Machines

The instruments, most of which failed commercially before they were repurposed. The Roland TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines, the TB-303 bass line that was built to accompany a guitarist practising alone and instead produced acid, the SH-101, samplers and sequencers and the modular rigs that came later. Roland discontinued all three of the famous boxes; the used market and the people who could not afford anything else decided what they were for. Objects rather than nostalgia: this is the best documented material in the whole subject.

Part of Techno

124 moments in this segment.

1. 1985 - Yamaha DX Performance Demonstration - DX7 / DX9 - Audio Cassette (1985). A Yamaha DX7 and DX9 performance demonstration issued on cassette in 1985.
2. 1985 - Happy hour, sunshower, 808's gives you power 💪. An analogue drum machine manufactured from 1980 into 1983. Its significance is that it let users program their own rhythms rather than select presets, and that its sounds are synthesised rather than sampled, so they do not resemble a real kit. It is more central to electro and hip-hop than to techno narrowly, reaching Detroit largely by way of Cybotron and electro.
3. 1986 - Akai S900 Sampler Video Manual (1986 High Quality 60FPS VHS Live Instructional & Demonstration Tape). The Akai S900 sampler's own 1986 instructional video manual, transferred from VHS.
4. 1987 - Miragefantasy #1 (Ensoniq Mirage Demo) (1987). An Ensoniq Mirage demonstration recorded in 1987.
5. 2004 - Tr-909. The TR-909 was introduced in 1983 and produced only to 1985. Its architecture is hybrid, analogue voices for most sounds but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats. It sold poorly against competitors offering more realistic sampled drums, and the discontinued stock reaching the second-hand market cheap is what put it in the hands of producers who could not afford studio time.
6. 2004 - Roland TR-909 2nd version. The TR-909 was introduced in 1983 and produced only to 1985. Its architecture is hybrid, analogue voices for most sounds but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats. It sold poorly against competitors offering more realistic sampled drums, and the discontinued stock reaching the second-hand market cheap is what put it in the hands of producers who could not afford studio time.
7. 2004 - Roland TR-808. An analogue drum machine manufactured from 1980 into 1983. Its significance is that it let users program their own rhythms rather than select presets, and that its sounds are synthesised rather than sampled, so they do not resemble a real kit. It is more central to electro and hip-hop than to techno narrowly, reaching Detroit largely by way of Cybotron and electro.
8. 2004 - Roland TB-303 puta dva. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
9. 2004 - Roland TB-303. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
10. 2005 - Roland TB-303 Bass Line - dark, angled left (2005-11-07 by j bizzie). Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
11. 2005 - roland sh-101. A monophonic analogue synthesiser manufactured from 1982 to 1986, with a 100-step sequencer and an optional handgrip so it could be strapped on and played like a keytar. One note at a time, cheap and portable. Its role in techno is workhorse rather than signature.
12. 2005 - MPC 2000 Xl @ Krach und Klang-Werkstatt. Sampling instruments of the E-mu, Akai and Ensoniq families sit alongside the four famous drum boxes in this history. Sampling is central to the second wave of Detroit production and to dub techno.
13. 2006 - SH-101. A monophonic analogue synthesiser manufactured from 1982 to 1986, with a 100-step sequencer and an optional handgrip so it could be strapped on and played like a keytar. One note at a time, cheap and portable. Its role in techno is workhorse rather than signature.
14. 2006 - Roland TR-909. The TR-909 was introduced in 1983 and produced only to 1985. Its architecture is hybrid, analogue voices for most sounds but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats. It sold poorly against competitors offering more realistic sampled drums, and the discontinued stock reaching the second-hand market cheap is what put it in the hands of producers who could not afford studio time.
15. 2006 - RolandTR-909-front. The TR-909 was introduced in 1983 and produced only to 1985. Its architecture is hybrid, analogue voices for most sounds but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats. It sold poorly against competitors offering more realistic sampled drums, and the discontinued stock reaching the second-hand market cheap is what put it in the hands of producers who could not afford studio time.
