Roland TR-09 and TB-03 - The Perfect Duo

[@savanaviolenta]

These two machines are enough to make a hard beat squelching basses party

[@shaunkemp9710]

Agreed, this is brilliant! I was interested in pattern change while playing as I was thinking of using it when writing songs with vocals, when verse chorus structure etc would be useful too.

[@sidneythirston9044]

I HAD THE TB-03 IT WAS JUST TOO MUCH TO PROGRAM SO I GOT THE TB-3. NICE LIL JAM THERE JOE!!!

[@djugel]

nice... really needed a clap to come in at some point tho ;)

[@soundseasy]

@djugel yeah i completely forgot about the clap

[@djugel]

soundseasy Haha ... U were so close to making a Hardfloor track. Well done!

[@soundseasy]

Love those guys - thanks - Still love Acperience !

[@richardwalley2862]

Love this ...are you ever had the full sized versions if so how does it compare

[@HazeAnderson]

You do realize the price tag on those "full sized" versions is ridiculous, yeah?

[@zulweni1]

Awesome! :)

[@VTOLKits]

Great duo...!

[@soundseasy]

Indeed!

[@neurostructure8717]

YES! NICE!

[@nueschi]

Nice track!

[@m1ke1981]

This shit is soo Hardfloor! I love it! :)

[@soundseasy]

Thanks - I listened to a lot of Hardfloor in the 90's so I guess it rubbed off.

[@m1ke1981]

soundseasy Hardfloor was really fun back in the days. Loved their remix of Yeke Yeke and Blue Monday. They usually had a crazy live setup with 8 TBs or sumpthing LOL.

[@mrpawel4742]

Sweet

[@shaunkemp9710]

Thanks that's really genuinely helpful! Thanks!

[@joemcshane4242]

I just ordered the 03 to muck about with. Can you connect the 09 to the 03 without the need for software, mixer, etc?

[@frankieglossman5699]

This is Acid!

[@johnnybagwash2456]

i own many original 909's and 303's I even have a brand new 303 boxed and a tr909 boxed but ive just bought a tr09 and a tb03 theyre brilliant and compact and the tr09 runs off aa batteries brilliant love your tune sound easy the simple monotonous beat I love it

[@soundseasy]

My thoughts exactly - I never originally owned a TB303 but in the 90's had pretty much every other Roland 0 series synth and drum machine and I think Roland have nailed the TB-03 and TR-09. Actually my TR909 kick drum was a bit shit compared to the 09. I would love to challenge all those doubters to a blind listening test. Thanks for the feedback.

[@johnnybagwash2456]

even though I own a lot of 909's and 303's Ive bought a lot of them dead and repaired them couldn't say how many 303's I have in my cupboard a few are donour ones for parts I have a more or less brand new one boxed with its case and also a few battered ones that work I love the fact on a night I can just lay on my bed with the tb03 and program a few tunes no headphones no mains adaptor just batteries same with the tr09 I don't own a tv so on a night time if I cant sleep I can switch one on and have a boogie the tr09 sounds spot on also I thought the effect on the tb03 were just a gimmick but now I own 1 have to say they sound well the 0d setting on num 2 sounds like my boss od3 pedal

[@johnnybagwash2456]

ive compared signal from my new tr909 and tr09 using a scope more or less matched signals for each instrument clap kick tom etc when my tb03 says btlo it just goes dead I'm envious yours carried on boogeying

[@johnnybagwash2456]

you go run along to your music shop and buy a tr09 mine sounds same as my boxed tr909 cant tell difference I recommend buying it t I n mateus

[@inevitablecraftslab]

the tr09 isnt analog^^

[@johnsonsteven664]

Wow sounds nice

[@NeoLudditevisons]

oh yeah!

[@areyouonthelist1]

these sounds are incredible, if you record it on vinyl I buy you, I love it

[@jamessusbilla]

thank *YOU*

[@Mark_Robinson_]

Noob question but i'm trying to get my head the whole midi concept! If i was to buy the TB-03 and TR-09 and then link them via a midi cable can I then use a the USB cable from either one or both units directly to my PC/soundcard?

[@soundseasy]

the way I understand it is yes, they will sync via a midi cable then each individual unit will output audio VIA USB to your computer. Although I would just run the Analog outs to your dedicated audio interface.

[@juanespinosa1259]

Way back in 1986 this would have been a hit in the Muzik Box, Chicago. You'd probably would have to to Chicago Trax and have your kidnies stolen, but OK

[@TheGreatPizzaMasterpiece]

Excellent:) :) :)

[@beathaven303]

Nice kick...

