Roland Saturn 09

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Roland Saturn 09 Image

The Saturn 09 is an analog organ synthesizer (similar to the RS-09 which added a string sound). Probably not the best Organ synth, but with imagination, the Saturn is capable of creating some cool sounds for techno/ambient music, ie: low drone organ bass tones or blips. There is very little demand for this instrument so they can be found for under $100, and they will add a nice flavor to any modern analog-electronic keyboard studio. It has been used by Newcleus and is probably hidden among the rigs of a few other electro-artists!



6 VISITOR COMMENTS

TheOutsider
December 6, 2011 @ 1:51 am
Got one here in Japan off the Yahoo Auction, in great shape & with the original leather (fake?) carrying case. At first glance, maybe it doesn't look like much is possible, but it was easy to coax some neat sounds out of it. Obviously, it can do the organ thing, but also simple strings, bass, and unusual sounds. Works very well with my SVC-350 vocoder, although I wish it went one more octave lower. My only complaints: only 2 envelope types (no attack control), & no filter (although there is a brightness slider). Worth cracking open as it's easy to clean up bad/old soldering etc. (I did this).
Bojan
December 9, 2009 @ 5:37 am
It was also used by Robert Fripp
Planetplayer
December 23, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
I played the Saturn 09 and loved it in early 1980's. It is not as big sounding as other Roland "Space" instruments at the time, but it sounds great. String sounds are nice. Then came the RS-09. I was confused because both were the same type of instrument with different name. RS-09 sounded more analogue synthy. They should have kept the name Saturn or did RS-09 mean Roland Saturn 09.
DoctorAl
October 14, 2008 @ 8:51 am
The Saturn 09 isn't really an organ synthesizer - it can make sounds much like a home organ, but don't let the drawbar-like controls fool you. The four tone selectors vary from a square-wave to bright string-like sounds, and with the ability to change the envelope make this more versatile, if less straightforward, than the RS-09. For best effect, obtain a monosynth with Gate In and use its filters and ADSR with the Saturn. Cheap portable fun for all - get one before they become the next must-have thing.
andoni
September 21, 2008 @ 11:53 am
Think SID chip sounding, dead commodore 64, Sega vibes when playing this. Valid Point by Knobeploit. It shares the same cosmetic parts of the tr-808, which add to it's coolness. Lovely rainbow effect down the knobs. Dead sterdy, a cheap alturntive to anyone want's invest in analog. Don't let it's lack features put you off. Lot's invation there for someone twiddly enough. Class!!
 
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  • Demos & Media
  • YouTube Image
    Video 1
    - See and hear it in this YouTube Demo!

  • Specifications
  • Polyphony - Polyphonic
  • Oscillators - 1 VCO
  • Effects - Ensemble (chorus), Vibrato
  • Keyboard - 44 Keys
  • Memory - None
  • Control - CV/Gate
  • Date Produced - 1980
  • Est. Value - $100 - $200
  • Resources & Credits
  • Images from Music Machines

    Thanks to Theo Bettein for providing some information.

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