The Quasimidi Rave-O-Lution 309 is a standalone groove box that revolutionized the techno world with its intuitive design and powerful performance capabilities. Extremely popular among DJs for live performance and audience interaction, this all-in-one dance machine features an advanced sequencer combined with excellent analog and electronic drum sounds plus bass synthesizer capabilities.

The 309's secret weapon lies in its 5-part multitimbral architecture, designed specifically for live and interactive performances. The five separate parts consist of Kick, Snares, Hi-Hats, Percussion, and Bass Synth sections. During performance, any of these parts can be muted to drop the beat or isolate specific elements, allowing performers to build or reduce groove energy and control audience engagement dynamically.

The instrument excels in both live performance and studio environments, offering complete MIDI implementation that includes all real-time controls and knobs. Its pattern-based sequencer provides immediate access to groove creation, whether using factory patterns or creating custom sequences. All real-time parameter tweaks can be recorded into sequences for later playback, making it an ideal tool for both spontaneous performance and structured composition.

The 309 has been used by notable artists including Apollo 440, Nine Inch Nails, and KMFDM, cementing its reputation in the electronic music world. Its faithful reproduction of analog drum and synth sounds, combined with plentiful real-time controls and an intuitive retro-style interface, makes it an obvious choice for anyone seriously pursuing dance music production.

Expansion System

One of the 309's most attractive features was its promise of upgradability, delivered through three comprehensive expansion options:

Audio Expansion

The Audio Expansion adds two audio inputs and two additional audio outputs, transforming the 309 into a powerful signal processor. Any line-level audio source can be treated with the full complement of 309 synthesis technology, including filters, envelopes, and sync-able LFOs. The inputs can be triggered from any drum machine/sequencer section for instant gated effects, and outputs 3 and 4 provide individual "dry" outputs for external processing.

Synth Expansion

This expansion adds 37 new oscillator models offering up to four oscillators each, two new filter algorithms (12dB low-pass and 12dB high-pass), plus sequence-syncable LFOs. When combined with the Audio Expansion, it provides two additional bass/lead synthesizers that can be played on their own MIDI channels or set up to double the main bass/lead synth.

Drum & Percussion Expansion

The most comprehensive expansion, adding 14 new kick drums, 11 new snares, 8 new hi-hats, and 127 new percussion instruments. It doubles the memory locations to 128 for each drum and percussion section, increases percussion kits from 10 to 20, and adds 38 new preset patterns. Each drum section gains its own LFO for advanced modulation effects.

Technical Specifications

Base Unit Specifications

Architecture:

• 5-part multitimbral groove box
• Pattern-based sequencer with real-time recording
• Complete MIDI implementation
• Real-time parameter control and recording

Sound Sections:

• Kick drum section
• Snare drum section
• Hi-hat section
• Percussion section
• Bass/Lead synthesizer section

Sequencer Features:

• Advanced pattern-based sequencer
• Real-time loop recording (v2.0+)
• Song Position Pointer support (v2.0+)
• Track mode: Internal/External/Both (I+E)
• Motif copying between sections
• Tap tempo functionality

Memory:

• 128 synth patch memory locations (base)
• Pattern memory with user patterns
• Song memory
• User motif storage

Connectivity:

• MIDI In/Out/Thru
• Main stereo outputs (L/R)
• Headphone output
• AC adapter input

Audio Expansion Specifications

Additional I/O:

• 2 additional audio inputs (line level)
• 2 additional assignable audio outputs (OUT 3, OUT 4)

Audio Processing:

• Full A.E.S. synthesis for each input
• Complete filter and envelope processing
• Sync-able LFO modulation
• Triggering from sequencer sections
• MIDI triggering capability (channels 6 & 7)
• Effect sends for FX1 and FX2
• Stereo processing mode

Synth Expansion Specifications

Oscillator Models:

• 37 new waveforms with up to 4 oscillators each
• Spectra series (1-2 oscillators): Spectra1/2, Spectrb1/2, Spectrc1/2, Spectrd1/2, Spectre1/2, Spectrf1/2, Spectrg1/2, Spectrh1/2, Spectri1/2
• TB-303 emulations (1-2 oscillators): TB303_a1/a2, TB303_b1/b2, TB303_c1/c2
• Chord waveforms (3-4 oscillators): Major_Ch, Minor_Ch, 5th8thCh, MajorMin, MinorAdd, MinorMin, MajorCh2, MinorCh2, 5th8thC2, MajorMn2, MinorAd2, MinorMn2

Filter Algorithms:

• 12dB Low-pass filter
• 12dB High-pass filter
• Enhanced from base 24dB filters

LFO Features:

• Sequence-syncable LFOs
• Sync rates: 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1/1 note values
• Tempo-following modulation

Additional Synthesizers (with Audio Expansion):

• 2 additional bass/lead synthesizers
• MIDI control on channels 6 and 7
• Full programmability from front panel
• MIDI controller support
• Doubling capability for main synth

Drum & Percussion Expansion Specifications

New Waveforms:

• Kick Drums (14): MassKick, MoogBDrm, Mod_Dyn1-3/6-7, BD_Shot1, PDisKiK1-6, DisKiK5
• Snare Drums (11): MogSnare, PicSnare, MoogZap1-3, Mod_Dyn4-5, Pit_Ind, Modulo1-3
• Hi-Hats (8): NewHiHat, TambHHat, 808HH_HP*, 606HH_HP*, 909HH_HP*, NewHH_HP*, NatHH_HP*, MS_HH_HP* (*12dB High-pass filter variants)
• Percussion (127): Complete range including synthesizer waveforms, vocal samples, chords, and effects

Memory Enhancement:

• 128 memory locations per section (doubled from 64)
• 20 percussion sets (doubled from 10)
• 38 new factory patterns (P01-P38)

LFO System:

• Individual LFOs for each drum section
• Modulation targets: Pitch (VCO), Filter (VCF), Volume
• Adjustable Rate and Depth
• Sequence-syncable rates: 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1/1
• Multiple waveforms including Saw-Down (SWD)

Special Features:

• Melodic percussion capability (Set 11)
• Extended release time waveforms
• 12dB High-pass filter for hi-hats

Operating System v2.0 Features

Enhanced Functions:

• Song Position Pointer (SPP) recognition
• Real-time loop recording in drum grid
• Switchable track mode (Internal/External/Both)
• Motif copying between sections
• Sound switching during pattern editing
• Section switching without leaving drum grid

WRITE Menu Functions:

• Send All data via MIDI
• Copy Motif function
• Clear Sequence function
• Initialize External inputs function

System Requirements:

• AC adapter power
• Phillips screwdriver for installation
• Anti-static precautions required
• 6-month factory warranty per expansion

Expansions

• Audio Expansion
• Synth Expansion
• Drum & Percussion Expansion

The Quasimidi Rave-O-Lution 309 represents a cutting-edge musical tool that, with all expansions installed, provides comprehensive dance music production capabilities in a single, integrated system.