The device offers 64 programmable patterns, which are editable via step-write or tap-write, that can be sequenced together into any of four different tracks.

Patterns and tracks can be stored on the device (providing that two AA batteries are inserted) or onto an optional memory cartridge with twice the capacity.

These envelopes also play a role in reducing the quantization noise introduced by the low bit-depth used in the TR-707's circuits, particularly during the decay portion of sounds.

This was a smart and economical move by Roland as digital storage was very expensive at the time, thus allowing them to keep manufacturing costs down.

The TR-707 only offers a limited number of instruments sampled at 8 bits,[9][10] but it is still in use because of its versatility in synchronizing with other hardware and its fully featured interface, comparable to that of high-end Roland drum machines such as the TR-808 and TR-909.

[citation needed] The TR-727 is visually identical aside from having blue highlights on the case, but it contains a different, Latin-inspired sample set.