Raygum research
Follow the soundback to the source.
Open, source-backed investigations into the instruments, records and studio decisions that changed how music sounds.
Published monographs
Versioned · correction-friendlyRaygum research series · Publication 01
The Roland TR-808 Monograph
A source-critical history of a machine that became a musical language.
Open the monograph36findings
4signal types
Last updated2026-08-03
Raygum research series · Publication 02
OK ComputerA recording monograph
How live performance, mobile analogue recording and physical tape work made an album synonymous with computer-age anxiety.
Open the monograph12track files
5case studies
Last updated2026-07-24
More published research
Raygum research series · Publication 02
The Roland TR-909 Migration
How an analogue–digital hybrid escaped its chassis and became a portable rhythmic grammar.
Open the investigationRaygum research series · Publication 03
The Sampler Family Tree
How sampling moved from computer instruments to keyboards, racks and self-contained production systems.
Open the investigation