warranty ($289.05)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module 1980s - Black ($319.80)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module 1980s - Black ($317.34)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module 1980s - Black ($367.77)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module ($184.50)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module 1980s - Black ($430.49)

PMVA Display Upgrade - Roland R-8M ($119.67)

Roland R-8M OS v1.04 EPROM Firmware Upgrade KIT / Brand New ROM Update Chip R8M ($24.95)

Roland R-8 / R-8m / R-8 MKII | SN-R8-02 JAZZ BRUSH | Waveform ROM Voice Card | ($178.35)

Roland R-8 / R-8m / R-8 MKII | SN-R8-06 ETHNIC PERCUSSION | Waveform ROM Voice Card | ($202.95)

Roland R-8 / R-8m / R-8 MKII | SN-R8-01 CONTEMPORARY PERCUSSION | Waveform ROM Voice Card | ($178.35)

Roland R-8 / R-8m / R-8 MKII | SN-R8-07 MALLET | Waveform ROM Voice Card | ($178.35)

Roland R-8 / R-8m / R-8 MKII | SN-R8-05 JAZZ | Waveform ROM Voice Card | ($178.35)

Roland R-8 / R-8m / R-8 MKII | SN-R8-04 ELECTRONIC | Waveform ROM Voice Card | ($301.35)

Roland R-8 / R-8m / R-8 MKII | SN-R8-02 JAZZ BRUSH | Waveform ROM Voice Card | ($178.35)

Roland R-8 / R-8m / R-8 MKII | SN-R8-11 METALLIC PERCUSSION | Waveform ROM Voice Card | ($202.95)

Roland R8M Total Percussion Sound Module Vintage Rare ($1,395)

Roland R 8 M Drum Machine Module ($307.50)

Roland R-8m - Version 1.04 Firmware Upgrade Eprom Update for R8M Drum machine ($20.85)

Roland R-8 / R-8M Waveform ROM card SN-R8-03 Sound Effect // Boxed Complete ($147.60)