Beatbox 8

Essentials

Beatbox 8 is a classic drum machine modeled after legendary hardware like the Roland TR-808. Fully loaded with warm, analog-style drum sounds and hands-on control over rhythm, tone, and groove.

• 16 built-in drum sounds

• Step sequencer

• Warm, analog-style sounds

• Hands-on rhythm, tone, and groove control

Making a Beat

Beatbox 8 is a preset analog drum machine. It comes with 16 built-in drum sounds—you don’t load samples. Instead, you shape and sequence the classic sounds using onboard controls and a simple step sequencer.

1. Select Sound: Use the Instrument Select knob to pick a sound (e.g. Bass Drum).

2. Place Kick: Press steps 1, 5, 9, 13 to place the kick in a 4/4 pattern.

3. Add Snare: Select Snare and place it on steps 5 and 13.

4. Add Hi-Hats: Select Hi-Hat and place it on every step for a consistent rhythm.

5. Play: Press play and enjoy your first beat!

Pattern Editor

Scale	Allows definition of what scale you want to work in
Steps	These buttons are where hits can be added to the pattern

Pattern Management

Pattern selector	8 patterns per bank
Pattern bank	4 banks (A-D), 32 patterns total. Determines which pattern the Beatbox 8 currently plays back, unless a pattern track is connected
Clear pattern	Deletes the currently selected pattern
Pattern length	Displays the length of your sequence
Pattern +/-	Allow for the length of your sequence to be increased or decreased (Hold Shift to double/half steps)
Groove	Using the groove option will shuffle your pattern by selecting keynotes and moving notes in-between
Edit range	The sequencer contains 16 step buttons but allows for sequences up to 64 steps long

Instruments

Instrument select	Large wheel to toggle sequentially through the device’s different instruments
Instrument label	Displays which instrument is housed in each channel and doubles as a button to select instruments
Instrument switch	Instrument options: Clap/Maracas: Handclap or Maracas Rim/Claves: Rimshot or Claves
Level	Individual volume control for each instrument. Equivalent to a dB range of -∞ to 0 dB (0-100%)
Decay	Defines how much decay the selected instrument has (0-100%). 0% = shorter decay, 100% = longer decay
Tone	Changes the characteristics of the instrument (0-100%). 0% = lower tone, 100% = higher tone
Snappy	Allows definition of how much “snap” the snare has (0-100%). Controls the snare drum’s attack character
Tuning	Allows for fine tuning (Hold Shift + Cmd for ultra fine tuning). Available for: Toms and Congas (low/mid/high variants)

Master

Volume	Master volume control (0-100%). Equivalent to a dB range of -∞ to 0 dB
On/Off	Activates or bypasses the device. When off, no audio is produced

Drum Sounds

Beatbox 8 includes 16 different instruments going through 11 channels, meaning that some instruments share channels with other instruments.

Accent

Accent	The accent feature allows for emphasis to be placed under selected steps in the sequence
Accent level	The strength of the accented steps can be defined by using the accent level control (0-100%). Controls the loudness of unaccented notes relative to accented ones. 0% = quieter unaccented notes, 100% = louder unaccented notes

Bass Drum

Level	Bass drum output gain. Equivalent to a dB range of -∞ to 0 dB (0-100%)
Tone	Bass drum tone/pitch (0-100%). Higher values make it sound higher
Decay	Decay time for the bass drum (0-100%). Lower values create shorter decay, higher values create longer decay

Snare Drum

Level	Snare drum output gain. Equivalent to a dB range of -∞ to 0 dB (0-100%)
Tone	Snare drum tone/pitch (0-100%). Higher values make it sound higher
Snappy	Snare snappiness, corresponding roughly to the amount of high-frequency content (0-100%). Controls the snare drum’s attack character

Toms & Congas (Low/Mid/High)

Level	Output gain. Equivalent to a dB range of -∞ to 0 dB (0-100%)
Tuning	Tuning/Pitch (0-100%). Higher values make it sound higher. Fine tuning available (Hold Shift + Cmd for ultra fine tuning)

Rimshot & Claves

Level	Output gain. Equivalent to a dB range of -∞ to 0 dB (0-100%)
Instrument switch	Switch between Rimshot or Claves

Clap & Maracas

Level	Output gain. Equivalent to a dB range of -∞ to 0 dB (0-100%)
Instrument switch	Switch between Clap or Maracas

Cowbell

Level	Cowbell output gain. Equivalent to a dB range of -∞ to 0 dB (0-100%)

Cymbal

Level	Cymbal output gain. Equivalent to a dB range of -∞ to 0 dB (0-100%)
Tone	Cymbal tone/pitch (0-100%). Higher values make it sound higher
Decay	Decay time for the cymbal (0-100%). Lower values create shorter decay, higher values create longer decay

Open Hi-Hat

Level	Open hi-hat output gain. Equivalent to a dB range of -∞ to 0 dB (0-100%)
Decay	Decay time for the open hi-hat (0-100%). Lower values create shorter decay, higher values create longer decay

Closed Hi-Hat

Level	Closed hi-hat output gain. Equivalent to a dB range of -∞ to 0 dB (0-100%)

Practical Tips

Practical Tips

• Use different pattern banks for song sections

• Add accent for groove and variation

• Extend patterns for fills and variation

• Adjust decay for tight or open cymbals/hats

• Combine with effects for advanced sound design

• Although primarily a drum machine, Beatbox 8 can be utilized for purposes other than drums (e.g., effects can be layered to create analog-esque basslines)