[@soundseasy]

Yeah it's very punchy! In fact better than the kick on the TR909's I had i the 90's!

[@Diskoboy1974]

change your batteries! ;)

[@soundseasy]

haha! Yes I know!

[@umassfortrump1208]

how did u know he needed to?

[@HazeAnderson]

The box on left (TB-03) is flashing the warning message. Jam was on the edge! xD

[@thriveimagedesign]

When does stock arrive🎛🎛

[@soundseasy]

They are telling us Mid October in Sydney.

[@JonMichaelDeShazer]

Am I the only one who felt like they were watching a Jeff Mills performance?

[@spidos1000]

what do you reckon of the TR8? Better value for money surely?

[@soundseasy]

Good question. There a certain things I like about the TR8 over the TR-09 - these are the ability to mute each sound and the extra sounds you get. Things I like about the TR-09 are that cool TR909 look, the limited range in each sound so that it sounds identical to the 909. You can get all the sound of the TR-09 but it's a bit trickier to set up given the range is exaggerated. Hope this helps.

[@chrissmith8784]

The tr8 is good for live performance but it's not good for producing a track . The clap on the tr8 is very harsh, the kick is ok. Sounds nothing like an 808 when using 808 style sounds (better software emulators out there). I'd get the tr09 and a tanzbar lite. £650 compared to £450 but worth the extra spend.

[@shaunkemp9710]

Is it not possible to change pattern while playing? No one ever seems to do that! Sounds great but monotonous without a pattern change.

[@soundseasy]

Yes I hear you man - the vid was only to give people a glimps into the sound (not an actual track) I only had the units for a day so didn't get a lot of time to do much. If I did it again I'd also drop the level of that bloody kick too - It's so loud :)

[@fitosanchez6866]

I think it nails a minimal acid track, some of the best 303 bass lines go straight without a pattern change, maybe a clap like somebody mention would have done it 👍🏼 nice

[@churize]

Minimal acid track? is that a new sub genre? pff.. tinkering with two machines track

[@soundseasy]

For sure man - totally just tinkering. I had the units for like a day before having to give them back and just wanted to show people what they sound like. Definitely not a track.

[@johncameron9857]

What do you use to enhance the sound, compressors etc?

[@soundseasy]

They went into the Roland MX1, which has the "Mastering" button on it which takes care of any peaks and definitely adds a degree of compression.

[@billyrigney4455]

Can anyone tell me how the two units sync together. Can they be linked by cable or do they have to run through a DAW? Probably a daft question but I'd like to know all the same. Cheers

[@soundseasy]

Hi Billy I just used a midi cable from the TR09 to the TB03 the TR09 was master and the TB was slave - Easy!

[@billyrigney4455]

soundseasy Hey thanks man, I've used DAW for a few years but never got used to the midi side of things. Here's another daft question if you're up for it...if you wanted to use headphones would you need a splitter to be able to hear both units at the same time?

[@soundseasy]

Heya - You would plug the outputs of both units into a mixer or your audio interface to monitor them. cheers

[@billyrigney4455]

Cheers mate I've just had them delivered today. The onboard speakers are quite weak but they definitely kick on the monitor. Fun times ahead 😂

[@miss.wright3035]

Any serious studio can't take this toy seriously. The original 909 had individual instrument outs for tracking and effects routing. I suppose they're orienting this toward DJ's. Least Roland could have done was put a digital out with individual channels for DAW's. What were they thinking ! ?

[@soundseasy]

Man I think you have it all wrong. What is a serious studio? The original Techno artists who made the 909 popular had very minimal gear, were they considered serious? In a time when you just can't go out and buy a TR909 the TR09 is a great option. Believe me, it's not a toy, it sounds just as good as the original - I have owned 2 909's. Mulit out would have been a nice touch but to be honest do you really care? You have a 909 use that. Let people reminisce.

[@miss.wright3035]

All those techno artists also used $25 effects pedals to get the unique sound that's not just out of the box. Keep in mind, the 909 was also used by numerous producers such as Max Martin, Daniel Lanois, Neptunes, Dre, Eno, Rubin, and Spectre just to name a few. Music production 101 is instruments are routed to a track. This isn't about reminiscing, it's about making music, good music. Everyone I know in the industry isn't impressed with the TR-09. What's got respect still are the MPC's, TR-909, and to my personal liking the DrumBrute. No disrespect, your perspective is understandable.

