drum machine

Big Merp with Yamaha RX5 Drum Machine

Big Merp the cat sitting on a Yamaha RX5 drum machine

Big Merp has taken to our recently acquired Yamaha RX5 drum machine. I think he will be ready to lay down some rhythm tracks soon. He also has his rear paw on another recent acquisition: the Buchla Red Panel 158 oscillator. Look for these two instruments featured in upcoming episodes of CatSynth TV!

Back in the late 1980s when I was getting into synthesizers, Yamaha’s DX series dominated the landscape (along with Roland’s D series). I got Yamaha’s “After Touch” magazine which featured new releases including the RX5, which became the flagship of their drum-machine line. It was beyond my reach then, but I now I have one and looking forward to seeing what I can do with it in our eclectic studio at CatSynth HQ.

CatSynth Pic: Coco and TR-09

Coco gets ready to program her Roland TR-09 drum machine. Submitted by Daniel Warner via our Facebook page.

The TR-09 is a recreation of the Roland TR-909 as part of the Boutique series. It has the original controls and layout of the “909”, but in the Boutique form factor; plus some modern additions like USB.

You can see Coco’s previous appearance on CatSynth here.

CatSynth Pic: Pinki and Roland TR-909

Pinki the cat with a Roland TR-909 drum machine

Pinki shows off a Roland TR-909 drum machine. From Edda Jayne Hill via our Facebook page.

Pinki just hit the start button and is seemingly impressed by the outcome 😁

The TR-909 was a commercial failure compared to its predecessor, the TR-808, but it has since become a prized instrument and commands rather high prices. Many friends even celebrate “909 Day” on the 9th of September. Roland has more recently introduced a TR-09 as part of its Boutique series.

CatSynth Pic: Lilli and TR-909 (on 9/10)

Lilli poses on a TR-909 drum machine for 909 Day. That was yesterday. We’re a little late to the party, but we’re happy to feature her today.

Picture by Edda Jayne Hill via Facebook.

CatSynth Pic: Dino Dreams of Drum Machines

Dino from Ok Housecat naps on a circuit-bent and colorfully adorned drum machine.

Dino dreams of drum machines 👌🏠🐈#drummachine #circuitbent #circuitbending #cat#yamaha #beats #cool FOR SALE on the UPDATED Ok Housecat Etsy page!

You can find this and other items at Ok Housecat’s Etsy page https://www.etsy.com/shop/OKHOUSECAT

CatSynth Pics: #808Day and #InternationalCatDay

We have this triple image from Roland for the combination of “808 Day” and International Cat Day.

We hope you all have a good day today with your cats and music, whether in space or not.

CatSynth Pic: Lilli and Roland TR909

From Ed Hill via Facebook:

Lilli tapping a sequence on the TR909 is 

We at CatSynth agree.

CatSynth Pic: Eli and Roland TR 707

Eli returns, with a Roland TR-707 rhythm composer.  Submitted by Elias Laughton via our Facebook page.

A bit about the TR-707 from Vintage Synth Explorer:

A very underrated drum machine! It resembles the popular TR-909, and better yet, its hi-hat, cymbals, and clap sound almost identical to the TR-909! The TR-707 is a great source for cheap 909 samples. It has some other cool features too such as its Matrix display which clearly maps out your pattern for you in an easy to read display panel. It also features both MIDI in/out and DIN sync control – the best of both worlds. Why this unit even has individual outputs for each of its drum tones!

Those individual outputs might come in handy when using together with a modern modular synthesizer setup.

You can see Eli’s previous appearance here.

CatSynth Pic: Mister Kitty and Roland TR-909

Mister Kitty and Roland TR-909

Mister Kitty returns! This time with a classic Roland TR-909 drum machine.

Submitted by prophei via Facebook.

CatSynth Pic: Black Cat and Roland TR-808

Black Cat and Roland TR-808

Another from our friends at Eevo Lute Music & Technology, this time featuring a black cat and a classic Roland TR-808. This was post for last week’s “808 Day”. My favorite comment: ” I only have full sized analog cats!” 😸 🎹