Published by Nig on 17 Mar 2018 at 01:19 pm
TR-8S Assigning Notes
There are a couple of ways to assign different notes to sounds on the TR-8S – by using the TUNE knob and also by using the CTRL knob, both of which can be manipulated using the motion function of the TR-8S.
The TUNE knob
The TUNE knob values range from -127 thru’ 0 to +127 and this covers a tuning range of 2 octaves, with 0 equalling note C2#. It follows then, that -128 would be C1# and +127 would be C3# with the notes in being equidistant within that range. Assuming 12 notes between C2# and C3, then logically moving the TUNE knob in steps of about 10 or 11 (it doesn’t divide exactly!) would advance the tuning one note at a a time.
Hooking up the output of the TR-8 to a chromatic tuner however, shows that the correlation between the TUNE knob values and the actual notes is not exact.
TUNE Value | NOTE |
---|---|
-128 | C1# |
-117 | D1 |
-96 | E1 |
-85 | F1 |
-64 | G1 |
-43 | A1 |
-21 | B1 |
-11 | C2 |
0 | C2# |
11 | D2 |
32 | E2 |
42 | F2 |
64 | G2 |
85 | A2 |
106 | B2 |
117 | C3 |
127 | C3# |
These figures were taken using the factory sample OSC Sine Low, with a long delay, so the tuner could detect the pitch. It was sometimes hard to get the knob to stay on value, but I hope they are accurate. When operating the knobs, I can’t help but feel that it would have been useful if they could have been notched, especially at zero.
These notes will vary depending on the tone used, but the values will remain the same.
The CTRL Knob
One of the functions available with the CTRL knob is Coarse Tune. The value range for this is -24 thru’ 0 to +24, and unlike the TUNE knob, it follows a more linear correlation between value and note. Each increment of the CTRL knob’s value increases or decreases the pitch by one semi-tone, so the coarse tone setting offers a tonal range over 4 octaves.
To set the CTRL to Coarse Tune, select the Instrument and whilst pressing [CTRL SELECT] turn the instrument’s CTRL knob until the display shows COARSE, then release [CTRL SELECT]. When the CTRL knob is turned, the display will show Coarse Tune value.
Using Motion to Input Notes
Unless you have an ear than can detect the pitch of a note (which I don’t) then using the knobs to accurately input notes is tricky, even with using the coarse tune thru’ the CTRL knob. By using motion, particularly on the CTRL knob, you can set the note at each step.
- Select TR-REC
- Select an Instrument
You can use any instrument for this, but I usually use the toms for things like basses, keys strings, etc., mainly as a I seldom use them. You can do this for drums or for both preset and imported samples. - Key in steps on the PADs where you want the note changes.
- Set CTRL to Coarse by pressing and holding [CTRL SELECT] and turning the instrument’s CTRL knob so the display shows Coarse.
- Set MOTION [REC] on.
- Whilst pressing a PAD, turn the CTRL knob to set the required value and release the PAD. The value will be stored for this PAD. Repeat for the remaining PADs
- Turn MOTION [REC] off and press MOTION [ON].
Whilst this works very well, it’s worth bearing in mind that if the CTRL function is changed, you will no longer hear the motion for the coarse tune. It will still be recorded so it will still work once CTRL is set back to coarse, assuming no other movements are recorded and this is easily done if motion record is still enabled.
Anon on 15 Mar 2019 at 6:02 pm #
Very useful info, thanks. Like to use the CTRL knob for other things than tuning so using the main Tune button with the values you’ve kindly listed above. The TR8s like the ESX2 can be used in multiple configurations. If you save your current patterns and samples with the Backup util, then factory reset the TR8s, make a new setup with it’s own samples and patterns, then use Backup again but save it as a different name. You can then choose either setup using the Restore. I’ve got 6 configs, Roland, Fairlight, Alesis, Korg, Synth and the default. It’s the best drum machine Roland have made without doubt.
Jay on 16 Aug 2020 at 6:22 pm #
Thanks for the info.
I’d love to see a function (maybe in the settings) where you can decide if the “tune knob” tunes in semi tones or just in floating 2 octaves. As the coarse tuning is nice &all, but if automated it steals the control knob.
Would appreciate.
2.0 update is very cool 🙂 thanks.
Chen on 14 Feb 2021 at 1:14 am #
extremely helpful and very clear, many thanks.
The stupidest thing on TR-8S is Roland didn’t use the rotary encoders that offer the notch click feedbacks. The knob on TR-8S makes me feel like fooled every time I want to fine tune a vlaue, really stupid
Nig on 16 Feb 2021 at 7:59 pm #
Yeah, totally agree. They should have done the same on the MC-707 IMO.
Fred on 19 Feb 2021 at 10:34 pm #
Thanks for the info Nig!
I did a little tuning-test myself, using the TR6s, the OSC cosine high sample (long delay) and Ableton’s tuner. My results were the following:
-127 = C4
0 = C5
+127 = C6
The steps in between the octaves were pretty even divided:
-127: C4
-117: C(4)#
-107: D
-96: D#
-85: E
-75: F
-63: F#
-53: G
-43: G#
-32: A
-21: A#
-11: B
0: C5
10: C(5)#
21: D
32: D#
42: E
53: F
63: F#
74: G
85: G#
95: A
106: A#
116: B
127: C6
Hope this helps. Enjoy! 🙂 Fred
Nig on 20 Feb 2021 at 4:58 pm #
Awesome:-)
Max on 16 Nov 2021 at 8:52 pm #
Fred, thanks so much! I am benefitting from your hard work right now. Very appreciative.