[@soundseasy]

Strange most of our customers rave about how great it is. Don't get me wrong an original 909 is a wonderful thing but you just can't find them and if you do they are in the thousands. I have a DrumBrute sitting right next to the TR09 and they are very different. I think the kicks are very week on the DrumBrute but the other instruments are quite nice. Very raw analog sound. As a modern day producer a combination of the 2 would be a good thing.

[@miss.wright3035]

I suppose the studio workflow of having instruments to track & effects routing limits the TR-09's production capability. On a side note, I've purchased the Elektron Analog RYTM for its overall flexibility, sound, and workflow. 3 times the price of a TR-09, but 1/2 of what my TR-909 is worth. Cheers mate-

[@soundseasy]

I actually thought you could use individual outs VIA audio over USB. RYTM and A4 are some of my favourite pieces of KIT. Especially A4.

[@johnnybagwash2456]

going to compare my tb303 to the tb03 I think the tb03 sounds tinny it sounds nothing like a cyclone tt303 gong to compare all 3 today the roland tb3 the tb03 and the original tb303

[@tremainw1413]

interesting that you never came back to update your comment.... Methinks you found when using an honest A/B comparison that you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between them, especially when thrown into a mix. From what I've heard, the TT303 is the weakest of the three, but it's a coin toss between the other two. It's that close because the team behind Roland's ACB technology were anything but idiots.

[@johnnybagwash2456]

soundeasy you will have to give me the letters for that pattern youre playing

[@soundseasy]

What do you mean by letters? I just knock them up on the fly.

[@johnnybagwash2456]

pattern letters a b e f sharp etc

[@billyrigney4455]

soundseasy I think he means keys

[@johnnybagwash2456]

i think I mean keys well spotted billy

[@billyrigney4455]

JOHNNY BAGWASH no problem man

[@ALL_ONE_SUN]

Again, to clarify...digital is digital...digital does not have INFINITE resolution. Analog has a resolution as high as water, basically. A sample of water does not sound PERFECTLY liquid, when compared with water. Especially at current popular bitrates and sample rates. Honestly a KORG VOLCA BASS and a great 909 sample pack are a better buy than these two digital machines.

[@J43rv1]

their appeal is much about the playability and tweakability and less 100% perfect emulation.

[@ALL_ONE_SUN]

My style Avatar icon...when I am in UK mode...that plus the umblats causes a reply. Yes, they are a fun toy. Yes...I would have fun playing with them. There are simply WAY better choices for that price.

[@HathorRa]

i don't think that the demographic roland is targeting really cares that much about emulation and just like the form factor, price, and the sounds it actually does produce. besides, a lot of people still like 8 and 16 bit music. being a bit "digital" or "bitcrushed" can be seen as a plus depending on what your musical goals and tastes are.

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

Hathor Gaia That's not the point of ALL ONE's remarks re: digital vs analog.

[@HazeAnderson]

I have a TT-303, a TB-03 and a Volca Bass. The TB-03 sounds bit thinner than the TT-303, but it is also easier to mix with my other synths. The Volca Bass is awesome, but not even in the same class as the TB-303 clones. To clarify: your rant is pointless. xD

[@GreenTeFarm]

0903 🤖

[@ALL_ONE_SUN]

PS: Better to get a Volca Bass and a TomCat.

[@soundseasy]

LOL now I know you're kidding me right :) Funny though!

[@ALL_ONE_SUN]

Those are epic tools and maybe underrated. Obviously the TomCat is. Was in Tokyo and Osaka earlier this year trying MANY, MANY synths and drum machines. Went to some wonderful shops. When put the KORG VOLCA BASS and the TOMCAT together...WOW!!!! With a disco tom doubled up as a layered kick...that TomCat was epic! Now is certainly NOT the moment to be a fanboy of the current roland company...how could they let loving customers down yet again?!!!!! I do electronic product design and had actually phoned them while visiting japan, to offer to help them make a proper homage...that was before they announced another digital insult. Thankfully there is KORG and ARTURIA!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lasercat96]

ALL ONE can i find a video with the tomcat and the volca bass?

[@t.n.3819]

I really like the TR-09, but the TB-03 still sounds so incredibly bland to me. I have no idea why anybody would buy one when the far superior TT-303 can be had for around the same price.

[@HazeAnderson]

I have both. The TB-03 does not sound bland at all. I think the TT-303 is better, far better, but the TB-03 is no where as bad as people want it to be. And besides ... everybody needs TWO TB-303 (clones) .... right? 😏 They sound amazing together.

