Drum machine
TR-909 Software Rhythm Composer
by Roland
Roland's own TR-909 drum machine plug-in for Roland Cloud, modelling the original's 11 instruments, with an expanded TR-REC step sequencer, per-instrument sub outputs and TR-8S/TR-09 integration.
Before you buy
- Pricing model
- Paid[1][5][6] Included with Roland Cloud Pro (through Pro Selector) and Ultimate memberships, or bought outright as a Lifetime Key, which Roland says needs no membership. Roland offers a 30-day trial membership.
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows No Linux version listed.
- Logic Pro
- AU version listed for macOS
- Other formats
- VST3, AAX
We don't list prices: they change often. Check the manufacturer for current pricing. Requirements below are as the manufacturer states them.
Documented features
- Sequencer lanes for each of the 11 instruments, each with its own mute, solo, shuffle and last step, so parts can run at different lengths and swing by different amounts.[1][2][3]
- Per-step articulations: weak hits, nine flam types (Type 1 at 0 ms, Types 2 to 9 from 20 to 48 ms in 4 ms steps) and sub-steps as duplets, triplets or quadruplets. A Total Accent row accents every instrument on a step.[1][2]
- Eight one-bar variations (A to H) per pattern, chained by Shift-clicking; MIDI notes 24 to 31 switch variations and notes 32 and 33 start and stop the sequencer.[2][3]
- Patterns drag into the DAW as MIDI or as audio, chosen in the Option menu.[1][3][2]
- Roland says it uses Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) modelling of the original circuits. Press reports of the 2018 launch say Roland also integrated the original's sample ROM.[1][7]
- Per-instrument controls include tune, decay, attack, snappy, tone and level, with a Panel view adding gain and pan. Roland calls gain, which overdrives the modelled circuitry, "the key to getting big sounds".[2][3][1]
- Main stereo output plus sub outputs 1 to 11, one per instrument, in a separate multi-out version of the plug-in.[2][4]
- 128 patterns and 128 kits per bank, with no stated limit on banks; banks save and load as files.[2]
- Patterns transfer to and from a TR-8S, and a TR-8S or TR-09 can control the plug-in.[1]
- MIDI CC mapping for volume, shuffle, Total Accent and per-instrument parameters, plus MIDI Learn (one CC per control).[2]
Specifications
| Instruments | 11: bass drum, snare, three toms, rim shot, hand clap, closed and open hi-hat, crash, ride[1] |
|---|---|
| Sound engine | Circuit modelling (ACB); cymbals reported to use the original sample ROM[1][7][8] |
| Sequencer steps | 16 per one-bar variation, 8 variations per pattern; last step set per instrument[1][2][3] |
| Pattern memory | 128 patterns per bank, unlimited banks[2] |
| Per-instrument pattern length | Yes (Last Step per lane)[2][1] |
| Shuffle | Per instrument, scaled by a master Shuffle knob[2][1] |
| Flam and sub-steps | 9 flam types; duplet, triplet and quadruplet sub-steps[2] |
| Accent | Weak steps per instrument; Total Accent row[2] |
| Outputs | Stereo main plus 11 sub outputs (multi-out version)[2][4] |
| Built-in effects | None documented beyond per-instrument gain (overdrive) and pan[1][2] |
| Pattern export | Drag to DAW as MIDI or audio[3][2] |
| Hardware integration | TR-8S pattern transfer; TR-8S and TR-09 control[1] |
Compatibility
| macOS | macOS 11 or later; Intel Core i5 or better, or Apple Silicon (native); 2 GB RAM; 400 MB disk; internet connection to authenticate[1] |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10 (64-bit) or later; Intel Core i5 or better; 2 GB RAM; 400 MB disk; internet connection to authenticate; not supported in virtual machines or Boot Camp[1] |
| Plug-in formats |
Roland lists VST3, AU and AAX, and does not list VST2 or a standalone version. Activation runs through a Roland Account and Roland Cloud Manager, which connects online periodically. |
Where we discuss it
Comparisons
Sources
Every fact on this page links to one of these manufacturer sources. Nothing here comes from hands-on testing.
- TR-909 Software Rhythm Composer, Roland. Accessed .
- TR-909 Software Rhythm Composer Owner's Manual (PDF, revision 04, copyright 2018), Roland. Accessed .
- Roland Cloud TR-909 Plugin Quick Start (updated 7 May 2025), Roland. Accessed .
- Roland Cloud: How do I enable multi-out for the TR-808 or TR-909 in Logic Pro X? (24 July 2023), Roland. Accessed .
- Roland Cloud: What is a Lifetime Key and how does it work? (28 May 2025), Roland. Accessed .
- Roland Cloud: Is a Lifetime Key a subscription? (23 October 2024), Roland. Accessed .
- Roland's TR-909 plugin is now available in the Cloud (Simon Arblaster, 4 April 2018), MusicRadar. Accessed .
- Roland's TR-909 plugin sale report (Tomislav Zlatic, 15 September 2025), Bedroom Producers Blog. Accessed .