TR-09

Rhythm Composer

TR-09

The Legendary TR-909 Sound in the Palm of Your Hand

The influence of the TR-909 drum machine is still heard—and felt—more than three decades after it was launched. Now, the 909 sound is available as part of the Roland Boutique series in the form of the TR-09. Featuring the same front-panel layout and user interface of the original, the TR-09 is powered by Roland’s ACB technology, delivering the speaker-pummelling power of the TR-909 in a super-affordable and portable format. Offering precise control over an array of drum parameters and the ability to keep playing when switching modes, the TR-09 may be compact, but it still has the power to move people. Studio sessions are well catered for too, with four separate outputs via USB audio, external instrument control via a trigger output, and USB MIDI.

909 Power via Roland’s ACB Technology

The original TR-909 blended analog kick, snare, and tom drums with six-bit samples for the hi-hats and cymbals. This hybrid approach to sound generation meant that the 909 sounded like no other drum machine. Accurately recreating such an influential sound while retaining the ability to edit and tweak the various parameters is only possible via Roland’s ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology, which is also found in the popular AIRA series.

Classic TR-REC Sequencer with Enhanced Functions

Dedicated TR-909 users will recognise the classic TR-REC style of programming found in the TR-09, with a choice of Step or Tap write modes. You can even change modes while the pattern continues playing, something not possible on the original. The TR-09 sequencer has 16 steps, and each has 16 sub-steps so you can fine-tune your performances. And just like the original TR-909, the Shuffle/Flam parameter can be selected using the buttons—but if you need greater control, simply use the display and rotary encoder to perfect your pattern.

Connect with External Gear

The TR-09 is designed to easily connect with other gear. The main stereo mini-jack output can also be reconfigured to send the selected instrument to the right channel, with the other instruments output to the left. A mix input routes external audio through the main outputs, while the trigger output lets the TR-09 drive vintage analog synths such as the SH-101 or JX-3P, or modern gear like the current SYSTEM-500 modular series. Sync and control other gear via standard MIDI ports or USB, and even send the audio of four individual drum parts via USB to continue working in your favorite DAW.

Battery or USB Bus Power

Some of the best music is made away from the studio, so the Roland Boutique series runs on 4 x AA batteries, ready for when inspiration strikes. Alternatively, you can power the TR-09 with USB bus power.

USB Audio Interface for Direct Recording to Your DAW

Via its USB port, the TR-09 also functions as a high-quality 24-bit/96 kHz audio interface, providing a simple and reliable way of recording directly to your DAW application. You can even send individual drums to separate channels, thanks to the TR-09’s four discrete outputs over USB. Saving your favorite settings and sequencer patterns is easy too via the USB data backup function.

Specifications
User Memory
Patterns: 96 (2 banks x 3 groups x 16 patterns)
Tracks: 8 (2 banks x 4 tracks)
Kit: 1
Steps
16 steps with 16 sub steps
Instruments
BASS DRUM
SNARE DRUM
LOW TOM
MID TOM
HI TOM
RIM SHOT
HAND CLAP
CLOSED/OPEN HI HAT
CRASH CYMBAL
RIDE CYMBAL
Controllers
VOLUME knob
START button
STOP/CONT button
LAST STEP button
SCALE button
SHUFFLE/FLAM button
CLEAR button
INSTRUMENT SELECT button
SHIFT button
TOTAL ACCENT knob
TEMPO dial
TRACK 1–4 buttons
PATTERN 1–3 buttons
COMP button
TEMPO button
BACK button
FWD button
AVAILABLE MEAS button
CYCLE/GUIDE button
MENU button
ENTER button
Main keys 1–16 (16 step buttons)
BASS DRUM: TUNE, LEVEL, ATTACK, DECAY knobs
SNARE DRUM: TUNE, LEVEL, TONE, SNAPPY knobs
LOW/MID/HI TOM: TUNE, LEVEL, DECAY knobs
RIM/CLAP: LEVEL knob
HI HAT: LEVEL, CH DECAY, OH DECAY knob
CRASH CYMBAL: LEVEL, CRASH TUNE knob
RIDE CYMBAL: LEVEL, RIDE TUNE knob
Effects
Compressor
Indicators
7 segments, 4 characters (LED)
Scale LED
Connectors
TRIGGER OUT jack: Mono miniature phone type
PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type
OUTPUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
MIX IN jack: Stereo miniature phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
USB port: Micro-B type (Audio, MIDI)
Power Supply
Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
USB bus power
Current Draw
500 mA (USB bus power)
Expected battery life under continuous use
Rechargeable Ni-MH battery: Approx. 6 hours
* This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.
Accessories
 
Boutique Dock: DK-01 (Ivory)
Owner's Manual
DK-01 Owner's Manual
Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
Size and Weight
Width
308 mm
12-1/8 inches
Depth
130 mm
5-1/8 inches
Height
51 mm
2-1/16 inches
Weight
980 g
2 lbs 3 oz
TB-03 Quick Start

TB-03 Quick Start Step-by-step instructions

These Quick Start Videos contain step-by-step instructions that will quickly introduce you to its major features. Read more…

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Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.

Owner's Manuals