16. 2007 - Old Roland TB-303 (2163385152). Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
17. 2007 - TB-303, TR-606, MPC500, Micro racks. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
18. 2007 - Tb303 closeup. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
19. 2007 - Old Roland TB-303. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
20. 2008 - Roland TB-303 Panel. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
21. 2008 - TB303 Front View. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
22. 2008 - Roland SH-101 & Korg kaossilator. A monophonic analogue synthesiser manufactured from 1982 to 1986, with a 100-step sequencer and an optional handgrip so it could be strapped on and played like a keytar. One note at a time, cheap and portable. Its role in techno is workhorse rather than signature.
23. 2008 - Roland TR-606. Part of the Roland line whose commercial disappointment shaped the genre. These machines were designed to imitate real instruments, were judged unconvincing at that, sold poorly and were discontinued, then reached the second-hand market cheap.
24. 2008 - jamming at our LittleTek. The TR-909 was introduced in 1983 and produced only to 1985. Its architecture is hybrid, analogue voices for most sounds but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats. It sold poorly against competitors offering more realistic sampled drums, and the discontinued stock reaching the second-hand market cheap is what put it in the hands of producers who could not afford studio time.
25. 2009 - Roland TR-808 & 909. An analogue drum machine manufactured from 1980 into 1983. Its significance is that it let users program their own rhythms rather than select presets, and that its sounds are synthesised rather than sampled, so they do not resemble a real kit. It is more central to electro and hip-hop than to techno narrowly, reaching Detroit largely by way of Cybotron and electro.
26. 2009 - Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer. An analogue drum machine manufactured from 1980 into 1983. Its significance is that it let users program their own rhythms rather than select presets, and that its sounds are synthesised rather than sampled, so they do not resemble a real kit. It is more central to electro and hip-hop than to techno narrowly, reaching Detroit largely by way of Cybotron and electro.
27. 2009 - Roland MC-202. Part of the Roland line whose commercial disappointment shaped the genre. These machines were designed to imitate real instruments, were judged unconvincing at that, sold poorly and were discontinued, then reached the second-hand market cheap.
28. 2009 - Sequencer rack @ bdu's studio. The TR-909 was introduced in 1983 and produced only to 1985. Its architecture is hybrid, analogue voices for most sounds but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats. It sold poorly against competitors offering more realistic sampled drums, and the discontinued stock reaching the second-hand market cheap is what put it in the hands of producers who could not afford studio time.
29. 2009 - 2009-11(Nov)-10 - idea - 'the clap' t-shirt. An analogue drum machine manufactured from 1980 into 1983. Its significance is that it let users program their own rhythms rather than select presets, and that its sounds are synthesised rather than sampled, so they do not resemble a real kit. It is more central to electro and hip-hop than to techno narrowly, reaching Detroit largely by way of Cybotron and electro.
30. 2010 - Roland TR-808 & TR-909 - So it begins. The TR-909 was introduced in 1983 and produced only to 1985. Its architecture is hybrid, analogue voices for most sounds but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats. It sold poorly against competitors offering more realistic sampled drums, and the discontinued stock reaching the second-hand market cheap is what put it in the hands of producers who could not afford studio time.
31. 2010 - Roland TR-909 & TR-808 Rhythm Composers @ Five G music technology, Harajuku - 2010-09-03 (by j bizzie). The TR-909 was introduced in 1983 and produced only to 1985. Its architecture is hybrid, analogue voices for most sounds but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats. It sold poorly against competitors offering more realistic sampled drums, and the discontinued stock reaching the second-hand market cheap is what put it in the hands of producers who could not afford studio time.
32. 2010 - Roland TB-303 @ nordcafe Teknisca Museet. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
33. 2010 - Roland TB-303 Bass Line Computer Controlled. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
34. 2010 - Roland SH-101. A monophonic analogue synthesiser manufactured from 1982 to 1986, with a 100-step sequencer and an optional handgrip so it could be strapped on and played like a keytar. One note at a time, cheap and portable. Its role in techno is workhorse rather than signature.
