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Roland / Rhythm performer

Roland TR-8S

Roland’s TR-8S, with version-scoped MIDI clock, note, Program Change and routing reference.

Official manual TR-8S documentation reviewed for system program version 3.00 or later. Confirm your unit’s version before relying on a menu item.
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Reference

Look up MIDI

Find documented settings and capability notes.

Troubleshoot

Fix a problem

Start with the fastest documented checks.

Workflow

Connect gear

See available connection plans and their verification state.

At a glance

MIDI quick reference

MIDI channel
Default 10; configurable 1–16 or OFF
Official manual
Clock and transport
Receives/transmits clock, Start and Stop; Sync Out controls transmit
Official manual
Program Change
Transmits and recognizes 0–127; Tx/Rx controls are in UTILITY:MIDI
Official manual
Instrument notes
Instrument and alternate note numbers are configurable in UTILITY:MIDI
Official manual
Local switch
SOUND:LocalSw offers OFF, ON and SURFACE routing modes
Official manual
Full MIDI reference
Answer first

Common problems

Official manual
TR-8S is not following external MIDI clock
The TR-8S tempo does not follow the clock arriving at its MIDI IN.Official manual
TR-8S is not sending MIDI clock, Start or Stop
A downstream device does not follow the TR-8S tempo or transport.
Wiring

Connection plans

Needs physical verification

Korg minilogue → Roland TR-8S

Use the minilogue as a MIDI clock and transport master for the TR-8S

View the plan
Needs physical verification

Roland TR-8S → Korg minilogue

Use the TR-8S as a MIDI clock and transport master for the minilogue

View the plan
Needs physical verification

Roland TR-8S → Korg Prophecy

Clock the Prophecy arpeggiator from the TR-8S

View the plan
Official resources

Manuals & resources

TR-8S Reference Manual, Version 3.00 TR-8S MIDI Implementation Chart
Provenance

Sources & review

Last desk review: . Documentation does not replace a physical hardware test.

Sections reviewed: MIDI Implementation Chart v3.00; UTILITY:SYNC/TEMPO; MIDI Implementation Chart v3.00; UTILITY:MIDI; MIDI Implementation Chart v3.00; UTILITY:SOUND, Reference Manual v3.00; UTILITY:SYNC/TEMPO, Reference Manual v3.00; UTILITY:MIDI, Reference Manual v3.00.