Roland TR-606 vs. Boss DR-110 | HQ comparison DEMO

Many people see the Boss DR-110 as a cheap alternative to the Roland TR-606, since both were produced by Roland. But why is the TR-606 much more expensive? Because its name? Or because the sound qualities? Here you can hear the differences face to face.

The TR-606 is easier to programm. Also you can tap in the drum sounds if you want. You have dedicated volume sliders for the drum sounds. Also you have DIN sync for other Roland gear. The TR-606 is overall a bit more professional and was used by many prominent people.

The Boss DR-110 is smaller and less known. It has not only RAM memory - it does also have some patterns in ROM memory. The hand clap sound is one of the best features - which the TR-606 does not have. However, the toms are missing on the DR-110. The basic sound (bassdrum, snare, hihats) of both is different. Which of both would you choose?

In the intro you hear a TR-606 through a Korg Kaoss Pad (the first version).

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Roland
• TR-808
• TR-909
• TR-505
• TR-707
• TR-55
• TB-303
• Boss
• DR-220
• Dr.
• Rhythm
• Graphic
• DR-55

[decaystar]

I prefer Boss dr-110 because you don’t need to backup your presets on tapes, like with tr-606. When you pull out the batteries from the tr-606 then you have 1 min to change them. Else everything would be gone - another minus is the fact of battery acid…Not cool!

[AnalogAudio1]

@decaystar none of the two has a tape interface to backup patterns... the DR-110 has some ROM patterns, which are always available - without batteries. The 606 has only RAM. I personally don't need preset patterns, I make my own.

[Rholt71]

The 606 didn't have hand clap. The boss was it little more smoother on the high end. The 606 high end was very sharp and unpleasant. Im not judging from the video but from a personal experience working with both units.

[smoinync]

I can't choose one out of these two, therefor it's a must to own both.

U can add clap into 606 by hooking up to the HC2 from Boss like they have been meant to be. it must be on the purpose not to have clap on 606, that' s the reason why 2 trig in chs are for.

[lordvespatron]

Sorry guys i love the 606 but can i say it? The 110 to my ears sounds better.. Only a personal opinion. They ARE two different sounding machines, it's apparent.

[baduncadonk]

@mattsynth I just received the Tempest a couple of days ago. It is a magical-sounding box; wish the USB were implemented and the step-sequencing could be easier, but otherwise, it is pretty amazing. My poor Machinedrum will likely go unloved from now on.

[Metamusik]

The 606 has double trig.out. Fantastic machine, you do need to boost the low-end with a EQ though.

[MaynoDolphin]

To my ears I prefer the 606. It's the snappiness.

[acousvnt]

I liked the Boss better. The Roland sounds shrill to me.

[hongdekong]

@mattsynth it already has right?