Looking for the best Roland TR-909 replica or emulation? Spend 909 Day celebrating with these hardware and software recreations.
909 Day
The Beatles may have sung about the one after 909, but since the release of the iconic TR-909 drum machine in 1983, there have been many, many more than just one clone, emulation, or remake to come down the pike. To celebrate this year’s 909 Day, let’s light up September 9 with a list of the best modern 909 versions out there, including 909-style hardware, software, and Eurorack modules.
Many of the products mentioned in this story are available at Thomann*.
TR-909 Hardware Drum Machines
Roland didn’t sell many units of the TR-909 in its two-year run. That makes it pretty rare indeed. With originals selling for massive sums now, you’d be forgiven for wanting something a little more affordable. Thankfully, there are a number of hardware “reimaginings” available in both analog and digital formats. Don’t worry if they don’t sound exactly the same; modern 909 production is all about heavy processing anyway.
Roland TR-1000
Roland had everyone stunned last year with the release of the TR-1000, the manufacturer’s first (partly) analog drum machine in decades. Alongside the analog instruments of the TR-909 and TR-808, the TR-1000 offers extensive ACB synthesis capabilities, allowing you to take the classic sounds to a new level.
But the TR-1000 is about more than nostalgia. It also features FM synthesis, SP-style sampling, a powerful sequencer, and a full suite of effects, including an analog filter and overdrive. If you’ve got the budget, the TR-1000 is as close as you can get to an official TR-909 reissue.
Behringer RD-9
Behringer’s RD-9 is an excellent substitute for the real thing if you’re working within a budget (and with this economy, who isn’t?) and want to jam out on 909 Day.
It sounds pretty close, plus it has some additional features like a wave designer (attack and sustain envelope) and a filter to expand the sound possibilities.
- Behringer RD-9 product page
Roland TR-8S
With the Roland TR-09 discontinued (that being the ACB-modeled Boutique version of the 909), those looking for a full 909 sound set from the original company that is a bit more budget-friendly than the TR-1000 should check out the TR-8S.
Along with the ACB 909, you also get the 606, 707, 727, 808, and CR-78 – plus lots more. It sounds great and is tons of fun to play with. But it is digital, and if that bothers you, there’s no getting around it.
- Roland TR-8S product page
Roland T-8 Beat Machine
If you want some TR-909 flavor without all of the extras that come with the TR-8S, check out Roland’s T-8 Beat Machine. Part of the Aira Compact line, it puts analog circuit-modeled sounds from Roland’s famous drum machines TR-808, TR-606, and of course, TR-909, along with a bassline synthesizer inspired by the TB-303.
- Roland T-8 Beat Machine product page
TR-909 Replicas
Want the real thing but prefer new to old? You may want to consider a replica. These are on the pricey side and often DIY only, however. Also, availability can be sporadic. However, it may be just the thing to fulfill your 909 Day fantasies.
DinSync RE-909
For a very close take on the TR-909, look to DinSync and its RE-909. “It’s not a clone, it’s a replica,” the company says on its Instagram page, and that includes not only the look, sound, and workflow but even the internal circuitry, apparently.
DinSync sells the RE-909 as a caseless DIY kit for 4200 kr (€368). You can buy cases from retailer Kumptronics for €384 with VAT/€320 without. Alternatively, you can buy a fully assembled RE-909 from Kumptronics for €2340 including VAT/€1950 without.
- DinSync RE-909 DIY kit page
- Kumptronics case kit page
- Fully assembled RE-909 product page
Steda SR-909
Steda’s SR-909 replicates the original drum machine so well, you can use it for parts to repair an original TR-909.
It’s available in DIY kit form in a variety of case colors and materials. Prices range from $999 for a black case to $2000 for a metal one. So many choices for 909 Day.
- Steda SR-909 product page
E-licktronic Nava 909
E-licktronic’s Nava 909 is another legendary 909 clone that claims to be a one-to-one replica. Online store Elettrorama is currently taking preorder deposits for fully assembled Nava 909 units. This will include the Extra 9 expansion board, which adds additional functionality.
There’s no indication when these will be ready, though, so viewer discretion is advised. The preorder is €400 while the finished product will cost €2000.
- Elettrorama E-licktronic Nava 909 page
TR-909 Eurorack Modules
The idea of getting 909 sounds in a variety of modules could be very appealing to some Eurorack users. Choose the sounds that you want (the kick, snare, and hats), ditch the ones that you don’t (like the rimshot,) and jam out on 909 Day.
Erica Synths Drum Modules
One of the coolest companies on the planet, Erica Synths offers four analog 909-style modules, all made in collaboration with E-licktronic, who you may remember as the creator of the Nava 909 (above).
Bass Drum2, Snare Drum, Clap, and Toms will get you halfway there. Add Hi-Hats D and Cymbals, which include the 909 samples, to add digital to analog. For a full-on drum experience, go with the Techno System, which combines the 909-style modules with others into a formidable percussion rig.
- Erica Synths drum modules page
Tiptop Audio Drum Modules
For a more complete 909 Eurorack setup, check out Tiptop Audio’s selection of drum modules. They’ve got: BD909 Bass, SD909 Snare, HATS909 Hi-Hats, CP909 Clap, TOMS909 Toms, RS909 Rimshot, and CYMBL909 Cymbals.
- Tiptop Audio 909 series product page
Behringer RS-9
Looking for a way to sequence your 909 modules? Behringer’s RS-9 is based on the sequencer from its RD-9 drum machine (above), broken out into a 52 HP Eurorack module. Features 10 drum channels, a 64-step TR-style sequencer, memory for 16 songs and 256 patterns, and more.
- Behringer RS-9 product page
TR-909 Software
Good 909 emulations are not limited to hardware. There are at least two solid recreations available in plugin form, including one from Roland itself, to consider for 909 Day.
Roland Cloud TR-909
The Roland Cloud TR-909 is based on ACB circuit modeling technology but also adds new functionality to the drum machine, including adjustable panning and individual instrument gain, plus a more advanced sequencer than the original.
- Roland Cloud TR-909 product page
D16 Group Drumazon 2
As with its other x0x emulations, D16 Group’s version of the TR-909, called Drumazon 2, features a number of extras that take the sound beyond the original.
Extras include effects like distortion, bitcrusher, delay, reverb, EQ, and dynamics, plus a dedicated mixer-style channel strip for each sound with a filter, additional EQ, compression, and more, as well as a comprehensive master section. Given how important processing is to the modern 909 sound, these are welcome additions indeed.
- D16 Group Drumazon 2 product page
More Information
- All about Roland
- All about drum machines
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