From benm@werple.mira.net.auWed Feb 8 09:12:31 1995 Date: Wed, 8 Feb 1995 20:28:50 +1100 From: Ben Moyes To: analogue@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu Subject: Re: Differences between 808&909 >Could someone who has both enlighten us on the differences? Ok...Well..they are very different in almost every aspect. >ie: does one have any other sounds the other doesn't? The 808 has more sounds if thats what you mean. 808 has the classic 'PING' cowbell, 3 x congas, Claves, and maracas. >are the "sequencers" the same? The 808s sequencer is VERY simple, and is all switches and knobs. It is ok for pattern programming, but the track programmer is not so hot (you have to record your song real-time, pattern by pattern. No editing if you stuff up. The 909s sequencer is based on the same principal, but is helped by the inclusion of a digital readout. The 909 is great to program. >Memory/song/pattern capacity? 808 - 24 Pattens up to 32 notes long. + 8 fill patterns (each can be 1-32 steps) - Sequencer holds 12 tracks of 64 measures (768 total) 909 - 96 patterns (2 banks of 48) - Sequencer holds 8 tracks of up to 896 measures) - Can also use memory cartridges (M-64C), and has tape dump facility. >does the 909 do anything w/MIDI besides start/stop and sound triggering? It supports a cool thing called EXTERNAL INSTRUMENT MODE which lets you control an external device as well as having you internal sounds going. no sysex dumps (c'mon, this is a EARLY implementation of midi!). >I know the basic sound difference, I'm wondering if they are really *that* >much different... Well...It is VERY easy to pick them apart when listening to them. The 808 is a smooth beast, with that classic bass boom. The clap is more full than th 909s, and the congas are supurb (not to mention the hissing hi-hats). The 909 is (to me anyway), a more raw, punchy animal. Harsh, sampled hi-hats, a bass kick that is second to none, and a hard snare are its trademark. The classic acid sound. Both are excellent ;) Ben