FYI.

This story is over 5 years old.

Music

The Roland TR-909 is Back

The company unveils updates to some of dance music’s most-prized machines.
Photo courtesy of Roland

September 9 has been unofficially declared 909 Day in honor of Roland's iconic TR-909 drum machine, created in 1973. To mark the occasion, the Japanese electronic music instrument manufacturer has been steadily rolling out new products as part of its Boutique series.

Three of Boutique's latest unveilings include updated versions of the since-discontinued 909, the TB-303 bassline synth—which catalyzed the creation of acid house—and the VP-330 Vocoder Plus. Now labeled the TR-09, TB-03, and VP-03, respectively, the products utilize Roland's Analog Circuit Behavior technology and are aimed towards today's on-the-go musicians.

Priced at $399, the TR-09 is offered as a more compact and more affordable version of its predecessor. According to a press release, it has the same 16-step sequencer as the original, but allows users to fine-tune parameters and switch between the Step and Tap modes without interruption. It also offers connectivity to vintage analog synths as well as to MIDI and USB ports.

New features on the TB-03 include a four-digit LED display, along with a Step writing mode (adding to the original Pitch and Time modes) and three new effects: overdrive, delay, and reverb. It is priced at $349. The VP-03 (also $349) shares the VP-330's ability to fuse synthesized sound with the human voice, and additionally features 16 Chord Memory setups and a new Voice Step sequencer.

For more information, head to the Roland website.