System 80 shared an update on their upcoming Eurorack Roland TR-808 clone.

The System 80 808 is a recreation of the TR-808 drum machine, reformatted into a 60 HP Eurorack module. It couples the original 16 analog drum voices of the TR-808 with an enhanced TR-style step sequencer.

According to the company, the drum circuits are exact clones of the original TR-808 schematics, using the same semiconductors, wherever possible. All operational amplifiers and bipolar transistors are the same as in the original.

Features:

16 analogue drum voices (6 single voices, 5 switchable dual voices) with global accent

Pattern sequencer with 1-32 steps

12 banks of 16 patterns

16 rhythm tracks

Shuffle and roll modes

External MIDI triggering of drum voices

11 individual drum voice outputs + master output with volume control

2 assignable trigger outputs

External sync via MIDI clock, DIN Sync or clock pulse.

Video Demo:

Pricing and Availability:

The System 80 808 is expected to be available by fall 2017. Pricing is TBA.

FAQ’s

System 80 shared these FAQ’s about the 808 module:

What next?

The teaser video features the second prototype. We are in the process of refining the design to make it production ready. The final production prototype should be ready by late spring.

When can I get one?

Optimistically, late summer. Pessimistically, early fall.

How can I get one?

Once available, stock will be available for direct purchase from our website. We’ve had inquiries from dealers so there is a chance you may be able to purchase through your favourite local synth retailer.

How much will it cost?

This is the question we get asked most often and we don’t yet have a firm answer. The 808 has more than one thousand parts and even after robotic assembly there are many parts that need to be hand assembled. There are a couple of significant manufacturing expenses that have yet to be finalized, which prevents confirmation of a final price. We should have an update on pricing later this spring.

Why Eurorack?

Eurorack is a compact modular synthesizer format that has been increasing in popularity for a number of years. Even a small system can provide extensive tools for making and shaping sounds. The 808 has always benefited from external processing of its drum sounds so it seemed like a good fit for the Eurorack format. It has individual outputs for each drum voice and extensive options for synchronization. Designing and manufacturing a desktop module provides a host of challenges but we’re definitely thinking about it.

What about external triggering?

An expander module that allows external triggering of the drum voices is in development.

When will there be audio demos?

We’re working on it.