TR-909 Firmware Version 5 Demos

See this post for details.

Playlist:

1. TR-909 FIRMWARE VERSION 5 UPGRADE!!!

// The most wonderful thing that could have ever happened for Roland TR-909 owners and lovers has actually happened.

2. TR-909 FIRMWARE V.5 - Demonstration 1 - MIDI SYNC CORRECTION

// I’ve installed one of the first Revolution 909 firmware upgrades from Addictive Instruments into my own personal Roland TR-909 and I released a little enthusiastic clip about how delighted I am to have 33 year old serious problems resolved. This is the first of a few posts planned for today to show you why it’s so amazing to me.

3. TR-909 FIRMWARE VERSION 5 - Demonstration 2 - SWITCH BETWEEN PLAY AND WRITE MODE IN REAL TIME

// This is something that I’ve been thinking about since 1991 when I first got my own TR-909: The ability to switch between pattern play and pattern write without having to stop the sequencer.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The TR-909 in pattern write mode allows us to do some clever things. We can change the length of the pattern using last step, and we can add and subtract notes and accents (internal and external) to develop our pattern. However, we can only do this in write mode.
So in order to do these things in performance we have to A ) stop, change modes, and start again B ) stay in write mode always (can’t change patterns in write mode) C ) program our drums from another device entirely D ) add all the chaos, and then use the level knobs to bring sounds in and out (the way maestro Jeff Mills makes magic!) or E ) make a ton of patterns ahead of time and switch between them as our performance.
We can do mutes on a mixer, use a midi controller. There are options, but when I’m playing live it’s just me. I have stuff happening. It’s a lot to navigate and keep track of. Changing mixer settings, dealing with midi controllers, or even flipping through preset patterns can be distracting and a bummer. Adding the ability to just get into write mode and change the length for a fill, or a sidetrack, or a totally new in the moment idea is fantastic!

4. TR-909 FIRMWARE VERSION 5- Demonstration 3 - MUTES

// This is something which I didn’t anticipate being so amazing. I use mutes on the mixer as a fundamental part of how I perform live, but I don’t tend to reach for instrument mute functions on the actual devices. This is not a personal bias, but rather a point of clarity. I’m doing like 25 things at once in any given performance (and singing) so it’s pretty easy to forget what I’ve muted or un muted unless it’s in central place (like on the mixer), but after all I just explored in demonstration clip 2 about ways to add and subtract sounds live, mutes are a marvelous and really powerful addition to this list of ways to address patten complexity in a live performance.

5. TR-909 FIRMWARE VERSION 5 - Demonstration 4 - INSTANT PATTERN CHANGES

// Ok, this is really simple, but it’s so super extra totally bad ass.

Fig.1 INSTANT PATTERN CHANGES
The thing about the TR-909 is that it doesn’t instantly change patterns. You have to wait for the end, and then it starts the next selected pattern. To get around this you can do some stuff:
• make some really complicated patterns
• make one big complex pattern and then use the mixer to bring things in and out (fun!)
But this is fantastic! Just hold down shift and start instantly jumping between patterns. Add a crash from a crashy pattern, start a fill, and switch to just a kick drum, mix and match patterns and really get something heavy going - THEN get involved with the mixer, and it’s a gorgeous avalanche of TR-909 awesome!

In my example here I’m just showing you that it’s possible now. The rest is up to you.

Addictive Instruments have released firmware version 5 for the Roland TR-909 and the RE-909. It’s a real upgrade which requires soldering and while it isn’t easily reversible, the upgrade also includes firmware v1 and v4 so you can revert by choosing another firmware and booting it that way (no one would ever know).

Find out more at revolution909.fr
This first batch is limited to 100 so if you’re as happy about this as I am, hurry up!
That said, I believe in these guys and totally hope that this all goes well, and this will continue to be available (and more!) until all the TR/RE-909’s have one inside.

This was demo 4, one more and I’ll leave the rest to you.

6. TR-909 FIRMWARE VERSION 5 - Demonstration 5 - EXTERNAL INSTRUMENT

// I’ve been using the EXT INST function of the Roland TR-909 since the day I got it. I love triggering samples, basslines, and other drum machines from the stately TR-909’s main panel. The hassle has always been that the notes it generates can’t be changed. So you get an octave or so of fixed notes and that’s all. I’ve spent a lot of time messing with samplers and getting the sounds I want to trigger from the notes I have to offer, and while it’s fun, and useful, it can be a drag. Fact is, a lot of people never even explored it.

