The instrument
The R-8 Human Rhythm Composer is an electronic drum computer with PCM voices. It was the first rhythm machine from Roland with samples in 16-bit resolution. The R-5 version, which appeared at the same time, has fewer sounds and functions. The R-8M from 1990 is a rackmount version. The R-8 was widely used in professional studios.
Details
The R-8 has 16 drum pads for free distribution of samples, 4 pads for drive control of the sequencer and velocity-sensitive and pressure-sensitive trigger pads and the ability to create loops of beats. The device has eight individual outputs, 12-voice polyphony and four-voice multitimbral MIDI. The R-8 has a slot for a RAM memory card for storing user-defined patterns and songs as well as a slot for PCM ROM cards to expand the internal sound banks. One card contains up to 26 additional sounds. The sequencer offers space for up to 10 songs. More can be stored on RAM cards.