35. 2010 - RolandTR-909-rear. The TR-909 was introduced in 1983 and produced only to 1985. Its architecture is hybrid, analogue voices for most sounds but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats. It sold poorly against competitors offering more realistic sampled drums, and the discontinued stock reaching the second-hand market cheap is what put it in the hands of producers who could not afford studio time.
36. 2010 - Morning lab (by eternal jamzzzz). An analogue drum machine manufactured from 1980 into 1983. Its significance is that it let users program their own rhythms rather than select presets, and that its sounds are synthesised rather than sampled, so they do not resemble a real kit. It is more central to electro and hip-hop than to techno narrowly, reaching Detroit largely by way of Cybotron and electro.
37. 2010 - Will only sleep on the 909 (by eternal jamzzzz). The TR-909 was introduced in 1983 and produced only to 1985. Its architecture is hybrid, analogue voices for most sounds but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats. It sold poorly against competitors offering more realistic sampled drums, and the discontinued stock reaching the second-hand market cheap is what put it in the hands of producers who could not afford studio time.
38. 2011 - Roland TR-909 rear. The TR-909 was introduced in 1983 and produced only to 1985. Its architecture is hybrid, analogue voices for most sounds but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats. It sold poorly against competitors offering more realistic sampled drums, and the discontinued stock reaching the second-hand market cheap is what put it in the hands of producers who could not afford studio time.
39. 2011 - Roland TR-808 (large). An analogue drum machine manufactured from 1980 into 1983. Its significance is that it let users program their own rhythms rather than select presets, and that its sounds are synthesised rather than sampled, so they do not resemble a real kit. It is more central to electro and hip-hop than to techno narrowly, reaching Detroit largely by way of Cybotron and electro.
40. 2011 - Roland TR-909 (large). The TR-909 was introduced in 1983 and produced only to 1985. Its architecture is hybrid, analogue voices for most sounds but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats. It sold poorly against competitors offering more realistic sampled drums, and the discontinued stock reaching the second-hand market cheap is what put it in the hands of producers who could not afford studio time.
41. 2011 - Sequential Circuits Tom -Roland SH 101 - Roland MC202- Maschine Mikro-Kenton Pro Solo. A monophonic analogue synthesiser manufactured from 1982 to 1986, with a 100-step sequencer and an optional handgrip so it could be strapped on and played like a keytar. One note at a time, cheap and portable. Its role in techno is workhorse rather than signature.
42. 2011 - Catseat (by eternal jamzzzz). An analogue drum machine manufactured from 1980 into 1983. Its significance is that it let users program their own rhythms rather than select presets, and that its sounds are synthesised rather than sampled, so they do not resemble a real kit. It is more central to electro and hip-hop than to techno narrowly, reaching Detroit largely by way of Cybotron and electro.
43. 2011 - Future Retro REVOLUTION, Elektron MACHINEDRUM SPS-1UW, JoMoX T-RESONATOR, etc, Muff Wiggler's studio. A programmable drum machine of the kind whose commercial failure is load-bearing in this history. Designed as songwriting aids and judged unrealistic, they sold poorly, were discontinued and reached producers with no budget second-hand.
44. 2011 - Xoxbox bassline vs. Elektron Machinedrum. A programmable drum machine of the kind whose commercial failure is load-bearing in this history. Designed as songwriting aids and judged unrealistic, they sold poorly, were discontinued and reached producers with no budget second-hand.
45. 2011-12-06 - TB-303 Documentary - Bassline Baseline. A documentary on the TB-303 and the acid sound its misuse produced.
46. 2012-02-20 - Diabolical modified Roland TR-606 quick demo. A modified Roland TR-606 demonstrated. Circuit-bending and modification are part of how these machines stayed in use long after Roland stopped making them.
