image courtesy of Hyperreal

The CR-78 is one of Rolands first drum machines in the COMPURHYTHM series. It features 34 different preset rhythms (17 buttons, plus a toggle switch choosing from bank A and B). There is also a knob to select between 11 different "variations", as well as controls for fade-in, fade-out, volume, tempo (with an LED that flashes the tempo), balance and accent. The pattern is started and stopped by a single dual-function button. In addition to preset patterns, the CR-78 is equipped with a "programmable microcomputer to create your own beats". There is also a trigger out for synchronizing synthesizers and sequencers, and an optional WS-1 remote control switch.

Presets are Rock 1 A/B, Rock 2 A/B, Rock 3 A/B, Rock 4 A/B, Rock 5 A/B, Rock 6 A/B, Disco 1 A/B, Disco 2 A/B, Bossanova A/B, Samba A/B, Mambo, Chacha, Beguine, Rhumba, Waltz A/B, Shuffle A/B, Slow Rock A/B, Swing A/B, Fox Trot, and Tango.

Rhythms are combinations of the following available voices/sounds: Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Rim Shot, Hi-hat, Cymbal, Maracas, Claves, Cow Bell, High Bongo, Low Bongo, Low Conga, Metal Beat, Tambourine, and Guiro. ----[from a CR-78 ad courtesy of the archives at Hyperreal.