Rebirth was AMAZING especially for a broke tenth grader to tinker around with in the late 90s. I never managed to come to fame and fortune with my own electronic music experiments but still remember those days quite fondly. And things have only gotten better since, to the point where anyone with a decent PC and a basic license for a DAW software package can create outstanding tracks using only virtual instruments like Dexed, TyrellN6, or the Native Instruments Komplete Start bundle. Add an entry-level MIDI controller keyboard to this and you have a solid range of affordable and easy-to.use tools for getting a head start in electronic music production. Myself, I'm keeping busy with other things these days but I very much enjoy videos like yours that bring back the nostalgia. Keep it up!
I fell in love with that sound long before I knew what it was. Never was very interested in electronic music production, until I saw a live set at a small club. Standing up by the booth, I could see what that thing was, that sounded so cool. And I saw that the musician who played it had the most fun of everyone in the club. So I went home and ordered a behringer TD-3... One thing led to another, and I now own enough gear to annoy the whole neighbourhood, wich I do on a daily basis.
i've played "classic" instruments (guitar, bass, keys, drums) for some 20 odd years. a little over 3 years ago i found out about daw-less electronic and have since basically sold all my guitars and basses in order to afford my new love for electronic music .. first thing bought was a (still in the box) used Novatio Circuit Tracks for half the retail-price and the Behringer TD-3 .. last week i played my first gig at a private party using my Soundcraft mixingboard for added effects
What do you think of music software like ‘audiotool’? I discovered 303 on audiotool. It’s got old synths 60s early 70s up till late 80s. Its free. You make account your password. Start plugging in they effect are guitar pedal. You start from scratch piano roll just dry notes no sustain until you start manipulating synth, dialing sound help added from effects pedals. Audiotool users listen to your music. After a recording. The option if you allow it. Audiotool is much harder to get sound. It’s advanced unless I use presets samples.
Yo man your SSX soundtrack was INCREDIBLE -- I don't know how many hours I spent playing Tricky when I was a kid, but I can tell you that one of the reasons I played it over and over was the music. Epic. Thank you.
I have chills right now. The SSX and Tricky soundtracks were quite literally the soundtracks of my childhood. I was playing recently and decided to buy a 303 after hearing Gin & Sin and System Overload back to back! I have two songs called DeathDrop and Queens of Transcendence that don't have 303s but have SSX sound effect samples and are precisely inspired to be spiritual sequels to you and Huda Hudia's work on the soundtrack! Sorry, I'm excited lmao, fantastic video. 💕
I sold a 303 in 1992 for £100. Still haunts me to this day. I was going over a Computer Music Mag from 1989 that I had in storage, going through the second-hand adverts you could've got a 808 for £200, 909 for £170. 303 for £240.00.
Cyclone TT303 is 300 bucks right now, which won't be far from 100 GBP in 1992 money. It's a proper 1:1 hardware clone. So TB303 is missed only if you want to own the original box.
Right there with you man I remember them going for less than 30 quid apiece in charity shops by the pile in various states including boxed untouched mint- I also remember Juno’s 808,909 is et cetera going for practically peanuts- Crazy times
I got my 808 back in 1987 for £275 and sold it to get a Linndrum. Remember seeing 303’s for around £200 and 909’s for £250. Thankfully I got the original rebirth 338 software in 1996 which was great and its sound was good enough.
Thank you for introducing to Charanjit Singh's "Ten Ragas ..." album - it's brilliant. Legend has it that Phuture enhanced the sound of their 303 by passing it through the filter of another synth. As for distortion on a 303, that was a common trick already in the UK scene of the late 80s, and the kick drum of the 606 was often treated this way as well once separate voice outputs were fitted. I did the latter on my 606 in the very early 90s to get a massive, punchy kick sound.
Amazing video, I wanna add, in the early 90 this bass synth made its way into lots of trance producers at that era since nobody wanted it and it made this synth very available. Thus shaping the sound of the genre at the time
This just shows how good you are, Johnny. I actually said out loud "sweet bro, you are actually doing THAT!" Probs one of the most revered instuments of all time. 👍👍👍👍
I've been hooked on the Roland TB 303 since way back when. I have The ABLX3 Virtual emulator, I have been using it in my latest tracks. It moves my soul.
this instrument has always been a favorite of mine, but you cant ignore the fact that behringer has single handedly revived this synth and put it back into the mainstream as well as introduced millions of musicians to the sound who had previously been unaware. I would even go so far as to say that behringer may even be inadvertently responsible for this video coming out in 2022. I think the TD-03 has also out sold the original tb-303 by many many thousands, if not close to a million sales.
