Roland TR-09 Rhythm Composer

The influence of the Roland TR-909 drum machine is still heard—and felt—more than three decades after it was launched. Now, the 909 sound is available as part of the Roland Boutique series in the form of the TR-09. Featuring the same front-panel layout and user interface of the original, the TR-09 is powered by Roland’s ACB technology, delivering the speaker-pummelling power of the TR-909 in a super-affordable and portable format. Offering precise control over an array of drum parameters and the ability to keep playing when switching modes, the TR-09 may be compact, but it still has the power to move people. Studio sessions are well catered for too, with four separate outputs via USB audio, external instrument control via a trigger output, and USB MIDI.

909 Power via Roland’s ACB Technology

The original TR-909 blended analog kick, snare, and tom drums with six-bit samples for the hi-hats and cymbals. This hybrid approach to sound generation meant that the 909 sounded like no other drum machine. Accurately recreating such an influential sound while retaining the ability to edit and tweak the various parameters is only possible via Roland’s ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology, which is also found in the popular AIRA series.

Classic TR-REC Sequencer with Enhanced Functions

Dedicated TR-909 users will recognize the classic TR-REC style of programming found in the TR-09, with a choice of Step or Tap write modes. You can even change modes while the pattern continues playing, something not possible on the original. The TR-09 sequencer has 16 steps, and each has 16 sub-steps so you can fine-tune your performances. And just like the original TR-909, the Shuffle/Flam parameter can be selected using the buttons—but if you need greater control, simply use the display and rotary encoder to perfect your pattern.

Connect with External Gear

The TR-09 is designed to easily connect with other gear. The main stereo mini-jack output can also be reconfigured to send the selected instrument to the right channel, with the other instruments output to the left. A mix input routes external audio through the main outputs, while the trigger output lets the TR-09 drive vintage analog synths such as the SH-101 or JX-3P, or modern gear like the current SYSTEM-500 modular series. Sync and control other gear via standard MIDI ports or USB, and even send the audio of four individual drum parts via USB to continue working in your favorite DAW.

Battery or USB Bus Power

Some of the best music is made away from the studio, so the Roland Boutique series runs on 4 x AA batteries, ready for when inspiration strikes. Alternatively, you can power the TR-09 with USB bus power.

USB Audio Interface for Direct Recording to Your DAW

Via its USB port, the TR-09 also functions as a high-quality 24-bit/96 kHz audio interface, providing a simple and reliable way of recording directly to your DAW application. You can even send individual drums to separate channels, thanks to the TR-09’s four discrete outputs over USB. Saving your favorite settings and sequencer patterns is easy too via the USB data backup function.

Features

• Ultra-compact recreation of the iconic TR-909 drum machine
• Retains the sound, character, and user interface of the original TR-909
• Hands-on control over many parameters, including tune, level, decay, etc.
• Programmable via classic Step and Tap write modes
• Continue playing beats even while switching between write and play modes Four separate outputs via USB audio
• Trigger output for controlling external instruments equipped with trigger input
• High-quality construction with metal front panel
• Highly portable for mobile music making
• Battery-operated (4 x AA) or USB powered
• 24-bit/96 kHz stereo IN/OUT USB audio interface
• Built-in powered mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
• Compatible with optional K-25m Keyboard Unit

[dustinf]

I own the Roland MC 909 and it is a dear piece to me. I've written many songs on it.

[natefrog]

picked one up from west la guitarcenter yesterday, this tiny box bangs! loving it but not getting rid of my tr8 anytime soon, they both compliment each other so well

[DocHollidayGames]

Can it do polyrhythms, tuplets, and proper ghost notes (not just volume changes with velocity, but timbre and tone)?

[enotide]

Does the Trigger out have a click sound (audible pulse) like the older machines? ALA Egyptian Lover sound.

[mojodog]

does it do a shuffle? all these demos are disco funk. i'd like to see a demo of a Chicago style Fred Below type shuffle .

[joacosnm]

Which is the difference between this machine and TR 8 909 patches??? I don't get it

[kirad]

does it have independent outputs for the instruments?

[-__-_-_--__--_-__-_____--_-___]

Man Roland just dropped the heat for comeback synths

[PHAEDRIDER]

ok. it has trigger out....so anyone wanna buy one of these and ill trade my spare 707?

[BrendanBrady]

One day they'll do a proper remake. Should've probably made this one a keyring.

[raytracer]

TR 909/808 are probably one of the overrated drum machines ever made. It served it's purpose for 90's techno/trance, but today it sounds rather dated, and not in a good way. No matter how many times I hear demo's of these, it's always that cheesy, bland and uninspiring techno beat that is pretty much useless.
And now Roland jumped on the 'analog' bandwagon, and re-released it, only made it smaller and crappier.

If you are looking for a cheap but great drum machine, check out volca beats (and for those who say it is 'limited', learn to use stutter-time-depth functions + control recording features. It produces 10x more interesting and organic loops then 909/808 combined).
I would love to see Korg coming up with a more sophisticated version of it.

[miss.wright]

Any serious studio can't take this toy seriously. Te original 909 had individual instrument outs for tracking and effects routing. I suppose they're orienting this toward DJ's. Least Roland could have done was put a digital out with individual channels for DAW's. What were they thinking ! ?

[raytracer]

TR 909/808 are probably the most overrated electronic instruments ever made. It served it's purpose for 90's techno/trance, and was revolutionary at the time, but today it sounds rather dated, and not in a good way. No matter how many times I hear demo's of these, it's always that cheesy, bland and uninspiring techno beat that is pretty much useless, unless you are into old school techno/trance music production.
And now Roland jumped on the 'analog' bandwagon, and re-released it, only made it smaller and crappier.

If you are looking for a cheap but great drum machine, check out volca beats (and for those who say it is 'limited', learn to use stutter-time-depth functions + control recording features. It produces 10x more interesting and organic loops then 909/808 combined).
I would love to see Korg coming up with a more sophisticated version of it.

[umonox]

k, cool - but 400 Bucks??? sorry, NO !!!!

[RodrigoCayo]

I dont understand why not analog? Roland could sell it to me
But for that price i prefer to get the new Drumbrute from arturia and is analog.

[massimomagrini]

Wrong . You should make a groundbreaking machine as the 909 in its years, but with with current sound/music languages. You looked at the future in the past, don't look at the past now!!!!

[raddypex]

This doesn't sound analog at all, sounds like pcm. Why buy this when I can just load 909 samples into Kong? This is just as useless as the TR8.

[ALyub-dldo]

Yeah... right... not impressed... #microbrute