# CR-8k — Programmable drum machine > Programmable drum machine app inspired by 1980s instruments. (iPhone/iPad app by David Rochaix.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cr-8k/id1441966351 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [David Rochaix](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441966350) - Category: Music, Utilities - Price: $5.99 - Rating: 4.00/5 from 9 App Store ratings · 20 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 23 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2018-11-14 - Data updated: 2026-09-10 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cr-8k/id1441966351/reviews.md ## What is CR? Holding the simplicity of eighties instruments and carrying their raw heritage to you, it turns your device into a pocket beat making companion. I believe that designing a pure interface, simply displaying your machine without any distraction, was the best way to reflect the spirit of the period it was born. Warning ! A CR-8k is actually very easy to operate and to play with but still tricky to program. Please refer to corresponding documentation or just take the challenge ! Main characteristics : - 13 Original high quality double-samples - 24 Combinable preset patterns - 8 Programmable patterns - 8 Preset fill-ins - 4 Programmable fill-ins - 8 Arranger variations - 2 Rhythm memory registers - Shuffle mode (3/4 signature) - Separated voice section volumes - Gradual and programmable accentuation - Full machine state auto-save - Programs and selections auto-save - Background audio playback enabled - Audiobus V3 - InterApp audio - Bluetooth LE midi Bonuses accessible in your device settings : - Unleash all-purpose LCD rather than only displaying the tempo - Alter the way the patterns are played simultaneously - Alternative « Rock » drum kit with integrated effects - Built-in instruments effects : « Stereo pan » and « Jungle tune » - Built-in audio effects : « Equalizer » and « Distortion » - Built-in global effects : « Delay » and « Reverb » - Mute any instrument - Prevent any instrument from being affected by accents - 4 Synchronized register auto-switching modes I hope you will enjoy it as much as I love it ;-) ## Key features - 13 original high-quality double-samples - 24 combinable preset patterns - 8 programmable patterns - Shuffle mode (3/4 signature) - Background audio playback - Audiobus V3 and InterApp audio support - Built-in instrument and audio effects ## Recent user reviews (10 of 20) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cr-8k/id1441966351/reviews.md ### 4/5 — Love it! *2026-04-05* ...But then I really don't know any better. I do know my music mentor has the actual machine he acquired back in 1980. We play to it all the time in lessons. Unfortunately, it is getting pretty temperamental. Finding this app was a fantastic discovery. Works great! Only 4 stars because I can't make my AirTurn BT-500 Duo work for Stop/Start functionality. Anyone know any blue tooth pedals that will work with the CR-8k? ### 5/5 — Excellent *2022-10-13* L’application est carrément géniale. Avant de donner un avis j’ai essayé pas mal d’autres produits mais cette boite a rythme est vraiment la meilleure que j’ai testé. Le son est vintage est n’a rien à voir avec les sons actuels. Je l’utilise pour une m’accompagner à la guitare (bossa nova) et tout est possible dans tous les styles de musique. La programmation est un plus indéniable, est le concepteur du produit l’envoi sur demande. Merci pour cette belle application qui mérite d’être connue… ### 5/5 — CR-78 *2022-06-11* your drum machines are all so great. aesthetics, attention to detail, sound quality… it’s all there. please, please, PLEASE make a CR78 with the proper interface? i can’t find one anywhere, except one that runs on Konya the (which I do not use) I’m sure you’d sell quite a few. P-S: please. ### 1/5 — Can’t program drums *2021-06-07* Wasted money. It won’t playback what I register to the track. It’s in basic mode too. I can hear the instrument when I hit register but nothing happens when I press play. Disappointed. **Developer response:** Hi Lord Remington and thank you for your kind review. You got to refer to Roland CR-8000 official documentation, or any YouTube demo, or CR-8k online help to complete this. Register is a two slots memory that allows you to switch between two patterns. Programmation is step by step based, you have to use rotary knobs, register and crash buttons. Please feel free to mail us so we can learn together. ### 4/5 — Au top mais.... *2021-02-28* ... ce serait bien de la rendre compatible LINK, car à mon humble avis, une BAR se doit d’être parfaitement synchronisée avec des applications tierces (en modes arpèges par exemple). Bon, je suis conscient que la programmation d’une appli n’est pas chose simple, sans parler des accords de brevets etc.... autre petit détail : manque vraiment de pêche à la sortie ! Heureusement, sous l’appli AUM, l’effet dynamics gain, règle le problème 🤗 en tous les cas, franchement, très belle réussite par rapport à l’original ! Bravo David ROCHAIX 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 ### 5/5 — Better than Buying a Real CR-8000 *2021-01-14* I chose this over the CR-5k because I like being able to program my own rhythms, even though CR-5k is less expensive. So far, I’m really enjoying the app, and I’ve figured out how to control CR-8k via my piano using my iPad, the Lightning Camera Connection Kit, and the Midimittr app as a proxy. I do, however, have a question: are there any plans for direct wired (USB) MIDI? If so, awesome! It would definitely open up more ways to control this already awesome app. 👍 If you don’t have plans to implement USB MIDI, no big deal. 