Introduction. The HATS909 is Roland's TR-909 analog Closed and Open Hi-Hats sound generator adapted for modular synthesizer use. The front panel contains all of the controls found on the original TR-909 drum machine, allowing you full control over the sound’s volume levels to mix with other drums and accent levels. In addition to those original controls we have also added new controls, further enhancing this legendary sound generator. Let’s get started.
TUNE and MODULATION switch. Tune: The sample rate generator in the HATS909 module was replaced with a Voltage Controlled Oscillator which allows for full control over the tuning of the sound, both manually (TUNE knob) and with VC (VC-TUNE jack).
PATCH Ideas Cont. Reverse Hats: With the AM control, different envelopes can be applied to the source sounds. For example, patch the pulse of a VCO/LFO into the OH GATE, patch the sine wave from that VCO into the AM input, set the MODULATION switch to AM and with the CV IN knob set the amount of modulation. The sine wave will blend with the internal envelope and will create a fade-in effect to the sound, and in certain settings the sound will appear as if it was being played in reverse.
Dynamics and Gain. Accent and Levels: Dynamic Accent and Level control of any drum sound in the mix is a big part of making a beat sound right. Dynamic Accent provides emphasis on a particular note through loudness. In analog circuits like the HATS909, the accent pulse physically "hits" the internal envelope circuit harder and provides not only a louder sound but also slightly more attack (much like if you were to hit a real cymbal harder or softer with a drum stick.