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Linn Electronics Linn 9000

Linn Electronics Linn 9000

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$3,380.67 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (6)

3 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Linn Electronics Linn 9000

1 community setup

6 wishlisted

15 saved

Page last updated Jun 13, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 13, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.0 (2)

$3,380.67 12 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $3,381

High-end/Boutique

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Drum Machines category, Linn Electronics Linn 9000 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Discover the Linn Electronics Linn 9000, a groundbreaking drum machine that combines cutting-edge technology with the robust performance that musicians crave. As a trailblazer in the world of drum machines, the Linn 9000 offers a unique blend of sequencing capabilities and sampling features that cater to both studio producers and live performers. Renowned for its innovative approach, the Linn 9000 allows for seamless integration into any setup, making it a versatile tool for musicians across genres.

At its core, the Linn 9000 features an advanced 18-voice polyphonic sampler that provides a rich palette of sounds, from crisp snares to booming bass drums, enabling users to create complex rhythms with ease. Its intuitive interface and user-friendly design make it an ideal choice for both seasoned professionals and aspiring artists looking to explore new sonic territories. With the ability to store and recall patterns effortlessly, the Linn 9000 ensures that your creative ideas are never lost, but rather, are ready to be brought to life at any moment.

The Linn 9000 also supports MIDI connectivity, allowing for expanded control and synchronization with other devices, making it a powerful centerpiece in any electronic music setup. This device's enduring popularity is a testament to its reliability and the unique sound it brings to every production.

Key Features:

18-voice polyphonic sampler for versatile sound creation
Integrated sequencer with pattern storage capabilities
MIDI connectivity for enhanced control and integration
Intuitive interface designed for easy navigation and use
Durable construction suitable for both studio and live environments

Product specs

Brand	Linn
Model	9000 Integrated Digital Drums / Midi Keyboard Recorder
Finish	Black
Year	1984 - 1986
Made In	United States
Categories	Drum Machines, Samplers
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Pads	18 Pads
Polyphony	18 Voices

FAQs

What are the key features of the Linn 9000 drum machine?: The Linn 9000 combines a digital drum machine with a MIDI sequencer, featuring dynamic sensitive rubber pads and 18-voice polyphony. It includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it versatile for both live performance and studio use.
How does the Linn 9000 compare to the LinnDrum?: The Linn 9000, released in 1984, is an evolution of the LinnDrum, offering integrated MIDI sequencing and more advanced features like dynamic pads. It was designed to provide greater functionality and flexibility for musicians and producers.
Is the Linn 9000 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Linn 9000 is designed for live performances, featuring 18 dynamic sensitive pads that allow for expressive playing. Its MIDI capabilities also enable seamless integration with other equipment, making it a versatile choice for live setups.
How many pads does the Linn 9000 have and are they velocity-sensitive?: The Linn 9000 features 18 dynamic sensitive rubber pads, allowing for expressive and nuanced performances. This makes it ideal for both studio production and live performance environments.
Can the Linn 9000 be used as a MIDI controller?: Yes, the Linn 9000 can function as a MIDI controller, offering MIDI Input, Output, and Through. This allows it to control other MIDI-compatible devices, making it a versatile tool in a digital music setup.

Videos

Add video

zibbybone

Linn 9000 Vintage Drum Machine Demo

zibbybone

Lexicon 200 and Linn 9000

SynthMania

***-Song Creation Tutorial with the Linn 9000: Electric-City***

Neon Nights: 1980s Music Production

Fun With the Linn-9000 Drum Machine - Sequencer

century3horizons

Sequencing a Linn 9000 Creating a song on the fly with the Linn 9000, Linndrum, DX7,Juno 106

Neon Nights: 1980s Music Production

Forat / Linn 9000 Demo playing LM1 and how to load custom sounds

INHALTVIDEO

Testing a Linn 9000 Drum Machine after clean up.