To me, it seems pretty unlikely that someone unfamiliar with the sound would go out and buy the TD-3. If you're part of the scene-whether as a producer or a listener-there's no way you wouldn't recognise this sound. It's like a supersaw: even if you don’t know the name, you’d absolutely recognise it when you hear it. It feels far more plausible that the TD-3 appeals to people who already know the sound but couldn’t afford the original, and now finally have an accessible alternative. I’m not bashing Behringer here-I’m all for making gear more accessible-but I just think it’s worth keeping the perspective grounded.
thank you mate!!! you joined up awful lot of dots in quarter of an hour! and cleaned up some question marks for me too-- i love the shout out to the big beat boutique! skint records brought me here!! love your work mate!
Finally someone who says it right: Josh Wink used a normal TB303 (there are actually two TB303s) for the track Higher State... and not, as 80% of people claim, a TB303 with Devilfish Mod. Greetings from Germany
Great video on the TB303, I remember seeing these at between around £200 second hand in music shops and music magazines for sale ad’s here in London back in the 80’s, amazing how much it’s worth today !!
Really good video. There were several really good TB-303 tracks before Phuture, but DJ Pierre was the first twisting the knobs while it was playing. Charanjit Singh's "10 Ragas to a Disco Beat" album is amazing. Though, I strongly disagree with people saying that he invented Acid House. Even though he uses a TB-303 and with a four to the floor beat on his album, he did not twist the knobs of the TB-303 while it was playing. He was doing this at live performances, way later. Still, he is a amazing musician and an important figure in the history of the TB-303. I am glad that you mentioned "Acperience 1" by Hardfloor, which is among the best Acid tracks out there. Though, I think that layering multiple 303s has been done before "Acperience 1" with "Flow Coma" (1988) by 808 State. Are you sure that Josh Wink was the first using an overdrive behind a TB-303 on "Higher State of Consciousness"? The track was released in 1995, but there were already several Acid Techno tracks, like "Ego Acid" by Pump Panel (1994), "Lost In The Silverbox" by Hardfloor (1993) or "Von Unten" by BassXPansion (1994), Lost In The Silverbox by Hardfloor featuring distorted TB-303s. Though Josh Wink's "Higher State of Consciousness" was the first music video with a distorted TB-303 I can recall. "Confusion (Pump Panel Reconstruction Mix)" by New Order also used a distorted TB-303. It was released in the same Year as "Higher State of Consciousness". "Confusion (Pump Panel Reconstruction Mix)" exposed the distorted TB-303 to an even wider audience, because it was played in the "Blood Rave" scene of the Movie Blade (1998). Roland had several unlucky attempts bringing the TB-303 sound back in their music gear (usually groove boxes like the MC-303 mentioned in the video) before switching to ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology. The best attempt during that time might have been the MC-09 Phrase Lab. Anyways, before Roland introduced the Boutique TB-03 (shown in this video), they released the Aira TB-3. Their first TB-303 clone based on ACB, and their first TB-303 emulation, which actually sounded close to the original. I am a little disappointed not to see my favorite TB-303 cone, the Avalon Bassline by Abstrakt Instruments, mentioned in the video. It preserves the TB-303's sound while adding more features and a better user interface. For this and the superior built quality, I would even call it "the better TB-303" or "TB-303 2.0". I like that you show the Behringer TD-3. It's the most affordable clone out there, but the programming is like the original. Which may be frustrating to some, but also leads to these happy accidents. There are other clones with better user interfaces. On the software side you mention RB-338, which is abandoned by the vendor and there might be challenges when it comes to legally obtain the software and installing it on modern PCs. I recommend to look into the following VST TB-303 emulations, which integrate better in todays DAW workflow: - ABL3 (Mac, Win) by audioRealism - That's my personal favorite. - Phoscyon (Mac, Win) by D16 - Version 2 is about to be released. - Roland's Cloud TB-303 (Mac, Win) - Uses also ACB technology. - Venom VB-303 (Win) by Anton Savov - It's free and only for Windows. You'll need JBridge when using it in DAWs which only support 64 bit plugins. - Bass Matrix (Win) by Witech - It's free and only for Windows. You need a DAW with VST3 support. - Acid Devil by RS-Met (Win, Mac) - Acid Devil is hidden in the free RS-MET Toolchain. It's quite challenging to set it up properly. To this day, I didn't manage to synch it's sequencer to my DAW. Btw., there is a website with many audio comparisons of TB-303 clones and VSTs with the original: AcidVoice.com (I am not affiliated with them, but I like the content a lot.)
