Audio Guru / Field notesVol. 01 — Rhythm
TR-6S, Model:Samples or volca drum?
Three compact drum machines: pick classic Roland sounds, your own samples, or percussion built from scratch.
Why these? These compact, six-part drum machines cover three ways to build a beat: modeled drum circuits, sample playback and percussion synthesis.
Content updated · Clarified who each option suits.
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Circuit models + samples + FM
Roland TR-6S
Choose forClassic drum sounds
A six-part digital drum machine known for classic Roland circuit models; it loads samples from SD but cannot record them.
No listed offer in this region. Choose All to see every retailer.
Sample playback
Elektron Model:Samples
Choose forYour own samples
A six-track digital sample player known for per-step sound changes; it loads samples over USB but does not record them.
No listed offer in this region. Choose All to see every retailer.
Digital percussion synthesis
Korg volca drum
Choose forDesigning unusual percussion
A six-part digital percussion synth known for metallic resonator sounds; it neither records nor loads samples.
No listed offer in this region. Choose All to see every retailer.
| Feature | TR-6S | Model:Samples | volca drum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequencer | 16 steps × 8 variations | Up to 64 steps per track | 16 steps; chain up to 16 patterns |
| Your own samples | Import via SD card | Import via USB | No sample import |
| USB audio | Yes | Yes, class compliant | No USB port |
| Audio jacks | ¼″ L/R + 3.5 mm headphones | ¼″ L/R + ¼″ headphones | 3.5 mm headphones |
All three have six instrument parts. Sequencer figures describe different pattern structures, not a score.
Sources & image credits
Manufacturer specifications checked September 7, 2026. Product photographs: Roland, Elektron and Korg. No generated product images.
Roland specifications ↗Elektron specifications ↗Korg specifications ↗Retailer links are retained from the existing Audio Guru article. Prices and stock are shown by the retailer.