Device Overview

TR-09 Rhythm Composer

The TR-09 is Roland’s compact recreation of the iconic TR-909 drum machine using ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology. It faithfully reproduces the sound and feel of the original 909, which has been a staple in electronic dance music for decades.

Connections

Physical Inputs

• MIDI In (1 channel)
• Mix In (Audio)
• Trigger In (CV)

Physical Outputs

• MIDI Out (1 channel)
• Audio Out (1/8” stereo mini jack)
• Trigger Out (CV)

USB Connection

• USB 2.0 Type Micro-B
• 10 MIDI channels
• 11 Audio outputs (individual drums + master)

Drum Sounds

• Bass Drum: MIDI Ch 1, Note 36
• Snare Drum: MIDI Ch 1, Note 38
• Low Tom: MIDI Ch 1, Note 41
• Mid Tom: MIDI Ch 1, Note 45
• Hi Tom: MIDI Ch 1, Note 48
• Rim Shot: MIDI Ch 1, Note 37
• Hand Clap: MIDI Ch 1, Note 39
• Closed Hi-Hat: MIDI Ch 1, Note 42
• Open Hi-Hat: MIDI Ch 1, Note 46
• Crash Cymbal: MIDI Ch 1, Note 49
• Ride Cymbal: MIDI Ch 1, Note 51

Common Settings

Techno Pattern

• Bass Drum: Four-on-the-floor with occasional variations
• Snare Drum: Beats 2 and 4 with ghost notes
• Closed Hi-Hat: Sixteenth note pattern
• Open Hi-Hat: Accent on offbeats
• Crash: Occasional accents at pattern changes

Acid House Pattern

• Bass Drum: Four-on-the-floor
• Snare/Clap: Beats 2 and 4
• Closed Hi-Hat: Swinging eighth notes
• Ride Cymbal: Driving rhythm on upbeats
• Toms: Rolling fills between phrases

Notes

• The TR-09 was introduced as part of Roland’s Boutique series
• Original TR-909 was produced in 1983-1984
• Hybrid analog/digital drum machine (analog bass drum, snare, toms; digital hi-hats, cymbals)
• The 909’s distinctive sound defined techno, house, and acid genres
• Significantly more compact than the original while maintaining the classic sound character