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 Sound Module Drum Machine ($224.99)

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Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module - Iconic Digital Drum Sounds ($349.99)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module ($275)

1989 • Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module ($226.98)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module 1980s - Black ($330)

Roland R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module 1980s - Black ($332.19)

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

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

Roland - SN-R8-09 - Power Drums USA - Sound Data ROM Card for the R-8 + R-8M - Sound Library - 90s - from the collection of Paul Hoffert ($75.15)

Roland 1992 Catalog - JD-800, D-70, R-8/5/8m, S-770/750, U-220 - etc ($12)

Roland R-8m - Version 1.04 Firmware Upgrade Eprom Update for R8M Drummachine ($16.61)

Roland R8 M 1987 ($265.69)