909 Day: Celebrate with the Hottest TR-909 Emulations and Clones
TR-909 soundalikes from Behringer, Roland, Erica Synths, D16 Group and more.
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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.
A quick note: I have done my best to get as many 909-style hardware, software and Eurorack modules onto this list. If I omitted your favorite it’s nothing personal. If I did miss one out, let me know in the comments section. Remarks about my lack of intelligence optional.
TR-909 Hardware Drum Machines
Roland only sold around 9000 of the TR-909 in its two-year run. That makes it pretty rare indeed. With originals selling for massive sums now (7 or 8k USD seems to be the going rate) 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.
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 has some additional features like a wave designer (attack and sustain envelope) and 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 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
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, whichinclude 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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2 responses to “909 Day: Celebrate with the Hottest TR-909 Emulations and Clones”
Hey Leute!
LOVE all things 909!
Thanks for the list. One I didn’t know!
If you din’t mind the higgest omission is IMHO the JoMoX Xbase09, with the Mbase 01 and later, I think, Mbase 11 being expanded bd only modules with a wider range of modulation and functionality. Jürgen Michaelis was according to Keys Magazine and Keyboards the man for 909 repairs in Berlin in the 90s and onwards so he knows the thing inside out.
Later came the 999 and the AlphaBase… Absolute Hammer!!! Deep is an understatement!!!!
Then of course a classic AudioRealism!
The Jomox kick I think is far superior to the 909’s.. which unprocessed is disappointingly weak for all but the most pedestrian of styles. The Jomox stuff is obviously inspired by the 909, but is so far from a clone. They are excellent machines in their own right, with potential for aggression the 909 just can’t get close to. The Alpha snares can be ridiculous 😃😃