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DR-880: Dr. Rhythm

The Next-Generation Rhythm Machine

Features

The DR-880 is a rhythm-programming powerhouse that’s loaded with world-class drum, percussion, and bass sounds from Roland’s famous SRX library. It also includes a stunning collection of original waveforms. You can get microscopic with the DR-880, but you also have the option of taking the simple route with its three EZ Compose buttons, which allow original patterns to be constructed without note-by-note programming hassles. Patterns can be taken deeper with the Groove Modify feature, where various groove and triplet feels can be applied. Ghost notes and fills can also be added automatically. Guitar and bass players can join the action by plugging directly to the DR-880’s Guitar/Bass Input jack, and playing through the built-in COSM Drive/Amp models and multi-effects.

  • Innovative EZ Compose feature for quick, hassle-free programming
  • 440 world-class drum and percussion sounds, 40 bass sounds with COSM bass-amp models
  • Guitar/bass input, multi-effects, COSM amp models
  • 3 independent insert effects (EQ and compression), TSC (Total Sound Control) featuring 3-band EQ and high-quality ambience
  • 1,000 patterns (500 preset, 500 user); easily add fills, ghost notes, chord progressions, and more
  • 20 velocity-sensitive pads
  • Four assignable footswitch and expression-pedal inputs
  • Individual outputs, digital out, USB port

The Next-Generation Rhythm Machine

More Info

World-Class Sounds

A remarkable new collection of top-quality, custom sounds was created for the DR-880. But we didn’t stop there; some of the most famous sounds from our renowned SRX library were added to the DR-880’s sound-set, as well as electric and synth bass sounds. From rich, sparkling studio drums and deep-dish electronic kits to standard and exotic percussion instruments, a world of rhythm and groove is at your fingertips.

Direct Guitar/Bass Input

Guitar and bass players can join the action by plugging directly into the DR-880’s Guitar/Bass Input jack. Guitarists can play through the built-in COSM Drive/Amp models, and multi-effects such as chorus/flanger/phaser, delay, and reverb. For acoustic guitar, the DR-880 offers an Acoustic Processor, chorus, and reverb. For bass players, the compressor/limiter, chorus/flanger/phaser, delay, and COSM bass amp models will help you cook up extra-tasty bass lines.

EZ Compose

You can get microscopic with the DR-880, but you also have the option of taking the simple route with its three EZ Compose buttons on the front panel, which allow original patterns to be constructed without note-by-note programming hassles. Using the Pattern mode, you can select and combine pre-programmed phrase combinations to create new patterns. Press the Chord Progression button to select chord-progression templates. With the Fill-In button, you can select phrases from the Fill-In library, and insert them into the pattern. The library contains a variety of phrases, ranging from simple fills to bombastic breaks.

Connectivity

Play through headphones or route your signal from the DR-880 directly to your choice of recording input or amplification, including outboard guitar amps. Quick output adjustments can be made in the Output Select mode to facilitate proper connection to the outside world. Two individual Outs allow independent output of backing tracks and guitars, or independent output of kick and snare. The DR-880 has two stereo footswitch/controller inputs; a maximum of four footswitches can be connected using stereo 1/4" cables (sold separately). One of the footswitch/controller jacks supports expression pedal input, so you can connect an EV-5 (sold separately) to control guitar volume, or play wah effects. The DR-880 also has a S/PDIF digital out and a USB port for MIDI interfacing and SMF Data import.

Groove Modify

Take your grooves even deeper with the Groove Modify feature, which applies various groove and triplet feels to your patterns. Simply select the templates that are included, and inject realistic feels to static patterns. Ghost notes can also be added automatically by selecting the ghost-note phrases that are preset in the DR-880.

The Next-Generation Rhythm Machine

Specs

Maximum Polyphony
32 *Depending on the bass sounds selected, maximum polyphony may be lower
Instruments
Drums: 440, Bass: 40
Kits
Preset: 100, User: 100
Rhythm Patterns
Preset: 500, User: 500
Songs
User: 100
Maximum Note Storage
approx. 30,000 notes
Resolution
Per quarter note: 96
Tempo
Quarter note: 20 – 260 bpm
Pads
20 with velocity sensitive
Display
Custom LCD (with backlight)
Connectors
Rear: Master Out L(Mono), R (1/4" phone type), Master Out L, R (RCA pin type), Individual Out A, B (1/4" phone type), Digital Out (coaxial), USB, CTL 1/2 jack(1/4" TRS phone type), CTL 3/4(EXP Pedal) jack (1/4" TRS phone type), MIDI In, Out, AC Adaptor jack

Front: Phones (stereo 1/4" phone type), Guitar/Bass Input (1/4" phone type)
Power Supply
AC Adaptor (BOSS BRC series)
Current Draw
600 mA (Max)
Accessories
AC Adaptor (BRC series), Owner’s Manual, DR-880 Driver CD-ROM
Options
Foot Switch: FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7, Expression Pedal: EV-5, Connection Cable: PCS-31 (Roland)
Size and Weight ( excl. AC adaptor )
Width
273 mm
10-3/4 inches
Depth
242 mm
9-9/16 inches
Height
72 mm
2-7/8 inches
Weight
1.4 kg
3 lbs. 2 oz.
*The specifications are subject to change without notice.

Accessories

FS-6

Dual Footswitch

FS-6

Two switches in one, BOSS’s FS-6 combines latch- and momentary-type switching into one unit.

Click for Details

FS-7

Dual Footswitch

FS-7

Compact, multifunctional dual footswitch for remote control of effect pedals or amp channel switching.

Click for Details

EV-5

Expression Pedal

EV-5

Durable expression pedal for use with keyboards or other Expression-compatible instruments to control a range of functions and effects parameters.

Click for Details

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland, BOSS or Cakewalk product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.

You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email.

In addition, we have a library of Support Documents that you can download and reference. If Support Documents are available for this product, they will be listed below.

Support Documents

DR-880 Q&A
A collection of popular articles from the DR-880 knowledge base.
DR-880 TurboStart
BOSS Product Catalog 2008
Forging the Future - Innovation for Creative Inspiration
BOSS forges into 2008 with an awe-inspiring lineup of effects, digital studios, and accessories.
DR-880 Brochure
BOSS Product Catalog 2014
BOSS Product Catalog 2012
BOSS Product Catalog 2011

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Contact Us

Email

rolandmusiced@rolandus.com

Phone

323-890-3700

Mailing Address

Roland Corp. US
5100 S. Eastern Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938