It's easy to learn, actually. I upgraded from the mc-505 and i don't regret it. The sampling possibilities make of this machine something unique. I use to take a loop that i like, edit it in my computer and then send it via USB into the 909. Then i just apply autochop and voilà ! I have a new drumkit.

Fresh new material to start with at anytime.

Of course that it has some things that i don't like, like it's lack of ability to properly name the arpeggios and chords you create. But it's a lesser fault.

A lot of people complain about the effects routing. Not about the quality of the effects: they are top notch. But if you had owned a EMU command station then you'll realize how easy it is to work with the 909. Come on. Where else can you chain three compresors one after another ? Some people ask too much.

I'm also glad that most of the sounds that i loved in my 505 were moved almost unchanged into the 909.

About the synthesis power, well, it is a rompler. Don't expect analogue, although some pads and synth leads are pretty convincing.

In order to make it a full machine, i added the SRX-06 expansion board: pianos, orchestras, strings, brasses. Now this thing rocks the land.

Ah, and some last words: Morphing LFOs. Different modulation routings between layers including TVAs, TVFs, Boosters and Ring modulators. Unison function that creates instant THX sounds. Random modify knobs. Turntable emulation. What the heck. And it is becoming cheaper every day. Don't miss it.