TR-909 FIRMWARE VERSION 5 - Demonstration 2 - SWITCH BETWEEN PLAY AND WRITE MODE IN REAL TIME

TR-909 FIRMWARE VERSION 5
Demonstration 2
SWITCH BETWEEN PLAY AND WRITE MODE IN REAL TIME
// This is something that I’ve been thinking about since 1991 when I first got my own TR-909: The ability to switch between pattern play and pattern write without having to stop the sequencer.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The TR-909 in pattern write mode allows us to do some clever things. We can change the length of the pattern using last step, and we can add and subtract notes and accents (internal and external) to develop our pattern. However, we can only do this in write mode.
So in order to do these things in performance we have to A ) stop, change modes, and start again B ) stay in write mode always (can’t change patterns in write mode) C ) program our drums from another device entirely D ) add all the chaos, and then use the level knobs to bring sounds in and out (the way maestro Jeff Mills makes magic!) or E ) make a ton of patterns ahead of time and switch between them as our performance.
We can do mutes on a mixer, use a midi controller. There are options, but when I’m playing live it’s just me. I have stuff happening. It’s a lot to navigate and keep track of. Changing mixer settings, dealing with midi controllers, or even flipping through preset patterns can be distracting and a bummer. Adding the ability to just get into write mode and change the length for a fill, or a sidetrack, or a totally new in the moment idea is fantastic!
Fig.1 EXAMPLE MODE SWITCH
This is a very simple example.
I set the sync to auto using the regular 909 buttons.
I press play and change patterns to pattern 3.
Then holding shift/patten bank 1 (the same buttons I would use if it were stopped) I’m immediately in write mode.
I change the length, add claps, take claps away, switch out of write mode, change patterns, and stop.
I LOVE that Addictive Instruments have stayed pretty true to the original controls. This makes use of my established muscle memory and brings these features in as additional capabilities without needing a totally new brain.
It’s a dream come true!