R-8 Mk II Human Rhythm Composer (v1.0.3) - MAME machine

Musical Instrument (Electronic) published 34 years ago:

R-8 Mk II Human Rhythm Composer © 1992 Roland.

The Roland R-8 MkII was the enhanced successor to the highly successful R-8 Human Rhythm Composer. It retained the expressive "Human Feel" sequencing system and deep per-instrument editing while significantly expanding the internal sound library and pattern memory. The MkII integrated many sounds previously available only through optional SN-R8 expansion cards, making it one of the most comprehensive PCM drum machines of the early 1990s.

TECHNICAL
16 velocity-sensitive pads
16-bit / 44.1 kHz PCM sound engine
32-voice polyphony
Approximately 200 internal instruments (versus 68 on the original R-8)
200 user patterns (double the original R-8's capacity)
10-song sequencer
Stereo outputs + 8 individual outputs
MIDI In / Out / Thru
Sound ROM card expansion support
Real-time and step-time programming
Human Feel, Flam, Roll and Micro Timing functions

TRIVIA
The MkII contains sounds derived from several expansion cards including Contemporary Percussion, Jazz Brush, Power Drums and Dance collections.

Many producers consider the R-8 MkII one of the finest PCM drum machines ever made because of its combination of realism and programmability.

Artists in house, techno, industrial, synth-pop and soundtrack production used the R-8 family extensively during the early 1990s.

The machine remained in production until approximately 1996.

Users still praise its pitch manipulation and individual outputs, which allow surprisingly creative sound design for a PCM drum machine. Community discussions continue to highlight the expanded sound set and memory advantages of the MkII over the original.

CONTRIBUTE
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