Roland launch free iOS game for drum programming.

Ever wished there was a Guitar Hero for programming drum machines? No, neither have we, but Roland’s latest app offering might offer more than meets the eye. The new TR-REC app presents you with a series of increasingly complex drum sequences that the user then has to replicate in time with a track. While it may a first seem like a bit of idle fun to promote the TR-8 drum machine, it also has the side effect of making novices rather quicker at programming and noticing the development of patterns over the course of a track.

It’s free, so if you have tablet or smartphone, give it a try.

Here’s more from Roland:

Press Release: Roland is pleased to announce the launch of the TR-REC GAME on Apple’s App Store and Google Play. TR-RECGAME is a rhythm entry game app for smartphones and tablets that incorporates the rhythm programming schemes used in Roland’s TR-808 and TR-8 rhythm machines.

Roland’s TR-REC GAME app for smartphones and tablets is played by listening to the game’s original dance music and selecting different tones–including kick drum, snare, hi-hat, and cymbals–to tap in specified rhythm patterns on 16 buttons that mimic musical notes. As the game proceeds, the drum tones get overlaid on top of each other, gradually creating a dynamic rhythm pattern for the dance music. Players move on to the next stage if they are able to tap in the specified drum tones within a given amount of time. In addition to the satisfaction of completing successive stages, players can also enjoy the sounds of authentic dance music and drum tones, all the while learning more about rhythm compositions and how different elements work with each other.

In the TR-REC GAME, Roland programmers have reproduced the tones found in Roland’s TR-808 and TR-8 rhythm machines that are extensively used in dance music, along with their rhythm programming schemes. All users can begin playing the game without a learning curve, as tapping in the notes is very easy, and can be learned by simply completing the tutorial stage. TR-REC GAME supports iOS and Android, and is available as a free download from either Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Players can also share their scores on Facebook and Twitter.

Players can enjoy programming authentic dance music in a fun game setting. TR-REC GAME features 16 original dance music pieces, and 48 stages in all. Players receive points for tapping in the rhythmic elements correctly, and receive bonus points for completing a pattern. Players lose one life every time they are unable to complete a rhythm pattern within the specified amount of time. The game is over once they use up all of their lives. The game also contains a variety of extras including Gain a Life, Help Guide and Auto Rhythm Entry to enhance the excitement of the game. Players can go to the TR-REC GAME menu to purchase in-app coins, which they can use to purchase lives and stages.

www.roland.com/aira/tr_rec_game/