I assume it just has one output, but I don't find a picture so that's the description on the Roland website.
It's hard to tell how it compares because they don't use the same terminology as Alesis. This is what the specs say about "user memory": Pattern, Intro/Fill-In: 16 Bank (12x16 Pattern, 4x16 Intro/Fill-In)
But I don't know how that compares. They also talk about "steps" and "sub-steps", not sure if that's the same thing or not... I scanned the owner's manual quickly and did find where it said it has 256 rhythm patterns, and two variations for each rhythm pattern. I assume ALL of those are pre-programed, which I think is mostly what I would end up using. I didn't see anything at all that said how many "songs" you could save though.
The Roland is a little more expensive machine, has name brand recognition, and just seems from the description like may be a little more versatile. But the Alesis is less expensive and probably more than I'll ever use anyway. The Alesis seems to have more outputs if that's important.
This is a link to Roland's web page, if you want to take a look at the TR-08
[
www.roland.com]
I think I'm down to between those two, so I'll see if I can find some youtube videos, and see if it looks like for any reason the Roland is worth the extra money. I REALLY appreciate all your information!
Aries
~Sign of the Rams