Description
Legend! Roland TR-909, just fully serviced at Synths When- $6999!
A legendary hybrid drum machine, the Roland TR-909 combines analog drum synthesis with digital sampling and MIDI control, shaping the sound of house, techno, and countless electronic genres since the 1980s.
Type
Drum Machine (Analog/Digital Hybrid)
Model
TR-909 Rhythm Composer
Manufacturer
Roland
Country of Manufacture
Japan
Year of Introduction
1983
Controls
Individual level, tune, attack, decay, and tone controls for each drum voice; 16-step sequencer; shuffle, flam, and accent functions
Input
1 × DIN sync in, 1 × MIDI in, 1 × trigger input, start/stop footswitch input
Output
1 × Main mix out (¼″), 6 × individual outs (¼″), headphone out, trigger out
Power Supply
AC (built-in power supply)
Notable Features
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Voices: Analog synthesis for kick, snare, toms, and hi-hats; digital samples for cymbals and clap
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Sequencer: 16-step pattern sequencer with real-time or step input, pattern chaining, and programmable accents
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MIDI: Among the first drum machines with full MIDI implementation
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Sound: Punchy, snappy, and deeply programmable—especially revered for its kick, hi-hats, and shuffle groove
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Use Case: A staple in techno, house, acid, and industrial music; prized for its groove feel and studio/live versatility