Roland TR-909

TR-909
TR-909 front panel
ManufacturerRoland
Dates1983–1985
Price$1,195 USD
£999 GBP
¥189,000 JPY
Technical specifications
Polyphony11 voices
TimbralityMonophonic
Oscillator2
LFO1
Synthesis typeAnalog subtractive and
digital sample-based subtractive
Filter12/24dB resonant lowpass filter
Aftertouch expressionNo
Velocity expressionYes
Storage memory96 patterns, 8 songs
EffectsIndividual level, tuning, attack, decay, and tone controls for some
sounds
Input/output
Keyboard16 pattern keys
External controlMIDI in/out & DIN sync in
Audio sample11

The Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer, commonly known as the 909, is a drum machine introduced by Roland Corporation in 1983, succeeding the TR-808. It was the first Roland drum machine to use samples for some sounds, and the first with MIDI functionality, allowing it to synchronize with other devices. Though a commercial failure, it influenced the development of electronic dance music genres such as techno, house and acid house.


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