Roland CompuRhythm CR-78

The CompuRhythm CR-78 is a drum machine made by Roland in 1978. It features analog drum voices, and an Intel microprocessor for control purposes.



Available percussion voices:

Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Rim Shot, Hi-hat, Cymbal, Maracas, Claves, Cow Bell, High Bongo, Low Bongo, Low Conga, Metal Beat, Tambourine, Guiro

Available rhythm patterns:

Rock 1 A/B, Rock 2 A/B, Rock 3 A/B, Rock 4 A/B, Rock 5 A/B, Rock 6 A/B, Disco 1 A/B, Disco 2 A/B, Bossanova A/B, Samba A/B, Mambo, Chacha, Beguine, Rhumba, Waltz A/B, Shuffle A/B, Slow Rock A/B, Swig A/B, Fox Trot, Tango




This piece of hardware has a very distinctive sound, and was heavily used by new wave bands in the 80's. Some songs that used the CR-78 are:

'Bombers' (live) / 'On Broadway' (live) / 'Remember I was vapour' (live) by Gary Numan
'La vie en rose' by Grace Jones
'In the air tonight' by Phill Collins
'Heart of glass' by Blondie
'Enola Gay' by OMD
'I can't go for that (No can do)' by Hall and Oates

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_CR-78
http://www.synthmuseum.com/roland/rolcr6801ad.jpg

Photo Credits:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/427825016_ebde6ccc40.jpg?v=0
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/113/293990888_d9b1220f27.jpg?v=0

Videos:
Roland CompuRhythm CR-78 Demo
Phil Collins demonstrates Roland CR-78 drum machine
Blondie - Heart Of Glass
Daryl Hall and John Oates - I Can't Go For That
Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight