The Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer, commonly known as the 808, is a drum machine that was introduced by the Roland Corporation in 1980 and discontinued in 1983. It was one of the first drum machines that allowed users to create their own rhythms instead of relying on pre-set patterns.

In contrast to its main competitor, the more expensive and sample-based Linn LM-1 Drum Computer, the 808 is fully analog, meaning that its sounds are generated through hardware. When it was released, electronic music was not yet mainstream, and the 808 received negative reviews for its unrealistic drum sounds, leading to its commercial failure. Roland produced around 12,000 units of the 808 before discontinuing it due to advancements in semiconductor technology that made it impossible to reproduce the faulty transistors that were crucial to its design. The TR-909 was introduced as its successor in 1984.

Throughout the 1980s, the 808 gained a dedicated following among underground musicians due to its affordability, user-friendly interface, and unique sounds, particularly its deep and resonant bass drum. It became an integral part of the emerging electronic, dance, and hip hop genres, and was featured in early hits like Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” (1982) and Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force’s “Planet Rock” (1983). The 808 eventually appeared on more hit songs than any other drum machine, and its iconic sounds continue to be used in music production. Its popularity in hip hop, in particular, has solidified its status as one of the most influential inventions in popular music, comparable to the impact of the Fender Stratocaster on rock music.

For more detailed information, please visit the Wikipedia page on the Roland TR-808.