47. 2012 - AcidLab Miami (TB-303 clone), Dinosauriertreffen 2 - 066. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
48. 2012 - Roland SH-101 Blue angled, Dinosauriertreffen 2 - 096. A monophonic analogue synthesiser manufactured from 1982 to 1986, with a 100-step sequencer and an optional handgrip so it could be strapped on and played like a keytar. One note at a time, cheap and portable. Its role in techno is workhorse rather than signature.
49. 2012 - Roland TR-727 Rhythm Composer (Latin percussion version of TR-707), Dinosauriertreffen 2 - 054. A programmable drum machine of the kind whose commercial failure is load-bearing in this history. Designed as songwriting aids and judged unrealistic, they sold poorly, were discontinued and reached producers with no budget second-hand.
50. 2013-05-08 - Patrick Pulsinger on patching modular synths | Red Bull Music Academy. Patrick Pulsinger on patching modular synthesisers.
51. 2013 - Cyclone analogic Bass Bot TT-303 Computer Controlled & Korg Electribe A (EA-1) Analog Modeling Synthesizer. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
52. 2013 - Cyclone analogic Bass Bot TT-303 Computer Controlled. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
53. 2013 - 1-bit Dialogs on the AKAI MPC 2500 LCD. Sampling instruments of the E-mu, Akai and Ensoniq families sit alongside the four famous drum boxes in this history. Sampling is central to the second wave of Detroit production and to dub techno.
54. 2013-10-09 - BBC Radio 1 Stories - Roland TR-808 TR-909 TB-303 Documentary. A BBC Radio 1 Stories documentary on the Roland TR-808, TR-909 and TB-303, the three machines whose commercial failure created two genres.
55. 2014 - Cyclone Analogic Bass Bot TT-303 with other gadgets (by David J). Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
56. 2014 - Roland TR-808 (large). An analogue drum machine manufactured from 1980 into 1983. Its significance is that it let users program their own rhythms rather than select presets, and that its sounds are synthesised rather than sampled, so they do not resemble a real kit. It is more central to electro and hip-hop than to techno narrowly, reaching Detroit largely by way of Cybotron and electro.
57. 2014 - Roland TR-909 (large). The TR-909 was introduced in 1983 and produced only to 1985. Its architecture is hybrid, analogue voices for most sounds but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats. It sold poorly against competitors offering more realistic sampled drums, and the discontinued stock reaching the second-hand market cheap is what put it in the hands of producers who could not afford studio time.
58. 2014-07-16 - Sonic TALK 368 - Vintage FX - MC-202. A long discussion of the Roland MC-202, the sequencer and synthesiser sibling of the 303.
59. 2014-11-05 - Untold Talks Raves, Grime and Modular Synths | Red Bull Music Academy. Untold on raves, grime and modular synthesisers.
60. 2015-07-13 - Addison Groove Talks Footwork, Drum Machines and Raving | Red Bull Music Academy. Addison Groove on footwork, drum machines and raving.
61. 2015-10-16 - David J Interview with Roland about TR-808. David J interviewed by Roland about the TR-808.
62. 2016 - Roland SH-101 photograph. A monophonic analogue synthesiser manufactured from 1982 to 1986, with a 100-step sequencer and an optional handgrip so it could be strapped on and played like a keytar. One note at a time, cheap and portable. Its role in techno is workhorse rather than signature.
63. 2016-11-09 - Iron Galaxy on the Roland TB-303 | Red Bull Music Academy. Iron Galaxy on the Roland TB-303 at Red Bull Music Academy. The 303 is not a drum machine and not a general synthesiser: it is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, released in 1981.
64. 2016-11-30 - Mumdance on his live modular synth rig | Red Bull Music Academy. Mumdance on his live modular synthesiser rig.
65. 2016-12-07 - Iron Galaxy on the Roland Jupiter-8 | Red Bull Music Academy. Iron Galaxy on the Roland Jupiter-8 at Red Bull Music Academy.
66. 2017 - Drumatix TR-606 used by the Scientific Americans. Part of the Roland line whose commercial disappointment shaped the genre. These machines were designed to imitate real instruments, were judged unconvincing at that, sold poorly and were discontinued, then reached the second-hand market cheap.
