drum machine

Primus and Roland TR-808

Primus programs a classic Roland TR-808. From Gunfire H. Horibly via our Facebook page.

The TR-808, or simple the 808 as it is affectionately known, was not an initial commercial success. It was only in production from 1980 to 1982 And its sounds were not particularly realistic, but it did have a distinct character than some artists of the time. It has since achieved a cult following and can be heard on more recordings than perhaps any other drum machine. Roland has also released two “reboots” in recent years, a “Boutique” TR-08 version and the TR-8s for the Aira series.

CatSynth Pic: Boss DR-660

A cute orange cat and a Boss “Dr. Rhythm” DR-660 come together in this bright photo. From Fa Szi via Facebook.

There is an old DR-660 here at CatSynth HQ, but I haven’t been able to get it to work. This image inspires me to try it again.

Blixa and Sasha in the Studio (Roland and Arturia)

Blixa and Sasha are sitting together in the studio. We see Roland TR 707 and TR-8S rhythm machines, along with an Arturia DrumBrute. From Neil Parker via Facebook. 💕

I love these fluffy things more than anything.

I know the feeling. They are indeed so precious to us.

You can see more of Blixa and Sasha via Blixa’s tag on CatSynth.

CatSynth Pic: Pisze and Boss DR-660

Cute orange cat Pisze poses with a Boss “Dr. Rhythm” DR-660 drum machine. Submitted by Fa Szi via our Facebook page.

Big Merp with Yamaha RX5 Drum Machine

Big Merp the cat sitting on a Yamaha RX5 drum machine

Big Merp has taken to our recently acquired Yamaha RX5 drum machine. I think he will be ready to lay down some rhythm tracks soon. He also has his rear paw on another recent acquisition: the Buchla Red Panel 158 oscillator. Look for these two instruments featured in upcoming episodes of CatSynth TV!

Back in the late 1980s when I was getting into synthesizers, Yamaha’s DX series dominated the landscape (along with Roland’s D series). I got Yamaha’s “After Touch” magazine which featured new releases including the RX5, which became the flagship of their drum-machine line. It was beyond my reach then, but I now I have one and looking forward to seeing what I can do with it in our eclectic studio at CatSynth HQ.

CatSynth Pic: Coco and TR-09

Coco gets ready to program her Roland TR-09 drum machine. Submitted by Daniel Warner via our Facebook page.

The TR-09 is a recreation of the Roland TR-909 as part of the Boutique series. It has the original controls and layout of the “909”, but in the Boutique form factor; plus some modern additions like USB.

You can see Coco’s previous appearance on CatSynth here.

CatSynth Pic: Pinki and Roland TR-909

Pinki the cat with a Roland TR-909 drum machine

Pinki shows off a Roland TR-909 drum machine. From Edda Jayne Hill via our Facebook page.

Pinki just hit the start button and is seemingly impressed by the outcome 😁

The TR-909 was a commercial failure compared to its predecessor, the TR-808, but it has since become a prized instrument and commands rather high prices. Many friends even celebrate “909 Day” on the 9th of September. Roland has more recently introduced a TR-09 as part of its Boutique series.

CatSynth Pic: Lilli and TR-909 (on 9/10)

Lilli poses on a TR-909 drum machine for 909 Day. That was yesterday. We’re a little late to the party, but we’re happy to feature her today.

Picture by Edda Jayne Hill via Facebook.

CatSynth Pic: Dino Dreams of Drum Machines

Dino from Ok Housecat naps on a circuit-bent and colorfully adorned drum machine.

Dino dreams of drum machines 👌🏠🐈#drummachine #circuitbent #circuitbending #cat #yamaha #beats #cool FOR SALE on the UPDATED Ok Housecat Etsy page!

You can find this and other items at Ok Housecat’s Etsy page https://www.etsy.com/shop/OKHOUSECAT

CatSynth Pics: #808Day and #InternationalCatDay

We have this triple image from Roland for the combination of “808 Day” and International Cat Day.

We hope you all have a good day today with your cats and music, whether in space or not.