[@ALL_ONE_SUN]

Fun toys...yet sadly they are digital and don't sound as good as either of the analogs they emulate. I have never heard ANY digital bass synth that can sound like an analog. And the TR-909 is much punchier and snappier.

[@soundseasy]

You must be joking I think??? I've owned 2 TR 909's and believe me the TR-09 sounds just as snappy and punchy as the original. In fact the TR-09 kick sound better IMO! I love analog and own and get to play with analog all day long and believe Roland Nailed it with the TR-09 and TB-03 - the JU-06 and 3X sound legit too.

[@ALL_ONE_SUN]

Spoken like a salesman.... KORG VOLCA BASS and AKAI TOMCAT blow these things away for a lower price. Actually bought a KORG VOLCA BASS at a kinda legendary shop in Osaka (where, according to history, Roland started). After AB'ing the KORG and a nice TB303 in the shop's open museum area for about an hour or maybe longer, bought the KORG. The main question was NOT if the KORG sounded better than the tb-3 (such a sad digital sound), yet rather if the KORG was BETTER than the TB303...what I decided was that the KORG required skill and experience to wield properly...and that it could possibly sound BETTER than the TB303...although the TB303 sounds great regardless of skill and experience in twiddling the right knobs the right way.

[@soundseasy]

Look everyone has their opinion about what sounds good and what doesn't - and yours is welcome. The Volca Bass is very good but it isn't a 303. A TB303 is a very specific thing and the TB-03 is an excellent version. The Tom Cat in my opinion is a Dinky little poor excuse for an analog drum machine. Not saying Akai don't make good product, but Tom Cat is a TURD! But some people like that sound so who am I to stamp on their opinion.

[@ALL_ONE_SUN]

Ummmm...thanks for clarifying that soundseasy doesn't know WTF he/she is talking about and OBVIOUSLY soundseasy hasn't EVER actually used a TOM CAT...and has OBVIOUSLY only basing TOM CAT opinions on the rhythm wolf or simply jumped on the bandwagon of people that don't know what the f they are talking about that have never tried EITHER. Thankfully the TOM CAT is NOT the rhythm wolf or the timbre wolf...although wish it had the colors from the timbre wolf...guess the TOM CAT would cut into salesman profits from selling yet another digital groovebox from roland...tisk tisk soundseasy...tisk tisk. Or, in the words of a TOM CAT...THOOM THOOOOOOOM.

[@ALL_ONE_SUN]

PS: Actually the VOLCA BASS also includes a pounding analog bass drum...although that requires a loop pedal to use with the 303 style basslines...that actually can likely sound better than a 303...think I mentioned that before...something about turning on the other 2 oscillators to make a SUPER PHAT bass is also a nice feature...sigh...how to convince a roland digital groovebox fanboy to surrender when they have already lost...

[@churize]

its funny the way acid techno is becoming moer mainstream.. 1st time round it was underground. It was almost better when these machines were hard to come by and only for the Techno heads.. then again, at least they are cheaper to aquire now than ever.. its just a shame that the music scene will probably be over saturated with acid techno and everyone will be sick of it soon.. where as before it always retained its charm.. maybe i am just getting old and curmudgenly

[@fitosanchez6866]

DJ March Yes i also think that you are getting old...(god thing you noticed) let the kids play, let them create new subgenre if they want... Live and let live (you can always go and play your old detroit thecno tracks if you want)

[@kpower4766]

Good call there Fito Sanchez

[@HathorRa]

frankly i am happy about the trend to take music gear out of the hands of the privileged and making it as affordable for the next generation as a guitar or whatever. let music be free so that anyone with passing interest can hang out with friends and jam out. not everything has to be about getting signed and taken "seriously", what about letting people just have fun and make their own beats instead of listening to the same overhyped tired styles and genres they play all day on the radio.

[@jonwhidden]

"Oversaturated with acid techno?" Not possible!

[@gamatron17]

looks like you would need trump hands to use this.the knobs should be smaller. looks like junk,im glad i still own the original.i would be embarrassed to use this junk live.what no extra midi port? forget that thing, i would smash that junk

[@NewErsatz]

^^ "I have a toy you don't have, I would hulk smash your toys and my hands are huge" Nice contribution gamatron17

[@neilkempin7219]

IMO sounds bad doesnt sound right :?

[@tonybucks5709]

This is not "old school 90's techno". The 09 sounds great but the 03 sounds nothing like a real 303, i own it and the sound is completely different.

[@Danielsfield]

Fun times