Ronan Chris Murphy

Forat / Linn 9000 How to Sample a Custom Sound and Edit

INHALTVIDEO

Reviews

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PROS

Simple operation with a revolutionary drum pad design
Great onboard sound samples with punchy drums
Robust MIDI-sequencer and sampler function
Mixing sliders enhance usability
Can store an entire set of drums to the pads with sample mod
Individual tuning, leveling, and panning for each drum
Built-in sequencer with tight, precise internal timing

CONS

Known for having internal issues and random wires soldered on
Prone to battery leak problems and hardware issues
Requires specific A/D card, disk drive, and extra memory for full functionality
Risk of Phihong power supplies smoking or catching fire
Limited repair options with long turnaround times
Stock sounds not universally excellent; about 80% are fantastic
Sequencer limited to one MIDI out

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Linn Electronics Linn 9000.

Comparisons

0 0

The Linn 9000, despite its advanced features, faced commercial failure due to flawed software and unreliable components, unlike its predecessors, the LinnDrum and LM-1.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

The Linn 9000 sold only a bit over 1000 units, contrasting with the 5000 units of the LinnDrum, highlighting its limited adoption.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The Akai MPC, also designed by Roger Linn, reportedly included LinnDrum samples, offering continuity for users familiar with Linn Electronics' sound.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Smaller artists or studios in the late 80s might have used the LinnDrum due to lower resale prices as larger artists moved on to newer technology.
Source

Critic Reviews

Blast from the past: Linn 9000 | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Linn 9000 is an ambitious relic of the 80s that promised a groundbreaking fusion of drum and MIDI sequencing, offering a glimpse into the future of music production. Its cutting-edge features, including velocity-sensitive pads and extensive sequence capacity, were overshadowed by an unstable software launch and a hefty price tag, leading to the downfall of Linn Electronics. Despite its rocky start, the 9000's influence is undeniable, laying the groundwork for future iconic machines like the Akai MPC60. While it was a commercial failure, it remains a cherished piece of music history, revered for its visionary design.

neutral

Full Review

Linn 9000 (EMM Apr 85)

muzines.co.uk

The Linn 9000 is an ambitious machine that combines a drum machine with a digital sequencer, offering unique features like pressure-sensitive pads and MIDI control. However, its high price tag and notable omissions, such as the lack of step-time programming, diminish its appeal. While the sound quality and innovative drum programming features impress, the machine's hefty weight and operational limitations make it less accessible for non-technical users. Though future updates may address some issues, the Linn 9000 currently feels like a promising but incomplete product.

neutral

Full Review

Recording Without Tape (EMM Mar 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Linn 9000 promises much but delivers inconsistently, plagued by software crashes and underwhelming sound-sampling compared to cheaper alternatives. While its real-time programming and integrated storage for drum patterns and keyboard sequences are commendable, its lack of step-time programming and frequent operational glitches limit its potential. The absence of digital drum voices in the Linn Sequencer variant removes its most praiseworthy features, leaving a product that feels incomplete and overpriced. Despite its accuracy in MIDI data storage and user-friendly design akin to a tape recorder, the Linn Sequencer's design flaws and high cost overshadow its strengths, making it a frustrating choice for serious musicians.

negative

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star

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1 star

jurgendriessen

165

almost 9 years ago

Great vintage drum machine

With the sample mod by Bruce Forat you can store a whole set of drums to the pads. Great vintage sounding and the internal timing is tight and precise. You can tune each drum and each can be leveled and panned individually to the output. It also has a build in sequencer.

jordansynth

182

almost 10 years ago

Fitting end to the Linn drum machine line.

This review is of the base Linn 9000 model without the sampling option. It definitely is part of the LinnDrum heritage but unlike the first two Linns, only about 80% of the stock sounds are fantastic. It really does feel like the prototype for the MPC, with the MPC-60 fully realizing the ideas implemented in the 9000. The sequencer is tight but limited to one MIDI out.