Fig.1 CENTRAL CONTROL WITH TR-727
The TR-727 doesn’t allow us to control its midi notes either, but the Addictive Instruments firmware v.5 update has presets and it has a user mode (fig.2). So we can play any note we want on any channel we want at any velocity we want now.
My 727 is upgraded with Harry Axten‘s perfect sound rom upgrade, and this is my own custom rom, and here it is being beautifully programmed by my beloved TR-909!

Fig.3 BASSLINE
This is an example of using the user template to create a chromatic keyboard and programming a bassline which is saved with my drums, and subject to all the new and original functions of the 909.
So much fun!

Clearly I was already in love with my TR-909, but I’ve fallen all over again here.

The external instrument mode is expanded, and it much more powerful now, it’s also nicely documented (at last) in the manual. It is more complicated than plug it in and go if you want to make the most of it, and it’s worth it. This is something wonderful.

RE-909 vs TR-909: Sunshine Jones' 909 (Reprise)

video upload by autoy

Update: video re-uploaded.

"I thought it would be good to make this comparison again after my RE-909 was finished. Since the last video there's been quite a few changes, the most important being the addition of the output caps (as per Roland TR-909 service manual) and the replica of the original transformer. With these I consider the RE to be pretty much a 909 but I let you judge by the video.

Of note: there are 5 hardware revisions of the TR-909 two of which really affect the sound. Most of the RE-909 builds will sound like earlier models but with the later bass drum, hence slight differences depending on which models you compare it to. Original vintage Mitsubishi OPamps, several key original transistors and original Roland BA662 have been used in this build.

Thanks again to Sushine Jones for providing the video and samples and thanks for watching."

TR-909 vs RE-909 EP1 - Sunshine Jones' 909

autoy

"I will be comparing in a series of videos my RE-909 build to various TR-909 machines. Thanks to Sunshine Jones for providing a few patterns to serve as a benchmark."

DinSync RE-909 posts

Two New Roland TR-909 Clones

It looks like two new TR-909 clones are in the works. First we have the RE-909 from Din Sync:

View this post on Instagram

Ok you have to see it first and here we have the RE-909

A post shared by Paul Barker (@dinsync) on Jun 4, 2020 at 12:01pm PDT

Next we have the SR-909 from Steda Electronics. Note this is the first post to feature Steda.

View this post on Instagram

909 replica prototype Step Mode test #hardwaresequencer #tr909 #tr9090 #909 #synthdiy #diysynthesizers #diysynthesizer #909kick #notnava #electronicmusic #electronicdrums #drummachine #technomachines #housebeats #vintagedrummachine #classicdrummachine #re303

A post shared by Steda Electronics (@stedaelectronics) on Mar 17, 2020 at 10:27am PDT

d

View this post on Instagram

909 sequencer board is ready for testing. More news soon! #hardwaresequencer #tr909 #tr9090 #909 #synthdiy #diysynthesizers #diysynthesizer #909kick #notnava #electronicmusic #electronicdrums #drummachine #technomachines #housebeats #vintagedrummachine #classicdrummachine

A post shared by Steda Electronics (@stedaelectronics) on Feb 8, 2020 at 2:02am PST

Din Sync RE-909 ( + upgrades)

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by ikomlino

"RE 909 (Exact replica of TR 909) recorded directly from stereo out to mixing console. No processing (just limiter in daw to be sure no clips...), mixing or any kind of audio intervention."

via this auction

Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.

"Dyn Sync RE-909. Professionally built replica of Roland's rhythm machine TR-909.

Each board is interchangeable with the original boards. Rare parts (original transistors and chips from the 1980s + original BA662F VCA...).

The power supply is a transformer (in production about a hundred EUR more expensive than SAFE PSU),

220V/50 Hz.

Cosmetically refined to be even closer to the original (burgundy plexi on display, real rubber legs as in the original.

