Roland's Tadeo Kikumoto on 808, part by part: the ukiyo-e drum machine
16 days ago
- #Synthesizer-History
- #Roland-TR-808
- #Music-Technology
- The TR-808 was developed as a drum synthesizer, not a drum machine, aiming to create 'ideal' sounds rather than mimic real ones.
- Tadao Kikumoto, Roland's lead developer, focused on synthesis-based drum sounds due to technological and cost constraints.
- The 808's kick sound, initially criticized, became iconic in hip-hop and EDM for its strong 60 Hz fundamental and adjustable decay.
- The handclap sound was a practical solution that became a standard, used famously by Yellow Magic Orchestra.
- TR-REC, the step-based programming interface, revolutionized beat-making by making it accessible to non-musicians.
- The 808's sounds are compared to line drawings, emphasizing impact over realism, much like Japanese ukiyo-e art.
- Roland's philosophy was to innovate rather than follow market expectations, leading to the 808's unique legacy.