Walking into the Synthesizer Museum Berlin is always an electrifying experience where walls lined with analog icons and digital marvels tell the story of how sound evolved into culture. But now, the museum has gained a truly historic centerpiece: Paul van Dyk’s original Roland TR-808 drum machine, the same instrument that helped power his legendary anthem “For An Angel”.

First released in 1980, the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer wasn’t a commercial success, its quirky & fully analog drum sounds, punchy kicks, sizzling hi-hats, a famously playful cowbell were considered too artificial at the time and believe it or not production was discontinued after just three years.

As the years rolled on, the 808 became the backbone of entire genres: Hip-Hop, House, Techno, and of course Trance.

“This Roland 808 has been with me since the early days, it’s more than just a machine, it’s a part of my musical journey. From For An Angel to countless other tracks, its beat helped shape my sound.” – Paul van Dyk

Indeed, when For An Angel dropped in 1994, the track didn’t just launch van Dyk’s career, it set the tone for trance music worldwide. The hypnotic rhythm and emotional resonance of that track owe much to the pulse of his 808.

Berlin is more than Paul’s home city, it’s a global epicenter for electronic music. The Synthesizer Museum Berlin reflects this legacy, offering not just static exhibits but often interactive experiences. Visitors can trace the DNA of electronic sound, from early analog oscillators to modern modular synths and placing van Dyk’s 808 here makes perfect sense. It connects Berlin’s past and present, honoring the pioneering spirit of an artist whose work transcended borders. It’s a reminder that electronic music is as much about history as it is about the future.

Share This