Diffused small switches, additionally ordered pot guides to make the potentiometers more tightly fixed...). Attached video demonstrates exact unit."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Yesss it's Alive !!! 🤪 The RE-909 Replica of TR909 #RE909 #TR909 #Replica #Drummachine #Electronics

Danny

"Yesss it's Alive !!! 🤪 The RE-909 , now waiting for the knobs and case .... 😁 thx to all who has made this project possible !
#RE909 #TR909 #Replica #Drummachine #Electronics #DIY #Dinsync"

The Dinsync RE-909 was first shared on the site back in June.

Révolution 909 Upgrade for the Roland TR-909

This one is in via Michael Geyre.

Details via Addictive Instruments:

"Memory and display upgrade including the new firmware version you've been waiting 40 years for!

Like you, we worship this machine and we have put all our passion and know-how into this project." Principle:
The Revolution 909 upgrade consists of two hardware modules which replace some integrated circuits on the 909’s Switch Board.
The first is a hardware memory expansion module including a new version 5 of the software.
The second is a small hardware enhancement to the 7-segment LED driver to display alphanumeric characters.
The new v5 firmware not only contains fixes and optimizations of the original versions 1 and 4, but new features have also been added!
The functionality and timing of the original sequencer has been preserved.
The spirit and philosophy of the machine has been respected. Remember, we always run on the same CPU!
Legacy versions 1 and 4 are also present in ROM and can be selected by a simple key combination.
This upgrade is fully compatible with the TR-909, the RE-909 and the SR-909.
The installation is totally non-destructive, no holes to drill, no traces to cut.
v5 main features:
Fixed Sync bugs.
32 Internal Banks.
Optimised and more instinctive workflow.
Mute function.
Full External Instruments Mapping.
Firmware Update via MIDI.
etc...
Select the v5 Firmware tab for more details about the new features.
The Owner Manual is available on the Downloads tab.

Kit contents:
Memory Board(PCBA) .
Digit Board(PCBA).
40 pin-strip headers(For Memory).
16 DIP lead-frames(For Digit).
1 diode.
1 resistor.
Some 30AWG wire.
Some shrinkable sleeve.
The new labels for front panel(non permanent sticker).

Transistor Revolution - 808 & 909 for Kontakt Player

via Wave Alchemy

"Introducing Transistor Revolution for Kontakt Player!

Is it possible to accurately recreate the sound of a vintage analogue drum machine in a software plugin? nearly 2 years ago we started out on a journey to find out...

After gravitating towards the most influential drum machines ever created (namely the TR-808 and TR-909) we soon discovered the extreme depth of focus needed to faithfully capture the tone, immediacy and groove of the original instruments.

2 years on, after a lot of research and development (and 22,000 samples later) we arrived at what we believe to be the most accurate emulation of these classic drum machines ever created... Transistor Revolution, our virtual analogue drum machine inspired by the classic TR-808 and TR-909 electronic drum machines of the 1980’s.

Why 22,000 samples you might ask? To give an example of the detail involved in the sampling of each instrument, the Revolution 909 Bass Drum alone uses 9318 unique sounds to faithfully recreate the 909 Bass Drum sound. Each of the 4 knobs on the Revolution 909 Bass Drum control panel scans smoothly through each and every sample in real-time... Additionally to emulate the subtle differences in sound inherent of analogue equipment we recorded 7 variations of each drum sound which cycle randomly each time a key on the keyboard is played.

Each drum sound in Transistor Revolution has been carefully recorded using a pristine 3 inch solid core cable connected to a transformer balanced Radial JDI and brought to line level with an AMS/NEVE 1073 preamp. To retain the full frequency response and dynamics of this instrument we carefully matched the peak level of each drum and recorded the samples at 24-bit 96KHz using mastering grade NEVE designed conversion.

Feature List

Available in Standalone, VST, AU and RTAS instrument formats for Windows and Mac OS X via the free Kontakt Player from Native Instruments. Full version of Kontakt is NOT required.
Intuitive GUI design faithful to the original TR-808 and TR-909 front panel layouts.
Recreate every nuance of the original analog drum machines or define your own unique sound using the worlds most advanced sampling engine, Kontakt 5.
Contains over 22,000 unique samples which have been carefully edited and calibrated for tight synchronisation and playback.

