Celebratory Lineup - August 8, 2025: Commemoration of 808 Day, Sennheiser, Molly Tuttle, and Plus!
In 1980, a groundbreaking piece of music technology was born in Osaka, Japan. Engineered by Tadao Kikumoto and his team at Roland, the Roland TR-808 drum machine was designed as a programmable analog drum machine, offering musicians a rhythm-composing tool without the need for live bands.
Initially, high-cost memory chips made authentic sampling impossible, so Roland opted for analog synthesis for its drum sounds. This decision resulted in a distinctly synthetic, non-realistic sound that many critics initially disliked. However, this machine-like character would later become the TR-808's unique strength, influencing a wide range of musical styles.
Production of the TR-808 ceased in 1983 due to the unavailability of a key transistor part, and commercially, it was considered a failure at launch. But its synthetic, non-realistic sound found its place in the world of music, particularly in hip-hop and electronic music. Artists like Afrika Bambaataa used the TR-808 in tracks such as "Planet Rock," showcasing its unique rhythmic and sonic palette. Its iconic booming bass drum sound was later also used as a bassline, giving birth to genres including Miami bass, jungle, and trap.
The TR-808's programmability and synthesis-based sounds offered producers unprecedented creative control over drum sound parameters like tuning, decay, and accentuation. Its internally synthesized instruments included bass drum, snare, toms, congas, cymbals, hi-hats, cowbell, and several percussion options — all with adjustable levels and some with further sound-shaping controls.
Today, the TR-808 stands as a cultural and technological icon, symbolizing the creative potential of analog synthesis in rhythm production and shaping modern music's soundscape for over four decades.
Meanwhile, in the world of audio equipment, Harman has launched 15 new models of JBL Professional ceiling speakers. These new speakers join the Control 400 Enhanced Coverage Series, as part of a move by Harman to expand its product offerings. The three distinct tiers for the JBL Professional ceiling speakers are the Standard Coverage Series, Enhanced Coverage Series, and flagship Premium Coverage Series.
Sensaphonics has also updated the firmware for its dB Check Pro sound level analyzer, adding support for earphone models by Alclair, FiR Audio, Westone, and additional models from Westone. The updated firmware is downloadable from the company's website.
As for the automotive industry, Sennheiser has debuted its first-ever in-car sound system in the Morgan Plus Four. Visitors to Monterey Car Week 2025 can check out the Sennheiser in-car sound system in the Morgan Plus Four, with the car making a special appearance at the event running from August 8-17, 2025. The Sennheiser in-car sound system will be available to U.S. customers this week.
In the world of music, Molly Tuttle, a rising Americana star, has worked on Ringo Starr's new country album, Look Out. We've added exclusive videos of Molly Tuttle playing overdubs for the album to Part 4 of our article on the album's creation.
Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments in the world of music and audio technology.
- The Roland TR-808, an iconic music gadget born in 1980, showcases the unique strength of its machine-like, non-realistic sound in various musical styles, such as hip-hop and electronic music.
- Harman, in the realm of audio equipment, has introduced 15 new models of JBL Professional ceiling speakers, expanding its product offerings and introducing three distinct tiers.
- Sensaphonics has updated the firmware for its sound level analyzer, adding support for multiple earphone models like Alclair, FiR Audio, Westone, and additional Westone models.
- Sennheiser has debuted its first-ever in-car sound system in the Morgan Plus Four, making an appearance at Monterey Car Week 2025 and being available to U.S. customers this week.
