Among the TR-707's more obvious advantages is the fact that no other digital drum machine can match its capabilities at the price. But there's another side to it that's been kept very quiet...

Unlike some digital rhythm units, the TR-707 is ideal for use in the recording studio because of its noise-free performance. Background noise, or lack of it, is an important consideration when using any electronic equipment for D.I. recording and the TR-707 is exceptional in this respect.

Of course producers and studio engineers are interested in much more than the audio statistics. The digitally sampled sounds of the TR-707 reflect Roland's years of experience pioneering rhythm machines of every description. For maximum control separate outputs are provided so that Eq and other effects can be added separately to each sound — again, worth checking against the competition. The TR-707 has the size of memory needed for complex rhythm compositions, can be programmed in real or step time (or, indeed, played in real time), and of course is MIDI-linked to control or be controlled by other devices. A special feature is the large central screen, first developed by Roland for the Boss Doctor Rhythm Graphic, which shows full details of the bars, patterns and sounds in a particular composition. With the TR-707, the days of composing drum parts with the aid of a dog-eared notepad are numbered!

For as long as rhythm machines have been used for serious recording Roland have made a top studio model, and the TR-707, complemented by the TR-909 digital/analogue hybrid for those applications that demand the extent of control only hybrid technology can give, is the current 'session' machine. In its quiet, efficient way, it has proved capable of delivering perfect results economically and uncomplicatedly. After only a few months on sale, an impressive record.