TR-909

A Roland TR-909 drum machine built the way the original was: the kick, snare, toms and rimshot are analog-style synthesis, while the hi-hats, crash, ride and clap play back real samples — just as the hardware did. That split is why the 909's metallic hats and crashing cymbals sound the way they do on countless house and techno records, and synthesis alone can't reach them. The synthesized voices are tuned for the 909's punchier, brighter character: the kick has more beater "snap" and less sub, and the snare has a sharper crack. Notes are mapped to standard GM drum positions.

The closed and open hi-hat share the same sample — triggering the closed hat cuts off a ringing open hat, exactly like the original's single hat voice. The closed hat is the open-hat sample gated short.

Shaping a drum

Open the Sound panel below the editor and pick a drum from the dropdown. Two knobs shape it:

Each drum keeps its own settings, so you can detune the kick without touching the snare. Anything you don't touch stays at the stock 909 sound, and your settings are saved with the project.

TR-808 or TR-909?

Both cover the same kit; they just sound different. Reach for the 808 when you want a deep, booming, laid-back kit — hip-hop, trap, classic electro. Reach for the 909 when you want a tight, driving, energetic kit — house, techno, and dance music in general.

Drum map