Cyclone Analogic TT-78 and TT-606

TONE Controls tuning or decay of
each sound. There are different
starting timbre choices available
for the Cymbal and Hats
NUANCE AUTO-VARIATION
Automates the Tone parameter
per instrument, based on a
range of LFO-style shapes
SEPARATE OUTS On the 606
only the Toms and Hats share
outputs, but there’s a bit more
doubling on the TT-78
has both (by using the Function key).
The Snares have adjustable ‘Snap’,
and some sounds also provide a
range of starting timbres (pitching of
the metallic component for hats and
cymbal separately on the TT-78 for
example). The Tone knob is used to
adjust other parameters, so caution
is required at times. Snapshots of
tweaked kits can be saved in one of
32 Kit locations, accessed separately
from Patterns and Clips.
Programming is based around the
classic grid-based x0x system of
Patterns (64 each with a Fill variant)
and Tracks, with the option of
real-time (Tap) recording. The Mode
switch changes from playing to
Writing (recording) without having to
stop playback. The ability of the 16
backlit step buttons to display
different colours means that
introducing other tweaks such
Accents, Flams and Rolls is pretty
straightforward: Accents can be
added per-instrument or on a global
basis, as was the case for some older
machines. In Play mode, step-based
tweaks such as Rolls can be used as
live performance tweaks in real time
without altering the original patterns.
Rhythm patterns for individual
instruments can also be stored as
Clips (16 per instrument) ready for use
in patterns at a later stage – a useful
tool when compiling patterns for a
complete track. Further inspiration
can be found in the Mutate function
that subtly alters existing steps for
the chosen instrument.
One feature not found on classic
analogue drum machines is
to apply. Subtle timbre variations
really add life to patterns, though
utter mayhem is also possible if
that’s your thing.
No owner of an original TR-606
or CR-78 will claim that these
boxes sound exactly like the real
thing – my 606 is noticeably
different in places. However, they
still maintain that all-important
analogue vibe. More importantly,
the range of tones and programming
system goes far beyond what the
originals can do.
FM VERDICT
8.9
Two excellent drum machines
that combine real analogue
sound with modern features.
Some may miss the lack of
analogue trigger capabilities
parameter automation. The Cyclone
machines take this concept and
provide a way of altering the Tone
control for each Instrument
automatically, based on a series of
tempo-synced LFOs. This is
surprisingly effective, and very easy
HEY THERE, WHAT’S THAT SOUND?
Roland’s company origins lie fi rmly in the world of analogue
drum machines. The TR-606, with its similarities to the
legendary 808, had a punchier, cleaner sound than the
somewhat fuzzier and less-refi ned tones of the CR-78,
which harked back to an earlier era in terms of sound
generation. Drum machines in the 60s and 70s made
copious use of resonant inductor coil circuits (rather
than those built from transistors), and were also pretty
noisy beasts. The CR-78 only used inductors in the
circuity for two sounds, though inside the TT-78 there
isn’t a coil in sight. The Cyclone versions add Clap and
Rimshot tones to the 606, with the TT-78 staying
somewhat closer to its origins.
THE ALTERNATIVES
Roland TR-8
£439
Roland’s Aira drum
machine comes
stocked with digital
recreations of the
TR-808 and TR-909
but can be updated
with added 707,
727 and 606
sounds via an
upgrade priced $95.
www.roland.com
MFM Tanzmaus/
Tanzbar Lite
from £330
These analogue
machines from
Berlin are more
inspired by the 808
and 909, but are
gritty and punchy
in a similar way to
the Cyclone TTs.
www. mfberlin.de
Arturia Spark 2
from £149
Arturia’s Spark suite
models a host of
digital drum
machines, the
CR-78 included.
www.arturia.com
Reviews | Cyclone Analogic Analog Drum Machines
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FMU320.rev_cyclone.indd 94 14/06/2017 16:44