Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer
A capable drum machine for hands-on beat-making.
The Best Roland Drum Machines (UK 2026)
Roland created the machines that defined electronic music - the TR-808 and TR-909 - and its modern TR range brings those legendary sounds up to date with sampling, effects and deep sequencing.
The Roland TR range
The TR-8S is the flagship, combining classic ACB-modelled 808/909 sounds with sampling and effects; the TR-6S is a more compact take; and the Boutique TR-08 and TR-06 are small, faithful recreations of the 808 and 606. Whichever you choose, you're getting the sounds that shaped house, techno and hip-hop.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Roland TR-08 Rhythm Composer
A capable drum machine for hands-on beat-making.
#3 
Roland TR-6S Rhythm Performer
A capable drum machine (sampling, portable) for hands-on beat-making.
#4 
Roland TR-06 Boutique
A capable drum machine (portable) for hands-on beat-making.
Frequently asked questions
Which Roland drum machine is best?
The TR-8S is the flagship with the widest sounds, sampling and effects; the TR-6S is a compact alternative; and the Boutique TR-08 and TR-06 are faithful, affordable recreations of the 808 and 606. Choose by how much depth and how many sounds you want versus size and price.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Roland TR-8S Rhythm Performer (our score 9.3/10) - A capable drum machine for hands-on beat-making..