Roland TR-909 vs. Behringer RD-9 (Authentic Mode): Is it Closer Than Enhanced Mode?

We're never above making revisions to our content, and today we have an extension of a previous video we released on the RD-9/TR-909. The Behringer came somewhat close last time to emulating the classic Roland, but does Authentic Mode bring us even closer? Let's find out.

0:00 Intro/Specs
3:03 Demos
10:53 Final Thoughts

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[scottgentile]

They sound different but both sound fantastic. Behringer sounds brighter because it doesn't have that filter on the output stage but this is a plus IMO. If you want to lower the hi frequencies it's simple to do that with an EQ.

[SQueme]

1:50 "but it doesnt sound exactly ..."
may be in 38 years, with "old caps & pots", the RD-9 will sound as the "now 38 year old" 909

[SynthFreaq]

Probably one of the best synth/music-gear channels on YT. I can't for the life of me understand why you don't have 10x the number of subs...

[Pintosonic]

To me the most revealing comparaison was between the RD9 and the TR8S that was supposed to have a really good emulation of the 909. I was shocked how dead the TR8S sounded compared to the RD9. So yes, the RD9 doesn’t sound exactly like a 909 but to me it’s close enough to the point that sometimes I prefer the RD9 and sometimes I prefer the 909 so sound wise it’s pretty much a tie IMO. And the RD9 is way cheaper and they added new modern features that are useful.

[iixorb]

Thanks again - your channel is rapidly going to become THE place to go for no-nonsense, no gimmick, yet informative videos. Wishing you great success 👍👍. P.S. thanks for inadvertently providing another source we can sample the 909 from 🤣👍

[tedtriestech]

The decay or envelope on the 909 is so much longer on the bass and some of the other sounds. Is this something that can be changed on the Behringer?

[lukemcmillan]

"Eugggh they sound different "

YEAH TR909 THATS THE SOUND OF 40 YEAR OLD COMPONENTS DYING 😭🤣🤣🤣🤣
Got mine on seperate outputs, on mixing desk with processing & FX & THAT beats everything 🔥

[Usul]

I enjoy the RD9 quite a bit. To my ears, it sounds identical, or can be made to sound so. The RD9 is affordable, well built, and offers a number of modern enhancements over the original. The price of the original gear, and the relative ease of getting the RD9 to make identical sounds, kills any interest I have in dropping $5000 or more on a vintage TR-909. I can also use the RD9 every day in the studio and not worry about damage to an expensive and rare item. If I were a collector only an original TR-909 would satisfy me. As a musician who wants some killer 909 sounds in a box with knobs, buttons, and blinky lights, the RD-9 fits the bill.

[pizzagogo]

Great re-review 😁 Still Sounds great to me! Apart from its stupidly large footprint- I’m impressed enough to be getting one of these in the near future....

[Musicology]

The 909 is 15 times more expensive than the tr 9 . Good job from Behringer👍

[dodgingrain]

The 909 sounds like its distorting a little while the RD-9 isn't. Do you get closer with the wave shaper?

[georgegeez]

All I can say is that me and my pockets are happy with the RD-9. Waiting for the next batch to buy another one.

[spaceiswater]

The kick on the original TR-909 sounds so much better as it seems to have more bass and a little longer decay, but for the money the RD-9 is well worth buying it.

[JayKaufman]

I have an RD-8 and love it and as far as I've heard, Behringer nailed the voices on that. I'm not so sure on the RD-9. The hi hats are brighter sounding on the RD-9 - which is actually something I enjoy more. However, the kick is more thumpy, the clap is more snappy and the snare sounds more like it's going through a compressor and seems to have more snap on the 909 - which is what I like more.

Do I still want an RD-9? The answer is hell yes! I think they get it pretty close and part of the fun with drum machines is jamming with them and creating things on the fly.

[VideoJunkXXL]

If you made a banger, doesnt Matter which Machine to use

[logiclust]

not even close on those comparisons but you're doing it live so you're forgiven.. anyway, my novation drumstation was a good enough copy I don't feel the need for either. which feels better (ie, how do the switches/pots feel); it looks like you're putting more effort into triggering the behringer?

[CussaOnara]

The TR-909 already felt a bit outdated in 1983. I never thought we will still be discussing TR-909 in 2022.

[sacredflames]

Crying in the corner i just want to listen to good music 😢

[theleastsignificantbit]

Close is good enough. Most people who get it will run these through effects and compressors.

[lukeimontv]

The RD-9 sounds very digital. Not even close, in my opinion