Smoothly scan through thousands of multilayered samples with the turn of a single knob and play sounds which were once only tied to analog knobs and circuits live in realtime using velocity and controller data.
All sounds have been meticulously recorded at 24-bit 96 kHz through mastering grade AD converters.
High quality effects including; EQ, Compression, Tape Saturation, Transient Shaping, Filters and Bit Crushing allow for premium sound shaping of the pure analogue samples with a re-routable signal chain.
Designed for both production and live performance. Live drummers looking to integrate 808 and 909 drums into their performances can do so effortlessly with MIDI learn and full velocity/ MIDI CC control.
Adjustable output noise amount/level control for each drum sound, multi-sampled from each individual output of the original instrument/s.
Calibrate the peak output level of Transistor Revolution per drum module for easy integration with analog mixing consoles and outboard gear.
Mix and match sound sources between both Revolution-808 and Revolution-909 to create your dream analog drum machine or use an unlimited amount of modules in a single instrument.
6GB in size after unpacked."

New Behringer RD-808 & RD-909 Knobcon Videos

Behringer RD-909 (Roland TR-909 Clone) Sneak Preview

Published on Sep 10, 2018

Update: looks like the RD-808 video was pulled. Moved it below in case it comes back.

"At Knobcon 2018, we talked with Behringer about their upcoming RD-909 drum machine, an updated clone of the classic Roland TR-909.

Behringer was showing their initial 3D-printed model for the RD-909, which is used in the process of validating their design choices, and for testing out the 'feel' of the box. It has circuit boards in it - but they were not demoing it because the circuity and firmware are are still early in development.

Behringer was showing the RD-909 to get feedback on their initial design."

More:
Behringer RD-808
Behringer RD-909
Knobcon

CLICK FOR MORE »

Jomox X-Base 09 Classic Analog Drum Machine Synth

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"If you're looking for the TR-909 that should have been, here it is! Authentic sounds with more functionality and modern MIDI specs make this the perfect 909 for the 90's and beyond.

The XBase 09 is serious about emulating the Roland TR-909. Like the 909, it is an analog drum machine, and it sounds just like the 909, and more! It offers the same types of analog controls that the TR-808 and TR-909 did such as tuning, level, decay, snap, etc. However it provides more of these controls for more sounds than the originals ever did and has MIDI implementation and Patch memory making the XBase 09 a much more versatile machine than those originals.

Kick and snare are true analog, not emulation and not sampled. The Hihats, cymbal, ride, rimshot, claps and noise sounds are samples but are still quite tweakable. All your edited sounds can be stored into the 100 patches of memory. Use the built-in LFOs to modulate the Bass drum pitch, Snare Tune, Snare Snap, Snare Noise Tune, HiHat Tune or LFO 2.

The XBase 09's built-in sequencer is also more advanced yet faithful to the style of its mentors. Step or Real-Time programming just like it's done on the 909 and 808! However, on the XBase, any edits to the sounds will also be stored with the pattern or song! This really liven's up your beats and allows you freedom and control to do things not easily possible on the original beat boxes! There's also an extensive Shuffle mode. Of course the XBase 09 is also happy as a simple drum tone module, with all editable controls accessible using MIDI. The controls also send MIDI data when tweaked so you can record real-time edits into your external sequencer."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland TR-909 & Din Sync RE-909 Editor

via DDV

"This is the app we've all been waiting 40 years for! With this librarian you can avoid the hassles of trying to get Tape Load/Save working on the finicky 909, and still backup, restore and move banks around on your 909 over MIDI!"

Roland Boutiques – The Next Chapter - Video & Details on the TR-09, TB-03 and VP-03

Published on Sep 9, 2016 RolandChannel

"Three more iconic Roland products, now available as affordable, limited-edition sound modules.
Recreating the sound and user interface of the TR-909, TB-303 and VP-330, each module is packed with hands-on controls for deep editing, while battery operation and built-in speaker lets you make music on the move.
With all the sonic power of the originals, plus some brand new features, the second wave of Roland Boutique gear lets you add even more classics to your library."

via Roland:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Superbooth 22: Din Sync Refurb Your SH-101

video upload by sonicstate

"Din Sync provide spare parts so accurate that they can build originals - as Paul ably demonstrates with the RE-909 and RE-101.

