Date: Mon, 18 Dec 1995 13:02:24 -0500 (EST)
From: Legion <legion@netaxs.com>
Subject: Re: Roland CR-8000

On Mon, 18 Dec 1995, Libertine wrote:

> i ran across this drum machine today.  it looked interesting...
> can someone please tell me more about it?  any specs available?
> how about its sounds?  
> i hope it's analog so i won't be off topic... :)
 
The CR8000 is a mostly preset all analogue drum machine. I'd say it's 
like a cross between the 606 and CR78 in that it has individual knobs for 
mixing in sounds and has some latin sounds (congas, cowbell) along with 
the usual bass, snare, Oh, CH, Cym, etc.

Sounds are a little more metallic than the 606 and not quite as pronouced 
(the toms and snare are kinda muddy.) It's has a switchable din/sync plus 
trigger out on 1/16, 1/8, or accent. Knobs for accent amount and volume 
plus 12 fill ins (4 programmable)

it's forte is cheese with three rows of presets called Samba2 and Rock 
1-4, etc. believe it or not many are useful, especially if you mix out 
the sounds you don't need. It also has one of the greatest live features, 
Preset pattrens for individual instruments. While a pattern is playing 
you can press one of the top buttons and add a 4X4 handclap or cool ritmo 
conga pattern. Disco frenzy high hat and cymbal presets too.

If that's not enough there are 8 programmable user patterns which can be 
very cool indeed. i use a CR8000 and 606 live for rhythmical ambinet/acid 
type shows and they complement each other perfectly. 

They go for $150 frequently in good shape with an occasional $200 or $100 
depending on who has it. It's instantly recognizable due to it's 50's 
industrial design shape (looks like a kitchen appliance or typewriter) 
and hiedoues color scheme (dull beige cover, babyshitbrown, pukegreen, 
and dullblue buttons, etc).


Drawbacks include no editing of sounds, one output, an archaic (but useable) 
pattern interface, and an annoying grouping of the sounds in the mixer sliders. 
(Toms and snare are on one knob, Hats and cymbals on another). and a very 
weak kick that needs eq or compression to be heard. 

Still, underrated box if ever there was one in analogue circles. This in 
itself is a plus; no one seems to be using them so you'll have "new" sounds.