Chat with the Roland TR-909 Manual
Get instant answers about your Roland Roland TR-909. Ask questions like "how do I set up MIDI?" or "how do I save patterns?"
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Common Roland TR-909 Questions
How do I sync my TR-909 to other MIDI devices, and what are the common MIDI settings I should be aware of?
Connect a MIDI cable from the other device's MIDI Out to the 909's MIDI In. Ensure both devices are set to the same MIDI channel and the 909's internal clock is set to "External" if you want it to follow the other device's tempo.
How do I save my patterns and tracks on the TR-909, and is there a limit to how many I can store?
Patterns are saved in Tracks, and Tracks are saved in Banks. The TR-909 can store 96 patterns (16 per track x 6 tracks) and 8 banks of tracks. Use the 'Write Track' and 'Write Pattern' buttons to save.
What's the basic workflow for creating a drum pattern on the TR-909?
Select a pattern number, choose an instrument, and then use the step buttons (1-16) to program the rhythm for that instrument, repeating for each instrument in your desired pattern. Finally, chain patterns together into tracks for longer sequences.
My TR-909 isn't triggering sounds properly. What are some common troubleshooting steps I can take?
First, check the volume levels for each instrument and the master output. Also, ensure the instrument is selected and that the step buttons are lit for the desired beats in the pattern; a blown fuse in the power supply can also cause the machine to fail.
What is the Accent lane and how is it unique to the TR-909's sequencer?
The Accent lane is a dedicated parameter row on the TR-909 that controls the overall volume or intensity of all instruments triggered on that step, creating dynamic variations within the pattern; other rows exist, but Accent uniquely affects all sounds playing on a single step.