The Tiptop Audio TOMS909 is more than just a 1:1 analog TR-909 Tom clone — its independent Low, Mid, and High tom sections with voltage control (VC) inputs for tune and accent unlock a variety of sound design possibilities. Here are some creative patch ideas and synergistic combinations with other Eurorack modules:
Use with Multi-Channel Sequencers:
Patch a 3-track gate or trigger sequencer (e.g., Intellijel Metropolix, Winter Modular Eloquencer, ALM Pamela’s Pro Workout) to independently trigger each tom.
Tip: Use polymetric sequencing (e.g., steps per track: 5, 7, 9) to create evolving polyrhythms, letting the TOMS909 shine as more than just “straight” toms.
Accent Dynamics:
Use an extra sequencer channel (or accent output, as found on a Mutable Instruments Grids, Vermona Random Rhythm, or Erica Synths Drum Sequencer) to drive the accent CV input of each tom independently, creating dynamic fills and accents.
Melodic Control via Sequencer or Keyboard:
Patch a CV sequencer (e.g., Make Noise René, Intellijel Steppy + CV expander, Tiptop Z8000) to the VC-TUNE inputs. Though not 1V/Oct, you can create tuned “pitched percussion” patterns, pseudo-melodic tom basslines, or wild glissandos.
Sample & Hold / Random Pitch:
Send stepped random CV (e.g., from a Mutable Marbles or Doepfer A-148) to any VC-TUNE input for each drum hit, creating randomized, arcade-style percussion.
FM from a VCO or Other Source:
Patch a sine wave (or any other waveform) from an oscillator (e.g., Tiptop Z3000, Make Noise STO, ALM MCO) into the VC-TUNE input for FM drum synthesis.
Result: Metallic, syncopated, or alien tom sounds depending on modulation depth and frequency!
Audio-Rate Cross Modulation:
Use audio-rate envelopes or even other drum sounds to modulate the VC-TUNE for insane, metallic or glitchy toms.
Send Individual Outs to FX:
Patch each Tom’s output to separate channels on a stereo mixer. Add different spot effects (e.g., Erica Synths Fusion Delay/Flanger/Vintage Ensemble, Noise Engineering Desmodus Versio, Intellijel Rainmaker, ALM MFX) to each for wide, dramatic stereo images.
Global Bus Mix Out to Stereo FX:
Mix all Toms via the MIX OUT, then process through a stereo effects chain such as ping-pong delay (Tiptop Z-DSP with PingPong algorithm, as in the manual), reverb (Mutable Instruments Clouds, Strymon Magneto), or frequency shifter (Doepfer A-126-2).
Manual CV Control:
Use a joystick (Intellijel Planar2, Doepfer A-174-2), touch controller (Make Noise Pressure Points), or CV fader (Ladik F-110) to “play” the Tune or Accent live for expressive performance fills.
CV Recorder/Looper FX:
Use a CV recorder or preset morphing module (Instruō Tš-L, 4ms SISM+PEG) to automate dramatic changes in pitch, decay, or dynamics mid-performance.
Noisy Drum Synthesis:
Use the Accent CV inputs to gate or amplitude-sequence noise bursts from the Toms.
Add ring modulation, bitcrushing, or wavefolding (e.g., Intellijel μFold, Befaco Waveshaper) post-tom.
Tomoscillator?
Treat a Tom section like a weird oscillator: Sustain the decay, modulate TUNE at audio rates, feed outputs through pitch-tracking envelope followers and use as basis for synth voices or strange percussion.
Layer with Digital Sample Playback:
Layer the TOMS909 with samples from an ALM Squid Salmple, 1010music Bitbox, or Noise Engineering Mimetic Digitalis. Create unique acoustic/electronic drum composites.
Sidechain/Envelope Follower Interactions:
Use envelope followers or sidechain modules (e.g., Mutable Instruments Ears, XAOC Devices Sewastopol) to extract dynamics from the Toms and modulate synth voices, basslines, FX, or even the Toms themselves for advanced interactive patches.
Patch Example:
- Patch a random sequencer to each Tom’s VC-TUNE for constantly shifting “tuned drums.”
- Accent the Hi Tom using a Euclidean trigger pattern from Pamela’s Pro Workout.
- Send each Tom to a different FX pedal, pan in stereo.
- Use an LFO to modulate the Low Tom’s Tune for a “wobble bass” percussive effect.
- FM a Tom with a vocal sample chopped up and looped through a sampler’s CV-out!
The TOMS909 is best thought of not just as a drum module, but as a percussive synth voice with modular, voltage-controlled dimensions — ideal for advanced, performance-focused or generative modular rigs.