TR-909

The influence of the TR-909 drum machine is still heard—and felt—nearly four decades after it was launched. Now, the 909 is available as a software plug-in, delivering the speaker-pummeling power of the original with new features that extend its sonic capabilities and make programming faster and more fluid.

Analog/Digital Hybrid, Before It Was Even a Thing

In 1983, Roland followed the massively influential TR-808 with the TR-909. Around this time, digital samples of acoustic drums had become fashionable, but the sounds in the available devices weren't very adjustable. And let's be honest—they still didn't really sound like real drums. For the 909, Roland engineers took a hybrid approach that used tweakable analog circuitry for the kick, snare, clap, and toms, while reserving digital sampling for the cymbals.

Sibling Rivalry

Only around 10,000 TR-909s were made, but the machine's lasting impact is apparent on dance floors to this day. Much like the TR-808's dominance in rap and hip-hop, the TR-909 left an indelible mark on electronic music styles like techno, house, acid, and industrial. It's the sound you hear in your head when you think of floor-shaking dance music.

Plug In Your Own TR-909

In addition to faithfully modeling the TR-909's analog circuitry, our software version uses the original sample ROM and models the early digital technology present in the vintage hardware. This attention to detail results in a fully authentic TR-909, with all the sonic characteristics that make it a perennial favorite of electronic and dance producers the world over. And the plug-in version also includes some groundbreaking new features for modern production:

• Overdrive the internal circuitry of the 909 for different flavors and styles.
• The classic 909 step sequencer expands to show lanes for each drum instrument, so you can program faster and more fluidly.
• Each pattern has eight variations for evolving sequences that keep things interesting.
• Drag and drop audio or MIDI patterns directly from the 909 into a project.
• Adjustable flams, sub-steps, and soft hits create detailed fills and ratcheted sequences.
• Each instrument has its own "last step" and shuffle settings, so you can play with timing, experiment with complex meters, and dial in just the right groove.