System80 880 Desktop is a standalone unit based on the 880 Eurorack module, which is based on the Roland TR-808 drum machine.
The Roland TR-808 is legendary and an integral part of music history. These days, there are various ways to get these iconic sounds in hardware. Behringer offers an affordable option with the RD-8. Roland, on its side, has a next-level fusion version with a built-in TR-909 with the TR-1000.
Tiptop Audio and System80 also offer the TR-808 as independent voices or as a complete Eurorack drum machine recreation. System80 has now transformed its 880 drum machine module into a standalone desktop unit.
System80 880 Desktop
The 880 Desktop is a standalone version of System80’s best-known 880 module, initially developed for the modular Eurorack format.
Like the module, the System80 880 Desktop is a recreation of the iconic Roland TR-808 analog drum machine from the 1980s, but with the key difference that it can be used without a Eurorack system.
It features 16 analog instruments with global accent, carefully recreated with the original circuitry. Each instrument has a dedicated set of controls. For example, the bass drum controls the level, tone, and decay.
Electronic switching of the dual voices allows toms and congas to be triggered on different steps of the same pattern. Talking about the sequencer.
The 880 Desktop has a built-in XOX sequencer with a workflow similar to the original hardware. However, there are some neat modern additions, including shuffle and roll modes, and expanded pattern memory.
You can program patterns up to 64 steps with 12 banks of 16 patterns. Patterns can be easily linked together to create Rhythm Tracks to compose complete songs. Plus, there are options to mute and solo individual sounds.
Connectivity
On the side, you have eleven outputs for processing individual voices, plus a summing mix output with volume control.
Alongside these, you have modern upgrades, including MIDI triggering of drum voices, and flexible external sync via MIDI, DIN sync, or clock pulse. Additionally, two trigger outputs can be assigned to any instrument track, including accent.
Here is a video of the Eurorack desktop version.
First Impression
It’s great to see the 880 drum machine is now available as a standalone unit. The compact form factor is adorable. It’s also a good alternative for anyone who wants an analog TR-808 clone but doesn’t want to go for the Behringer RD-8.
System80 880 Desktop is available now for $795 USD through its network of dealers and directly from its website. It’s hand-assembled in Toronto, Canada.
More information here: System80
Available from my partner
Does this have anything over the Behringer unit to warrant paying so much more?
form factor and if you don’t like Behringer, you now have a hand-built alternative from an small Canadian brand
It would need to be with 3.5mm individual outs..
It looks physically small
It would need to be with 3.5mm individual outs..