67. 2017 - TR-606 detail shot. Part of the Roland line whose commercial disappointment shaped the genre. These machines were designed to imitate real instruments, were judged unconvincing at that, sold poorly and were discontinued, then reached the second-hand market cheap.
68. 2017 - TR-606 1. Part of the Roland line whose commercial disappointment shaped the genre. These machines were designed to imitate real instruments, were judged unconvincing at that, sold poorly and were discontinued, then reached the second-hand market cheap.
69. 2017-07-20 - Philippe Zdar talks MC Solaar, Drum machines and French touch | Red Bull Music Academy. Philippe Zdar on drum machines and French touch.
70. 2017-07-25 - Skinnerbox reviews the Roland SE-02. Skinnerbox review the Roland SE-02.
71. 2017-10-18 - DRUM machine - WikiVidi Documentary. An encyclopedic documentary on the drum machine.
72. 2017-12-11 - Stimming reviews Erica Synths' Acidbox III (Electronic Beats TV). Stimming reviews an Erica Synths Acidbox, a modern take on the 303 filter sound.
73. 2018-04-23 - Tech Talk: Anthony Rother’s Studio is a Modular Utopia (Electronic Beats TV). Anthony Rother's modular studio.
74. 2018-05-14 - Carl Craig’s Synthesizer Ensemble live at Funkhaus Berlin (EB.TV Live). Carl Craig's Synthesizer Ensemble live at Funkhaus Berlin.
75. 2018-08-07 - “808": The Making of the Documentary on the Roland TR-808. Roland's own trailer for the documentary about the TR-808.
76. 2018-08-08 - First Patch - Roland TR-808 | Red Bull Music Academy. A first patch on the Roland TR-808, filmed for Red Bull Music Academy.
77. 2018-08-12 - First Patch - Roland SH-3A | Red Bull Music Academy. A first patch on a Roland SH-3A.
78. 2018-08-14 - First Patch - Korg MS-20 | Red Bull Music Academy. A first patch on the Korg MS-20.
79. 2018-08-15 - First Patch - Roland TB-303 | Red Bull Music Academy. A first patch on the Roland TB-303.
80. 2018-08-15 - First Patch - Roland TR-606 | Red Bull Music Academy. A first patch on the Roland TR-606.
81. 2018-08-15 - First Patch - Roland TR-909 | Red Bull Music Academy. A first patch on the Roland TR-909. The 909 was a commercial failure, with roughly ten thousand units made, because buyers preferred competitors' more realistic sampled drums. That failure is what put it into the hands of Detroit and Berlin producers who could not afford studio time.
82. 2018-08-20 - Tech Talk: CYRK Share the Hardware Heaven of Their Berlin Studio (Electronic Beats TV). CYRK on the hardware in their Berlin studio.
83. 2018-10-04 - Electric Rhythm: The History of the Drum Machine | Reverb. A history of the drum machine as an instrument.
84. 2019-03-04 - How the TB-303 Changed Music with Rob Hood, Richie Hawtin & Martyn Ware | Red Bull Music Academy. Robert Hood, Richie Hawtin and Martyn Ware on how the TB-303 changed music.
85. 2019-04-17 - How Don Buchla Pioneered Synthesizers | Red Bull Music Academy. How Don Buchla pioneered synthesisers, filmed for Red Bull Music Academy. Buchla's West Coast design philosophy is the road not taken by the keyboard-centred instruments techno actually used.
86. 2019 - TR-808 - MIM, Phoenix (2019-08-30 14.59.26 by Bryan Pocius). An analogue drum machine manufactured from 1980 into 1983. Its significance is that it let users program their own rhythms rather than select presets, and that its sounds are synthesised rather than sampled, so they do not resemble a real kit. It is more central to electro and hip-hop than to techno narrowly, reaching Detroit largely by way of Cybotron and electro.