New is the RE-101 kit with faders, motherboards and pots all coming down the line for you to keep your classic in tip top condition.

Nice to see someone programming in real time who knows all the tricks - fading the 808 snare on the fill - tasty; Like to have seen a set by him..
https://shop.re-303.com/"

SUPERBOOTH 2024: Din Sync - X0X Instruments

video upload by sonicstate

"At Superbooth 2024, Sonic State caught up with Paul from Din Sync to check out the latest products on display. Paul showcased the RE-808, RE-303, and RE-909, along with the upcoming RE-101 which will be available for purchase in about six weeks. In addition to this, they have been working on a bender part for their products and also introduced a facelift for the Gillian synthesizer, featuring improved features and a refreshed aesthetic.

Apart from these updates, Din Sync is also working on a new prototype, the JP1, which wasn't ready for display at the show. This new prototype will feature full-size faders and big switches, enhancing the user experience. Although not fully revealed yet, the JP1 is set to include two oscillators, two envelopes, and innovative routing options that have already garnered interest from the community. For more information on Dynsync's products, make sure to check out their website for updates and announcements."

9090 - Build Your Own Roland TR-909 Rack Clone

via this auction
"An Electronics Project With A Difference. Build Your Own tr-909!

If you've ever wished for the warmth and flexibility of an original analogue drum machine like the TR-909 and you're also handy with a soldering iron, then a real alternative could be to put one together yourself. The 9090 project starter kit contains what you need to get started. This is a project suited for more experienced electronics enthusiasts and requires a small number of obsolete components.

The 9090 Project is an authentic sounding, rack-mounted, MIDI controlled copy of the TR-909, that you build yourself. The starter kit being offered for sale in this listing contains the bare printed circuit boards and a small number of special components. The majority of the electronic components are to be obtained separately from your own preferred electronic components supplier.

"The advantage of using these boards is that the hard work has already been done: well thought-out, compact and extensively tested board layout design makes them an absolute pleasure to build, and the end result looks fantastic. These PCBs contain zero errors, therefore fitting all of the components and doing all of the wiring correctly can often result in something that works pretty much straight away."

Features

□ Includes all analogue sound circuits from the original machine, and it sounds identical. Even better, in fact - because some of the sounds have more flexibility. The Bass Drum, for example, has a number of new additional control knobs that enable it to make a fantastic range of kicks. Take a listen to the Sound Samples on the right (mp3 format).

□ It does not have a sequencer of any form, but it has an excellent full MIDI interface. The PIC microcontroller that comes supplied with the boards is pre-programmed with embedded software that forms the heart of the MIDI interface (decodes the MIDI messages and translates them to trigger and velocity signals for each drum circuit). The drum sounds are velocity sensitive. How the drum sounds are mapped across the keyboard scale can be reconfigured via System Exclusive messages. LED indicates MIDI activity.

□ A 'bonus feature' is a Sync24 output, which enables you to sync something like a TB303 or MC202 to the MIDI clock via the 9090.

□ The boards are intended to be built into a 19” rack enclosure or a sloping-top box (or whatever you choose) to form a MIDI controlled 909 clone. It's entirely your call on what shape and size yours is going to be! You can also choose to only build some of the drum circuits if you don't need all of the drum sounds.

I kept most of the sound circuits pretty much as they were in their original form, and the project includes all of the sounds found on the original machine. Some of the sounds have been enhanced to expand their capability far beyond those in the original machine, the Bass Drum being a good example: it now has seven potentiometers instead of four, and sounds absolutely awesome. I think many people built their 9090s just for this sound alone. Some original components that have become long obsolete have been replaced by easily obtainable substitutes, without affecting the timbre of the drum sound in any way.

All of the sound circuits are built onto the two main large boards that are seen in the picture. The third long, narrow board is used to mount the rear output sockets onto (featuring individual and stereo summary outputs). I used two main boards instead of one because it means that you can stack the two boards if you want to build the project into a relatively small enclosure, and they’re just easier to work with. The boards also contain the MIDI interface, output mix amplifier, power regulation circuitry and even a handy DIN Sync output so that you can use the 9090 to synchronise your TB303 or MC202 to MIDI clock. The completed boards just need potentiometers and output sockets wired to them, power supply and MIDI input, and away you go – a fantastic analogue drum machine you built yourself."