🙂 ### 4/5 — Very well done BUT......... *2020-11-26* Indeed, this has a sound that sounds different. Different in a, this isn’t the usual kind of sound that comes from my iPad kind of way, a kind of old, interesting way, it’s very well done whatever it is. But oh oh no the but! It isn’t actually particularly useful as far as playing with any other app I have is concerned and therefore making music with. That is a problem, a very big problem I’m afraid. ### 4/5 — Very well done BUT.... *2020-08-05* You can tell the app is made with love and it sounds really really nice, but it has no midi synch setting (an it is not AU ) ...so basically it cannot be played with other apps, which would be the point of using a drum machine...I hope these limitations will be overcome on future updates? ### 5/5 — why? *2020-04-12* Why don't the buttons move? **Developer response:** Hi. I’m actually designing it, let’s wait for the next update. Because it is not 3D, it has to be drawn in a photo-realistic way. Further more, a modern and flat interface will be offered in option soon. Thanks for your kind review, I wish you will love the machine! ### 5/5 — Fun! UPDATED YEP 😄 *2020-04-06* There are a lot of very sophisticated drum machines on iOS but this devs apps are just fun! Hoping for that AUv3 soon! I give him 5 stars just for the fun factor! I’m adding a star because dev is working on AUv3! Still looking for AUv3 though! I like this because it gives me the sound and feel of my first drum machines. I have plenty of others but this on (I think because of the workflow) gives me those whacky patterns I got back in the day! No update yet 😢 OK it’s here! 👍🏼 Dev gets an extra star for quick reply! 😄 Looking forward to update! Happy Holidays! Not showing up as IAA. ☹️ Need that AUv3 support! I love old drum machines! **Developer response:** Hi Anickt, I specially thank you for your interest in drum machines and in my work. You really helped me going further... I am joining Audiobus forum those days where I saw you were really active. I consider implementing Audio unit and Ableton link, let’s talk about it! ## Frequently asked questions about CR ### What is CR-8k? CR-8k is a programmable drum machine app that brings the feel and sound of 1980s instruments to your device. It allows users to create beats with a variety of samples and patterns. ### How much does CR-8k cost? CR-8k is a paid application, priced at $5.99. This one-time purchase grants you access to all its features without any additional in-app purchases. ### What devices does CR-8k support? CR-8k is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is designed to run on iOS devices. ### Does CR-8k have ads? No, CR-8k does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it offers an ad-free experience for uninterrupted music creation. ### How often is CR-8k updated? The latest version of CR-8k is 1.24, released on October 6, 2021. While updates are not extremely frequent, the app is actively maintained. ### What is the age rating for CR-8k? CR-8k has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. It is designed to be accessible and easy to operate. ### Can CR-8k be used with other music apps? Yes, CR-8k supports Audiobus V3 and InterApp audio, allowing it to integrate with other compatible music applications on your device for more complex workflows. ### What kind of effects are available in CR-8k? CR-8k offers a range of built-in effects, including 'Stereo pan', 'Jungle tune', 'Equalizer', 'Distortion', 'Delay', and 'Reverb', which can be applied to instruments and globally. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.24 — 2021-10-06 v1.24 - Support for iOS 15 - Display support for the new iPad mini ### 1.23 — 2021-03-18 v1.23 - Compatibility update - Adjustment of the samples level ### 1.22 — 2020-11-25 - Support for iOs 14 - Update for Audiobus v3.0.12 - Visual enhancement: display of key presses ### 1.21 — 2020-04-01 - iOs 13 support - Audiobus V3 support - Remote control via Bluetooth LE midi - Program deletion (Crash button long press) - Automatic register switching 32'' - Tap tempo ### 1.2 — 2019-06-25 v1.2 - Added a button to open the application settings - Resolved an orientation detection problem v1.1 - Adaptation for iOS 12 and improved display for iPhone X - New double main drum kit for analog-like rendering - New "Rock" drum kit with integrated effects - New progressive settings for "Equalizer", "Distortion", "Delay" and "Reverberation" effects - New gesture for delayed to four measures start of the drum machine - Added languages "German", "Spanish", "Italian" and "Russian" Upcoming - Visual improvements - Integration of the settings in the App - Audiobus 3 support ## Apps similar to CR | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Accurate Piano Tuner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/accurate-piano-tuner/id1261698956) | 3.0 (2) | $5.99 | Music | | [Bongos + - Drum Percussion Pad](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bongos-plus-drum-percussion-pad/id1520000937) | — | $3.99 | Music | | [6X806 Drum Synth Loop Maker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/6x806-drum-synth-loop-maker/id1444312256) | 4.6 (25) | $2.99 | Music | | [EGDR808 Drum Machine HD](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/egdr808-drum-machine-hd/id454709863) | 4.6 (174) | $5.99 | Music | | [Drum Beats Metronome](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drum-beats-metronome/id1115616093) | 3.3 (3) | $1.99 | Music | | [MIDI-Probe](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-probe/id6756924036) | — | Free | Music | ## More apps by David Rochaix - [CR-5k](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cr-5k/id1442843535) - [DRM-32](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drm-32/id1488347182) - [DRM-16](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drm-16/id1489333688) All apps by David Rochaix: https://appshunter.io/developer/1441966350 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-10.*