87. 2019 - TR-808 - MIM, Phoenix (2019-08-30 14.59.26 by Bryan Pocius) (cropped). An analogue drum machine manufactured from 1980 into 1983. Its significance is that it let users program their own rhythms rather than select presets, and that its sounds are synthesised rather than sampled, so they do not resemble a real kit. It is more central to electro and hip-hop than to techno narrowly, reaching Detroit largely by way of Cybotron and electro.
88. 2019-10-17 - Afrorack : le corps de la machine (interview et live session). Afrorack, who builds and plays modular synthesisers in Kampala, in an interview and live session. An African modular builder belongs in the machines story rather than as a footnote.
89. 2019-11-25 - Tech Talk: Modular studio secrets from Guy Gerber (Electronic Beats TV). Guy Gerber on his modular studio.
90. 2020-10-27 - Tech Talk: Lady Starlight and her raw, modular techno (Electronic Beats TV). Lady Starlight on her raw modular techno setup.
91. 2020-12-14 - Tech Talk: Steve Rachmad talks us through his synthesiser heavy studio (Electronic Beats TV). Steve Rachmad on his synthesiser heavy studio.
92. 2020-12-17 - Roland TR-06 Drumatix Drum Machine [In-Depth Demonstration]. An in-depth demonstration of Roland's TR-06, a modern recreation of the 606.
93. 2021-02-09 - Comparison of the Roland TR-909 vs TR-8S vs MC-707 Original vs ACB vs ZEN-core [No talk]. The original Roland TR-909 compared with its later digital recreations.
94. 2021-03-06 - Making A Drum Machine From A 1970's Electronics Magazine. A drum machine built from a 1970s electronics magazine design.
95. 2021-05-10 - Stimming presents Beats On A Budget #2 - Hardware (english subtitles!). Stimming on building a hardware setup on a budget, which is how most of this music was actually made.
96. 2021 - Behringer TD-3 8391. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
97. 2022-06-21 - A Timeline History of Roland Juno Synths, 1982 to Today: What's the Difference?. A timeline history of Roland's Juno synthesisers from 1982 onward.
98. 2023-02-19 - The history of the AKAI S900 from 1986 until the release of the AKAI S950. The history of the Akai S900 sampler from 1986 to the S950.
99. 2023-08-08 - The King of the TR-808 : Egyptian Lover on THE ICONIC Drum Machine. Egyptian Lover on the Roland TR-808. The electro lineage that runs through his records is the same one Cybotron sat inside.
100. 2023-10-16 - XOX Project Presents: Saytek TR-909 Interview | Live at Readipop's 909 Event. Saytek interviewed at a Readipop event built around the TR-909.
101. 2023-10-17 - Tech Talk: Jessica Kert talks Modular Synthesizer (Electronic Beats TV). Jessica Kert on modular synthesis.
102. 2023-12-03 - The Roland TR-808 Drum Machine : A 5 Minute History. A short history of the Roland TR-808. It disappointed in its intended market as a songwriting aid, was judged unrealistic, and was then adopted second hand. It is more central to electro and hip hop than to techno narrowly, reaching Detroit through Cybotron and electro.
103. 2024-03-25 - Tech Talk: A Deep Dive Into Rene Wise's Studio Setup - From Hardware to FL Studio and more. Rene Wise walks through a studio that runs from hardware into software.
104. 2024-05-17 - Lifka Hardware Set | Live at Tresor - December 15 2023. Lifka performs a hardware set at Tresor, 15 December 2023.
105. 2024 - Behringer TD-3-SR. Released in 1981, the TB-303 is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in step sequencer, designed to simulate a bass guitar for a guitarist practising alone. It failed at that and was discontinued in 1984. The resonant squelch produced by misusing its cutoff and resonance controls became acid, a lineage that runs primarily through Chicago acid house and reaches techno by way of acid techno.
106. 2024 - Roland CompuRhythm CR-5000 drum machine (1981). A programmable drum machine of the kind whose commercial failure is load-bearing in this history. Designed as songwriting aids and judged unrealistic, they sold poorly, were discontinued and reached producers with no budget second-hand.
