Yes—but “808” can mean several things. The original Roland TR-808 is discontinued, while its recognizable drum sounds and step-sequencing approach remain relevant. Producers can work with the sound through modern recreations, including Roland’s TR-08 hardware and TR-808 software for a DAW. Roland describes the sound as continuing in newer genres, though its product pages do not quantify how many musicians use it today.
What does “808” mean?
In music conversations, “808” may refer to the original Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, the sounds associated with it, or a modern instrument that recreates those sounds. The original machine is vintage and discontinued; a contemporary 808-style kick or pattern does not necessarily come from original hardware.
Roland introduced the TR-808 in 1980. Its analog-generated palette includes a booming bass drum, snappy snare, sizzling hi-hats, clicky rim shot and cowbell. Roland points to the machine’s analog synthesis and circuit characteristics as key to its unusual sound. The kick’s long decay makes its warm low-frequency tone especially prominent, which helps explain why “808” can describe a broader sound vocabulary as well as one specific machine.
Why is the 808 still relevant?
The instrument’s sounds have proved adaptable beyond the musical context in which the hardware first appeared. Roland says the TR-808 sound continues to be used in newer genres, and its US TR-08 product page declares, “Time has not diminished the TR-808’s influence.” These are Roland’s descriptions of the instrument’s cultural reach, not an independent survey or a count of current users.
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- Ultra-compact recreation of the legendary TR-808 drum machine
- Retains the sound, character, and user interface of the original TR-808
- Hands-on control including tone, level, tuning, and decay
- Added Compressor, Gain, Tune, and Pan for selected instruments
- Programmable via classic Step and Tap write modes
The 808’s influence also reaches beyond its timbres. Roland’s history page says the TR-808 marked the first appearance of its TR-REC sequencing method and that the method is still in use today. The enduring step-based workflow is another reason the machine remains relevant even when a producer is not using original hardware.
Is the original TR-808 still made?
No. Roland describes the original TR-808 as discontinued. Its pages differ slightly on the final year: the company’s history page dates production to 1980–1982 and says around 12,000 units were made; its software product page says about 12,000 were made before discontinuation in 1983. Both figures are Roland’s historical estimates, not an independently verified production count. The distinction matters if the exact end date is important, but neither page suggests the original is still in production.
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- Heritage Meets Modern Production: The TR-8S combines the best of its Roland heritage with modern production techniques and professional sound design
- Versatile Kit Design: Design Kits with Authentic TR Drums, Sampled Sounds, and Customizable Effects
- Authentic TR Drum Machine Sounds: The TR-8S has every sound from the most sought-after TR drum machines, with detailed circuit-models of the 808, 606, 909, 707, 727, and even several modified versions
- Flexible Sample Import Options: Pull from the extensive collection of preset samples, or import your own mono or stereo sounds using the SD card slot
- Advanced Sound Manipulation: Adjust decay and tuning and alter sample start points, speed, and direction
What can producers use today?
| Option | What it is | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Original TR-808 | Discontinued vintage hardware with its original interface and sound. | People specifically seeking the original machine; condition and availability depend on individual units. Roland does not establish current prices on the cited pages. |
| Roland TR-08 | A compact hardware recreation with 16 sub-steps per step, MIDI control, audio and MIDI over USB, a built-in speaker and battery operation. | Hands-on beat making, portability and modern connectivity. Details are listed on Roland’s global TR-08 page and US TR-08 page. |
| TR-808 Software Rhythm Composer | A software recreation for use inside a DAW, available in VST3, AU and AAX formats according to Roland. | Producers who want an 808-style instrument within a computer-based workflow. Roland lists availability through Roland Cloud Pro or Ultimate, or a Lifetime Key; check the current product specifications for availability. |
| Roland TR-8 | A performance rhythm machine combining TR-808 and TR-909 sounds. | People looking for a performance instrument with both sound families; see Roland’s TR-8 product page. |
Which option should you choose?
- Choose an original TR-808 if having the vintage instrument itself is central to your goal, rather than simply making music with its sound.
- Choose the TR-08 if you want dedicated hardware controls and the documented portability and connectivity features of a recreation.
- Choose the software instrument if you want to build 808-style parts inside a DAW and use a supported plug-in format.
- Consider the TR-8 if you want a performance rhythm machine that combines TR-808 and TR-909 sounds rather than an 808-only recreation.
What Roland’s current activity does—and does not—show
Roland’s 808 Day 2026 announcement is another indication that the company continues to recognize the TR-808 as a cultural touchstone: Roland’s announcement marks the occasion. A commemorative announcement and ongoing product pages demonstrate continued company attention, but they do not establish a numerical estimate of how many artists, tracks or genres currently use the sound.
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- The TR-06 is a detailed replica of the classic Roland TR-606—with some major modern upgrades.
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- Authentic sound and iconic look of the original
- Expanded sound-shaping options with tuning, decay, pan, gain, and more
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- Legendary Creative Magic in Your Hand: AIRA Compact puts Roland's legendary creative magic in the palm of your hand, allowing you to jam, perform, and develop ideas anywhere with genre-defining sounds
- Miniature Rhythm Factory: Create infectious tracks in seconds flat with the T-8, a miniature rhythm factory powered by pristine TR drums including TR-808, TR-909, and TR-606, plus bass from the TB-303
- Intuitive 16-Step Sequencer: 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
- Analog Circuit Behavior Technology: ACB technology faithfully recreates the tonality and behavior of vintage Roland instruments for authentic sound reproduction
- Classic TR-REC Drum Sequencer: Features classic TR-REC drum sequencer with 64 user patterns and up to 32 steps each for extensive rhythm programming capabilities
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- Elevate your drum tracks, make beats on the go, and experience the joy of hands-on production. With the TR-6S, the sound of classic tracks, today's trends, and tomorrow's hits are always within reach.
- Based on the much-loved TR-8S, the compact and affordable TR-6S has the same speaker-pummelling, window-rattling, body-moving sound of its bigger sibling.
- With the TR-6S, you get six tracks of advanced drum sequencing and the most iconic rhythm sounds in music history—all in a battery-powered box that fits just about anywhere.
- Detailed circuit models of the Roland TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707, and more
- Large preset sample library with support for custom user samples
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