"It sounds like a drum machine instead of a machine playing drums - a sore disappointment": What critics said about the iconic Roland TR-909 drum machine on its release (and how they actually helped define dance music today)

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The Roland TR-909 drum machine, like other pieces of now iconic Roland gear, was not embraced by the masses when it came out. It received mixed reviews, and like the TB-303 before it, Roland scrapped its production after making just 10,000 units. 

Of course, history now sees the 909 in a different light. It has become one of the most sought after drum machines ever built thanks to its adoption - alongside the TR-808 and aforementioned 303 – by the dance music community.