Tactile Sounds has released the TS-808, a software emulation of the Roland TR-808.
Tactile Sounds TS-808
The TR-808 service notes provide full schematics for each voice. I used them to make SPICE simulations of the circuits. I also analysed the best samples I could find (The Tape808, by Goldbaby), and tweaked the sounds until the waveforms and spectral content were as close as possible to the real thing. Most of the voices have more parameters and a greater range than their hardware predecessor.
The TS-808 was a labour of love – I made it because I wanted to make music with it. I decided to make it available at no fixed cost because I thought others would enjoy using it too. If you use it a lot, and especially if you derive an income from your use of it, please consider making a donation. The TS-808 was made with SynthEdit.
TS-808 is available to download as a free VST instrument plug-in for Windows PC.
More information: Tactile Sounds / TS-808