Samples, manuals and more: http://www.introspectiv.eclipse.co.uk/
Also see the 9090 label below for all posts here.

Roland TR-909 Timing Issues

According to Innerclock Systems, makers of precision tempo-sync solutions, all Roland TR-909s suffer from rhythmic jitter:

"The TR-909 uses a single CPU that runs the whole circus and, like all computers it’s a serial process – it has many tasks to do. If the sequencer step trigger timing has no higher interrupt priority than any other task within the machine then, when the CPU has to deal with some other task everything else takes a back seat. That’s why she is a sloppy beast. Always was. Always will be..."

The Rev 4 update does not address the problem:

"Regarding the TR-909 Rev 4 Update – this was a Roland factory-addressed fault/software bug in the Rev 1/2 System EPROM:-

http://www.diprec.com/tr909/tr909.htm

The Rev 4 Update will correct long term cumulative sync drift when externally synced to Midi Clock from any source.

Rev 1 units will not sync to Midi Clock. Ever. Don’t bother trying.

Din-Sync and FSK external tempo-sync stability is unchanged with the Rev 4 Update.

This update does not address the more serious problem of sloppy timing within the machine itself. That would require a total software re-write and some hardware design changes which will never happen."

Read the full post on the Innerclock Systems blog.

Curious how the timing is on the new TR-8. If the TR-8 can precisely cover the TR-909, is it a better solution than the original?

Of course the question is whether you notice the jitter. There are plenty of 909 users out there.

Rhodes Chroma, Roland TR 909, ARP 2600, RE-201 Space Echo

YouTube Published on Aug 2, 2012 by ricel1992

"Please give a thumbs up if you want more videos/demos (requests are welcome, please excuse my playing skills - I'm a guitarist, primarily) - Also check out my original music here:

http://soundcloud.com/loganrice/sets

A few little jams that I did before I end up putting some of these up on eBay. Let me know if you have any interest as I will be adding them up within the next week or so. Check back to this video for links later.

In the first part of the video I have a 909 going through the dimension D into the space echo alone. The next part is the 909 triggering the ARP 2600 with the same beat running. This gives a small idea of some of the crazy sounds a 2600 can add to a mix (everything is pretty rough, however). Finally I did some parts with my Rhodes Chroma (which will not be for sale) and the TR 909.

Keep an eye out for the 909, dimension D, arp 2600, space echo, an an encore expressionist and a jackie profx12 - I will also be listing a roland mpg 80 and oberheim ob 3 soon"

9090 Analog Drum Synthesizer

Update via joseph_amos in the comments: "This is actually a DIY project. [link] It looks like whoever is selling just copied and pasted the text from the first page. "

images via this auction
"serial No. 001 t page 2002
The 9090 is an analogue drum machine based upon the legendary Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer. Many people consider this machine to be the life and soul of house music and it's modern derivatives. Trance, techno, whatever. In some moment of insanity back in '99 I decided it would be a fun challenge to build an entire clone of this classic analogue drum box (having no appreciation of how such a project can take over your life) and, bored with using sampled beats, I wanted a real, tweakable analogue box. Just like the 909.

I chose to make my 9090 just a MIDI controlled unit without an integral sequencer. All original drums are in there, together with power supply and a new PIC-based MIDI interface. The complete project is built across two separate printed circuit boards, designed to fit within a 2U height 19" rack enclosure. I didn't develop a sequencer to go with this, but I'll do it if I get the time.

The voice circuits used within the clone remain faithful to those of the original machine. In other words they remain mostly unchanged, except where I've added controls for extra tweakage. Most semiconductors have been substituted for modern equivalents that are more easily available. Most of the TR-909 sounds are completely analogue and hence some pretty intricate discrete circuitry is involved. Only the hi-hat and cymbal are 'digital' since the TR-909 used samples contained within three 32K ROMs for these.

CLICK FOR MORE »

9090 Roland TR-909 DIY Rack Clone

via this auction
"An Electronics Project With A Difference. Build Your Own tr-909!

