and the verdict is: it's an extremely capable drum machine that can find a home in any electronic setup *(what I use it for). It's clearly designed for both studio use and performance.
Configurability is definitely it's biggest strength.
-It plays well with other hardware, the assignable outs and external inputs are great to have.
-Being able to bring audio/MIDI into a DAW is good. For example, I can split the audio into Kick, Snare, and a mix of everything else on another channel. Makes side-chaining in the DAW much easier.
OK, so lets talk about the sound.
-The ACB instruments are pretty great, watch some videos and decide with your own ears. I reach for them by default.
-It's nice to have sample import but it requires a bit of preparation. I don't use them often.
-The FX are good for the most part. Delay and reverb are much improved from the TR-8. Sometimes I find the distortion just too digital for a kick, and the bitcrush also (the reverb one on the TR-8 rocked); they're both good on Snares tho.
Overall the sound is great
The quality is grand. Hard plastic but feels nice. Much improved aesthetic.
A+ drum machine.