Programming is easy using the drumgrid. Each section can have it's own number of measures. This is pretty neat. For example, say your snare pattern goes 2 measures before repeating, but your HH only needs 1 measure. The HH pattern will repeat for the length of the snare pattern. If you didn't want the HH to repeat for the 2nd measure, just expand the HH to 2 measures and leave the 2nd measure empty. You can also record parts in real time if you're good enough. Even if you not, there's a quantize feature to smooth things out along with a groove feature to use in either case. In addition there's a master track that records any knob (continuous controller) movements for any part. Simply press the select button for the desired section and turn the knobs, it will combine this with your patterns (overdub). The syhtn section does not require you to hold down its select button, its the default (as it should be). You can do this far all tracks/sections independently.

Built-in effects include reverb, chorus, flanger, and EQ. There's an OverBlast knob to crank it up and push the bass over the edge also. There's 4 audio outs (or 2 stereo) that each part can be assigned to. There's even an jack input for a footswitch!

The 309 will dump sysex, so you can backup your work to a computer. If you set local to off and solo a channel while hooked into a sequencer, you can record that pattern/song into your sequencer. You can also slave or master to your sequencer.

The 309 DOES sound good and could be used for a variety of genre.

I won't review the sounds in picky/purist detail. That's just plain stupid. While I think 309 holds in own in this regard, I firmly believe that anyone with some talent and imagination can make something good regardless of the sound. Hell, there's plenty of good (and affordable) outboard gear to suplement your sound if you need too.

The manual sucks but the unit is intuitive enough to overcome that shortcoming on Quasimidi's part.

I give this unit 5 out of 5 for being a complete package loaded with applaudible features along with solid workmanship and design!

What I don't like? Effects are weak, reverb and chorus are usable if not "over used" but flangers and delays are not usable. Im glad I have audio-expansion. Synth section is better I was thought. It is one of the easiest to use -> don't expect nothing ground breaking stuff. It's necessary to turn that 'overblast' -knob to create things fatter(if needed).

For me, replacing this, would cost much more what I invested to it. What I love? Knobs! It's sweet to add some filter to hihats (good for ambient tracks). This machine is just great for HC/trance, but can handle other genres too. Filters are not the best but OK for the this price machine (no comparison to my Pulse/AN1x).

Remember when you are going to buy some stuff, think which is your music style and what is your need. Don't buy this cause it has monophonic VA synth, but good electronic drums!

Why using this for drums, not sampler? Enough good sound and raw material(drum-expansion), knobs, just great control over the MIDI, knobs, usable effects, fast/easy to use. Anyway Im not going to kick sampler away, nobody won't! Im just going to use it less for drums.

These are only my opinions. If I had money I would buy something else + good effect processor, but I don't. Im sure there is really heaters and lovers but It's just what you need and what you do.