TR-505 History — Roland

TR-505

The Roland TR-505 Rhythm Composer is a drum machine and MIDI sequencer released by Roland Corporation in 1986. It hails from the same family of drum machines as the Roland TR-909, TR-808, TR-707, TR-626, and TR-606. The drum kit includes basic rock drum sounds similar to those of the TR-707, plus a complement of Latin-style drum sounds similar to the TR-727.

OverviewThe Roland TR-505, released in 1986, was an entry-level drum machine offering PCM samples in an affordable package. This 16-bit digital drum machine featured 12 sounds, a 48-pattern sequencer, and simple operation suitable for beginners.
The TR-505 provided realistic drum sounds compared to earlier analog drum machines. The compact size and battery power made it portable. The instrument targeted home musicians and project studios seeking affordable rhythm programming.
While overshadowed by the TR-707 and TR-909, the TR-505 sold well and introduced many musicians to drum programming. It remains an affordable entry into Roland's TR drum machine legacy.