A Distinctive Vintage Rhythm Icon

Introduced in 1985 for a relatively short production run, the Roland TR-727 represents one of the most unique chapters in Roland’s classic TR lineage. While its sibling, the TR-707, became a mainstay of early house and pop, the 727 carved its own niche with an exclusively Latin-percussion voice set and a bright, unmistakable 12-bit digital character that defined countless underground and club records.

Unlike many vintage drum machines that rely on analog synthesis, the TR-727 utilizes PCM samples—giving it a crisp, cut-through-the-mix presence that still feels immediately usable in modern production. Its sound set may be specialized, but that’s exactly what makes it a standout in any studio: cowbells with attitude, snappy timbales, dusty congas, and those iconic agogos that still show up in sample packs nearly 40 years later.

The front-panel workflow is pure mid-’80s Roland: clear labeling, tactile buttons, and per-sound level sliders that let you shape a groove without menu-diving. Whether you’re programming with the built-in step sequencer or integrating it over MIDI, the 727 blends effortlessly into hybrid setups—offering “real hardware timing” and a feel that software emulations don’t fully capture.

For collectors, the TR-727 holds a special place due to its limited availability, distinctive sound palette, and historical role in mid-’80s dance music. For producers, it remains a flexible, inspiring groove tool that offers something no modern clone or plug-in quite replicates.

If you're building a studio with authentic vintage character—or curating a collection of era-defining hardware—the TR-727 is a must-have piece that only becomes more desirable with time.

Features

• Authentic 1985 PCM-based Latin percussion drum machine
• Classic 12-bit digital character that cuts through modern mixes
• Part of the legendary Roland TR family
• Dedicated 15-voice Latin percussion set (congas, bongos, cowbells, agogos, timbales, and more)
• Hands-on front-panel control with individual level sliders
• Iconic Roland step sequencer—easy, fast, and performance-friendly
• MIDI In/Out/Thru for seamless integration into modern rigs
• Pattern chaining and track programming for complete song structures
• Highly collectible due to short production run and unique sound palette
• Rugged vintage build quality typical of mid-’80s Roland hardware

Specs

• Year: 1985
• Sound Engine: 12-bit PCM samples
• Voices: 15 Latin percussion sounds
• Polyphony: 10 voices (approx., depending on dynamic allocation)
• Sequencer:
  
  • 1–16 step X0X-style programming
  • Up to 64 patterns (12 internal + 52 via cartridge)
  • Up to 4 tracks
  • Pattern chaining / track playback
• Memory:
  • Internal pattern memory
  • Expansion slot for M-64C RAM cartridge
• Controls:
  • 15 individual level sliders
  • Tempo control (40–240 BPM)
  • Accent, shuffle, flam
  • Start/Stop, Tap, Track/Pattern, Instrument Select
• Connectivity:
  • MIDI In, Out, Thru
  • Sync In/Out (Roland DIN sync style)
  • Trigger Out
  • Mix Out + 2 individual audio outs
• Dimensions: approx. 300 × 72 × 210 mm
• Weight: approx. 2.4 kg
• Power: 9V DC (Roland PSA-compatible)