Roland TR-626 Drum Machine

Vintage Classic drum machine by Roland from 1987 Perfect Working Condition, perfect to trigger Sequencers & Modular gear, 8 outputs! The Sound of INXS

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Smooth Operator

The 626 is resplendently beige, and has a smooth, sleek, console appearance that just a few years ago was looking decidedly dated, but which is now showing signs of edging back into hipness (it also matches modern computers and Akai samplers to perfection). The machine's lightness implies portability, and this impression is confirmed by the battery compartment on the underside: insert six AA batteries, and you're on the move. In fact, this was how new 626s were supplied, and though they will, of course, work from the mains, an external PSU was not included as standard. The usual 9V unit costing around a fiver will do the job.

Eleven small, square, self‑coloured buttons access various of the machine's functions, while 16 large dark‑grey buttons serve as pads (and also double as further editing controls). Neat, flat rotaries control volume and tempo, and pattern programming is accomplished via a custom display (not, sadly, backlit) of a size that still looks generous compared to many current hi‑tech instruments! The 626's work surface is decidedly sparse, with none of the flashing lights, knobs and level controls you'd find on the 808 or 707. It's round at the back, though, that you find one of the machine's greatest assets: no less than eight outputs (plus a stereo out), through which individual kit sounds can be routed for external processing and EQ of your choice.