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 1980s - Black ($264.11)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module Rack Mount R8 Human Rhythm Composer Drum Machine ($179.99)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module ($222.37)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module 1980s - Black ($250)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module [Three Wave Music] ($299.95)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module 1980s - Black ($219)

Roland R-8M w/ cards Dance, Electronic, Power, Dry, & Jazz Brush! ($399.99)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module - Iconic Digital Drum Sounds ($339.99)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module 1980s - Black ($225)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module 1980s - Black ($220.76)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module 1980s - Black ($338.50)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module R8M ($226.42)

Roland R-8M OS v1.04 EPROM Firmware Upgrade KIT / Brand New ROM Update Chip R8M ($19.99)

Roland SN-R8-02 Jazz Brush Expansion Card for R-8, R-8mk2, R-8M ($44.99)

Roland SN-R8-09 Power Drums U.S.A. Expansion Card for R-8, R-8mk2, R-8M ($74.99)

Roland SN-R8-04 Electronic (TR-808, CR-78) Expansion Card for R-8, R-8mk2, R-8M ($139.99)

Roland SN-R8-03 Sound Effects Expansion Card for R-8, R-8mk2, R-8M ($54.99)

Roland SN-R8-09 Power Drums USA for R8 R8M R-8 R-8M ($95)

Roland R8 M 1987 ($264.11)

Roland R-8m - Version 1.04 Firmware Upgrade Eprom Update for R8M Drum machine ($16.93)