Electronic music pioneer Paul van Dyk is showcasing one of his most treasured pieces of equipment, his Roland TR-808 drum machine, at the Synthesizer Museum Berlin. On display from August 2025 until the next year, the exhibit offers fans and aspiring producers a rare chance to see the instrument that has been central to van Dyk’s career and creative journey.
Paul’s 808 has been a staple in his studio for decades and played a key role in shaping tracks such as his breakout hit “For An Angel.” More than a piece of equipment, it represents his early experimentation with sound and the evolution of his signature style over the years.
Reflecting on its importance, Paul van Dyk shares, “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. I’m proud to lend it to Synthesizer Museum Berlin, where it can inspire the next generation of producers just like it inspired me.”
Synthesizer Museum Berlin: A Living Archive of Electronic Music
The Synthesizer Museum Berlin, located in the heart of a city synonymous with electronic music, is the perfect home for van Dyk’s iconic TR-808. This venue houses an extensive collection of vintage and rare synthesizers, celebrating the tools that have shaped modern music. Unlike traditional museums, its approach is interactive, allowing visitors to see, hear, and in some cases play the very machine that shaped EDM as a genre.
As a hub for musicians, producers, and enthusiasts, it fosters a deep connection to the history and future of electronic sound. By hosting the TR-808 previously loved by Paul van Dyk, the museum not only honors a pivotal artifact of dance music but also reinforces Berlin’s legacy as a global epicenter for innovative music creation. This exhibit celebrates Paul van Dyk’s enduring influence on electronic music while paying tribute to the Roland TR-808, a machine that revolutionized genres from techno to hip-hop.
Visitors can experience this iconic piece of equipment at Synthesizer Museum Berlin up close, while fans can follow Paul on Instagram @paulvandyk for updates, photos, new music and behind-the-scenes.