If you've ever wished for the warmth and flexibility of an original analogue drum machine like the TR-909 and you're also handy with a soldering iron, then a real alternative could be to put one together yourself. The 9090 project starter kit contains what you need to get started. This is a project suited for more experienced electronics enthusiasts and requires a small number of obsolete components.

The 9090 Project is an authentic sounding, rack-mounted, MIDI controlled copy of the TR-909, that you build yourself. The starter kit being offered for sale in this listing contains the bare printed circuit boards and a small number of special components. The majority of the electronic components are to be obtained separately from your own preferred electronic components supplier.

The advantage of using these boards is that the hard work has already been done: well thought-out, compact and extensively tested board layout design makes them an absolute pleasure to build, and the end result looks fantastic. These PCBs contain zero errors, therefore fitting all of the components and doing all of the wiring correctly can often result in something that works pretty much straight away..."

Descriptions for the following six circuit board pics in order:

One: "Board One - Contains power circuit, noise sources, bass drum, snare, low and mid-toms"

Two "This image shows all of the parts you get together: Three PCBs, PIC microcontroller and three PROMs"

Three: "Board Two - Contains power circuit, noise sources, bass drum, snare, low and mid-toms"

Four: "Four chips supplied: PIC Microcontroller contains embedded software for the MIDI interface, and three PROMs contain data for the hi-hats and cymbal sounds."

Five: "Board Three - Output sockets / audio mixer"

Six: "High quality silkscreen makes assembly easy."

"Features

□ Includes all analogue sound circuits from the original machine, and it sounds identical. Even better, in fact - because some of the sounds have more flexibility. The Bass Drum, for example, has a number of new additional control knobs that enable it to make a fantastic range of kicks. Take a listen to the Sound Samples on the right (mp3 format).

□ It does not have a sequencer of any form, but it has an excellent full MIDI interface. The PIC microcontroller that comes supplied with the boards is pre-programmed with embedded software that forms the heart of the MIDI interface (decodes the MIDI messages and translates them to trigger and velocity signals for each drum circuit). The drum sounds are velocity sensitive. How the drum sounds are mapped across the keyboard scale can be reconfigured via System Exclusive messages. LED indicates MIDI activity.

□ A 'bonus feature' is a Sync24 output, which enables you to sync something like a TB303 or MC202 to the MIDI clock via the 9090.

□ The boards are intended to be built into a 19” rack enclosure or a sloping-top box (or whatever you choose) to form a MIDI controlled 909 clone. It's entirely your call on what shape and size yours is going to be! You can also choose to only build some of the drum circuits if you don't need all of the drum sounds.

I kept most of the sound circuits pretty much as they were in their original form, and the project includes all of the sounds found on the original machine. Some of the sounds have been enhanced to expand their capability far beyond those in the original machine, the Bass Drum being a good example: it now has seven potentiometers instead of four, and sounds absolutely awesome. I think many people built their 9090s just for this sound alone. Some original components that have become long obsolete have been replaced by easily obtainable substitutes, without affecting the timbre of the drum sound in any way.

All of the sound circuits are built onto the two main large boards that are seen in the picture. The third long, narrow board is used to mount the rear output sockets onto (featuring individual and stereo summary outputs). I used two main boards instead of one because it means that you can stack the two boards if you want to build the project into a relatively small enclosure, and they’re just easier to work with. The boards also contain the MIDI interface, output mix amplifier, power regulation circuitry and even a handy DIN Sync output so that you can use the 9090 to synchronise your TB303 or MC202 to MIDI clock. The completed boards just need potentiometers and output sockets wired to them, power supply and MIDI input, and away you go – a fantastic analogue drum machine you built yourself."

Further details and samples at the auction and here.

Update: some audio vids via MB909 in the comments here.

Roland's AIRA Officially Unveiled - Massive Pic Gallery, Details, Videos

AIRA — Artists make first contact with AIRA

Published on Feb 13, 2014 RolandChannel·835 videos

"Groundbreaking artists talk about their experiences with Roland instruments and make first contact with the AIRA gear. Artists appearing are: Arthur Baker, Ricardo Villalobos, A Guy Called Gerald, Rain Man, Netsky, Oscar Burnside, Boys Noize, Dr Meaker, Hardfloor, John Heckle, Hisashi Saito, and Akkord."

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Update3: You can find a write-up on Novamusik here.

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