Roland - T-8 | Beat Machine

Create infectious tracks in seconds flat with the T-8 Beat Machine, a miniature rhythm factory loaded with legendary Roland TR drums plus bass from the inimitable TB-303. Craft on-the-fly acid jams or trap bangers with the intuitive 16-step sequencer, shape sounds with onboard controls, and flip and dice beats with hands-on tools that stimulate ideas and put the fun back into your flow.

Genre-defining sounds.

Build beats with the boom, pop, and sizzle of sounds from the TR-808, TR-909, and TR-606 drum machines, paired with the shapeshifting low end of the dynamic TB-303 Bass Line. The T-8 exudes classic Roland character, thanks to the same Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) tech found in the TR-8S, TB-3, and other high-end AIRA gear.

Beat central.

Loaded with comprehensive I/O, the T-8 is ready to be the rhythmic centerpiece of any electronic music setup. Connect and sync with other AIRA Compacts like the J-6 Chord Synthesizer and E-4 Voice Tweaker. Or interface with computer DAWS, mobile music apps, and hardware instruments via USB-C or MIDI.

Seven tracks of inspiration.

The T-8 features six drum tracks and one bass track brought together with a friendly interface for fast recording and hands-on tweaks. Capture and fire off 64 patterns with up to 32 steps each, and shape sounds and control parts as you go with an array of dedicated knobs and buttons.

Classic workflow, modernized.

Backed by the TR-REC step sequencer loved by beatmakers since the 1980s, the T-8 makes it simple to develop ideas without ever stopping the action. Real-time recording, sub steps, and velocity further expand the programming power at your fingers. And with deep features like step loop, pattern shift, and probability, it’s easy to deliver dynamic performances with constantly evolving grooves.

Genuine lowdown.

The T-8 delivers an authentic TB-303 bass experience, including the tactile power to squeeze, squelch, and mangle sounds in the moment. Record notes, accents, and slides with traditional step-based input, or play in parts live with the bottom-row buttons or an external MIDI keyboard.

Spicy effects.

Create grit, space, and vibe with the T-8’s high-quality effects. Dirty up rhythms and bass with some meaty overdrive, and keep the beats pumping with sidechain compression. And with dedicated delay and reverb knobs, you can add all sorts of spatial colors to grooves as you perform.

Everywhere at once.

Instilling big sound in an ultra-compact instrument, the T-8 lets you play and perform wherever and whenever you please. The lithium-ion battery keeps you going for up to 4.5 hours per charge, and rugged Roland build quality will fuel beatmaking adventures for years to come.

AIRA COMPACT

Meet the gang

J-6
Chord Synth

Pairing a powerful chord sequencer with the lavish tones of the legendary JUNO-60, this portable synth toolbox has the building blocks you need to bring harmonic substance to your jams.
INFO

P-6
Creative Sampler

Sample and perform anywhere with sophisticated granular sound design options, advanced sequencing tools, and hands-on MFX.
INFO

E-4
Voice Tweaker

This outrageously jammable effects box harmonizes, auto-pitches, vocodes, loops, and glitches your voice and anything else you feed it.
INFO

S-1
Tweak Synth

Divine a new world of sonic textures with a potent micro polysynth and sound design playground inspired by the legendary SH-101.
INFO

Specifications
User Patterns: 64
Step Sequencer: Rhythm instrument parts x 6
Bass part x 1
32 steps
INST tone: BASS DRUM
SNARE DRUM
HAND CLAP
TOM
CLOSED HIHAT
OPEN HIHAT
BASS
Effects: DELAY, REVERB, OVERDRIVE, SIDE CHAIN
Display: 7 segments, 4 characters (LED)
Connectors: SYNC (IN, OUT) jacks: Mini phone type
MIX (IN, OUT) / PHONES jacks: Stereo mini phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) jacks: Stereo mini phone type
USB port: USB Type-C® (Audio, MIDI)
Power Supply: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Obtained via USB port (USB bus power)
Current Draw: 500 mA
Expected battery life under continuous use: Approx. 4.5 hours
* These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Expected battery charging time: Approx. 3 hours
* To charge the unit, use the USB port of a computer or a commercially available USB power supply adaptor (5 V, 500 mA or higher).
Accessories: Leaflet ”Read Me First”
USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable
Size and Weight
Width: 188 mm
7-7/16 inches
Depth: 106 mm
4-3/16 inches
Height: 36.2 mm
1-7/16 inches
Weight (including batteries): 310 g
11 oz

Video Library

AIRA Compact Overview

Fun, go-everywhere instruments that put Roland’s legendary creative magic in the palm of your hand.

Vocal Harmonizer History: Effects Processors, Vocoders, and More

Learn the origin story of vocal harmonizers and processors and explore the science behind creating vocal harmonies with music technology.Read more…

Getting to Know AIRA Compact: T-8 Beat Machine

The T-8 combines the best of TR drum sounds with a TB-303-style bass track. Learn to use this flexible, portable instrument.Read more…

Getting to Know AIRA Compact: P-6 Creative Sampler

The P-6 is a compact sampler capable of a wide range of sample processing and compositional techniques. Learn to use this flexible, portable instrument.Read more…

A Few Minutes with H31R

Experimental duo H31R strives to break through genre boundaries. The pair shares insight into their influences, gear, and creative process.Read more…

Getting to Know AIRA Compact: An Introduction

The AIRA Compact line is Roland’s most portable to date. Here’s an introduction to the individual members of the family.Read more…

Getting to Know AIRA Compact: The Basics

The AIRA Compact line is Roland's most portable to date. Learn the key skills needed to get started with this powerful instrument series.Read more…

Downloads

Updates & Drivers

T-8 System Program Ver.1.02

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact the Roland Product Support team directly via Roland Backstage.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.

AIRA COMPACT

T-8 BEAT MACHINE
A Legend In Your Pocket.

Genre-defining sounds.