Tactile Sounds has announced the
release of
TS-808,
a software emulation of the Roland TR-808 hardware drum
machine. It was created by reference to the TR-808
service notes and extensive analysis of samples.
The TR-808 service notes provide full schematics for
each voice. I used them to make SPICE simulations of
the circuits. I also analysed the best samples I
could find (The Tape808, by Goldbaby), and tweaked
the sounds until the waveforms and spectral content
were as close as possible to the real thing. Most of
the voices have more parameters and a greater range
than their hardware predecessor.
The TS-808 was a labour of love – I made it because
I wanted to make music with it. I decided to make it
available at no fixed cost because I thought others
would enjoy using it too. If you use it a lot, and
especially if you derive an income from your use of
it, please consider making a donation. The TS-808
was made with SynthEdit.
Details:
TS-808 is a drum synth, not a sampler.
Most of the voices have more parameters and
a greater range than their hardware
predecessors.
All parameters can be automated.
Remote control is available via host mapping
or MIDI learn.
There are 8 outputs.
Each voice can be routed to any output.
TS-808 is free and is available for
Windows as a VST instrument plug-in.