107. 2024-07-16 - Tech Talk : Lauren Flax - Hardware Flow, Acid House and Human Touch (Electronic Beats TV). Lauren Flax on hardware flow and acid house.
108. 2024-08-23 - A Guy Called Gerald on live performance – Interview and Roland T-8 jam. A Guy Called Gerald on live performance, with a Roland T-8 jam. Gerald is a direct bridge between Manchester and Detroit; he met Derrick May in Manchester in 1990.
109. 2024-10-08 - Âme’s Frank Wiedemann Explores Ableton’s New Hardware: Move. Frank Wiedemann of Ame explores Ableton's Move hardware. Ableton Live was co-created by Robert Henke, who records as Monolake.
110. 2024-11-11 - The Story of the TR-909. The story of the Roland TR-909, introduced in 1983 and produced to 1985. It is a hybrid: analogue voices for most sounds, but the first Roland drum machine to use samples, for the crash, ride and hi-hats.
111. 2024-12-11 - Human Machines (Live hardware set) | Live at Tresor - 11.09.2024. Human Machines perform a live hardware set at Tresor, 11 September 2024.
112. 2024-12-17 - Tech Talk: Wallis - Hardware, Processing and Playfulness (Electronic Beats TV). Wallis on hardware, processing and playfulness.
113. 2025-04-13 - The TR-808 Drum Machine That Changed Music Forever (1980 Story). The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, released 1980 and produced into 1983. Its significance is that it let users program their own patterns rather than pick presets, and its sounds are synthesised rather than sampled, so they do not resemble a real kit.
114. 2025-06-11 - Judy (Live Hardware Set) | Live at Tresor - 05.03.25. Judy performs a live hardware set at Tresor, 5 March 2025.
115. 2025-07-06 - Electronic Music Synthesizer Documentary The Shape Of Things That Hum History Pop Rock Musica. The Shape of Things That Hum, a documentary history of the synthesiser.
116. 2025-08-27 - Erik Jabari (Live Modular Set) | Live at Tresor - 11.05.25. Erik Jabari performs a live modular set at Tresor, 11 May 2025.
117. 2025-10-14 - Tech Talk: DJ & Producer Nene H on Modular Systems, Essentials & Creative Mindset | EB.TV. Nene H on modular systems and what she considers essential.
118. 2025-12-09 - Tech Talk: Vera Grace - How Modular Gear Shapes Her Hypnotic Techno Sound (Electronic Beats TV). Vera Grace on how modular gear shapes her hypnotic techno.
119. 2026-05-19 - Tech Talk: K.A.S.I. - Serge Modular, Improvisation & Organic Movement (Electronic Beats TV). K.A.S.I. on Serge modular systems and improvisation.
120. 2026 - Roland TR-808 Drum Machine at SMEM Playroom 07. An analogue drum machine manufactured from 1980 into 1983. Its significance is that it let users program their own rhythms rather than select presets, and that its sounds are synthesised rather than sampled, so they do not resemble a real kit. It is more central to electro and hip-hop than to techno narrowly, reaching Detroit largely by way of Cybotron and electro.
121. 2026 - Roland MC-202 Synthesizer at SMEM Playroom. Part of the Roland line whose commercial disappointment shaped the genre. These machines were designed to imitate real instruments, were judged unconvincing at that, sold poorly and were discontinued, then reached the second-hand market cheap.
122. 2026 - Synthesizers at SMEM Playroom. Part of the Roland line whose commercial disappointment shaped the genre. These machines were designed to imitate real instruments, were judged unconvincing at that, sold poorly and were discontinued, then reached the second-hand market cheap.
123. 2026-07-23 - I Made A DRUM MACHINE From An Old Organ Found In The Trash!. A drum machine built from an organ found in the rubbish.
124. 2026-08-09 - Annie Wonder live im Synthesizer Museum Berlin “The true emptiness smiles”. A live performance inside the Synthesizer Museum in Berlin.