Roland TR-909
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The Roland TR-909 is a drum machine with an integrated step sequencer and running light programming that came onto the market in 1983. It is the successor to the Roland TR-808 released in 1981 and together with it one of the most popular drum computers of all time.
technology
In contrast to the TR-808, the sound synthesis of the TR-909 is not based solely on the analog method of subtractive synthesis , but also on digitally recorded samples . When it came onto the market, the first drum computers based purely on samples, such as the Linn LM-1 ( 1980 ) or the LinnDrum (1982), had begun to compete with analog devices. The TR-909 combined both techniques by, for example, generating the hi-hat analogue , while using a recorded 6-bit sample for the ride cymbal .
The MIDI interface was also new compared to the TR-808 . Data could either be saved on Compact Cassette or Flash plug-in modules .
The following sounds were available:
- Analog: bass drum , snare drum , low / mid / high tom , rim shot, handclap
- Samples (digital): Open / Closed Hi-Hat , Crash and Ride
Musical spread and influence
The TR-909, with its harder and more center-stressed sound than the 808, has significantly and lastingly influenced the sound aesthetics of house and techno . It can be heard in countless pieces of electronic dance music . She was among others by Inner City ("Good Life"), Frankie Knuckles ("The Whistle Song"), Jeff Mills ("The Bells"), Technotronic ("Pump Up The Jam"), Daft Punk ("Revolution 909") ), but also used by Madonna ("Vogue") or Phil Collins ("Take Me Home").
The 909 enjoys a similar (if not quite as high) cult status as the Roland TR-808 and the Roland TB-303 . Original devices are much sought-after and rarities that are traded at top prices on the used market.
successor
In autumn 2016, Roland brought out the TR-09, a new edition of the TR-909 as part of the boutique series, which is based on the original in function and appearance and uses a technology called "Analog Circuit Behavior" to improve the sound behavior of the analog 909 Tried to recreate software emulation in a digital chip. The Roland TR-8, released in 2014, also features the sounds of the 909 generated with the help of this technology.
Web links
- Audiotool - digital emulation of a TB-303, TR-808 and TR-909
- Portrait of the TR-909 at Amazona.de
- Music history background on the TR-909 at Red Bull Music Academy