Nod to The Legend · The gear · 1983
The Roland TR-909
Drum machine, led by Tadao Kikumoto
The 909 mixed analog drums with sampled cymbals and hi-hats. Chicago and Detroit producers picked up used ones cheap, and its kick and open hat became dance music's heartbeat.
Still heard: House and techno still reach for the 909 kick first.
Related legends
- The TB-303 and Acid: Phuture, Chicago
- Frankie Knuckles: The Godfather of House
- Larry Levan: Paradise Garage, New York
- Daft Punk's Bedroom: Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo
- Sidechain Pumping: French house and Eric Prydz's "Call on Me"
- Grandmaster Flash: The Quick Mix Theory