Thanks for all this info Engineer. I agree with all of your points - in the case of Josh Wink, distortion and overdrive were of course being used long before, but I think the way he used it was notable as he just got more out of it with a track that was so memorable. So many clones to list as well, and yes - the Avalon is amazing I shoudl probably have mentioned it as I agree it's like a 2.0 for sure.
Have you heard of the astonishing RE303? I have one - it IS a real 303, same transistors, with the circuit board cad scanned for authenticity. It's a beast.
@@JackAcid Yes. The RE-303 is a replica and is listed on AcidVoice, also. Great choice! Have you heard of the Abstrakt Instruments Avalon? It's close to a replica, they added features and a more convenient UI. It's a TB-303 V2.0 in my Opinion and the best clone I have in my Acid arsenal.
In the late 90's I sat in my car with a friend in a Florida beach parking lot listening to a Frankie Bones CD and read on the CD insert that it was all created with the 303, that is where my journey began, still to this day I use and love 303's (Mostly clones, because budget)
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams yes, i absolutely agree. A track that really blew my mind was "lost in the silver box" where you can really hear their use of various 303s in one song. I wonder what the original creator of the 303 thinks about the artists using this instrument in such non-conventional ways.
Online prices are insane. I remember finding an ex school/ ex council Korg Delta at Cash Converters in Bolton for £50. Pretty terrible synth all told, but costs 10x that on eBay now
Rebirth rb338 was my first intro into making music. I got my first hardware around that time and learned how to sequence and sync gear and how to sample, etc. I think my bedroom setup back then was an asr-x, mc303, yamaha cs1x, juno 106, and a foster 4 track.
I had a demo copy in high school and could only use it for 20 minutes. I remember being able to write drum and bass and techno tunes with a stopwatch because of that time limitation.
@@VincentsVideoVisions I was a noob and didn’t know where to look in 1996. I was scared of getting viruses. But hey I got the behringer RD-9, TD-3, and the yocto 808. So I can make a poor man’s Voltron
holy shit! John Morgan!!!! dude i love SSX 2000 and the tracks you made were absolutely amazing! I didnt even realize it was you until you started talking about ssx lolllllll
Aww man thanks for the lesson on all these Jam-boxes! I love Roland products since I was old enuff to buy them at 20yrs young back in '89! I never got to see the DAW used from 1980 on into the 90's. Would love to see a tut on how studios used the 1st DAW in the 80 & 90's and how and when it was finally made for the home studio 🎙! Bring more lessons like this one very inspiring!
Great video! Love my Behringer TD-3s (have two). For a treat, I hook the MIDI out, from TD-3, to MIDI in, on Roland FA-07 Keyboard. Then the baseline from the TD-3, plays a patch on the FA-07. Layer that together with the output from the TD-3, and sounds so fat-liscious.
@@voraciousfred Yes, you can play monophonic notes, from the synth in the TD-3, using an external keyboard, plugged into the TD-3 MIDI IN. You could use an external sequencer to trigger the notes. You could also use a computer, or iPad, to trigger notes, using the USB port. You can not change the sounds (the things controlled by knobs), from external MIDI. Have fun experimenting.
10:53 The synth on the hips of this guy is the Future Retro 777 - also a badass synth which clones the TB-303 and goes far beyond and includes a switchable 18 dB/42 dB LP-Filter. The FR-777 is also a very rare synth due to the small batch around 600 units and is a real beast.
@@Analoque444 I sold it about 10 years ago and I really regret it, as I used it for so many songs, especially with my band Unit:187 for our Capital Punishment album.. I ordered mine direct from Jared when they first came out and used it almost every day. Very cool you have 2 of them - lots of possibilities there! Ok Cheers!
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams Thanks for your video btw. I remember the band, cool to meet you here. How time passes :D ... I ordered my 777´s from a shop in Berlin which contacted Jared and after 6 months waiting time I got them. I love them and will never give them away. Everybody who sold it regrets it xD xD I know because I talked to many ex-owners during the years. I am sad about the Future Retro company, they are out of business. Wish you the best and keep on going.
If you are interested in a super simple acid bass synth in the style of the 303 and fits in the palm of your hand, check out the amazing Paripi Destroyer!!! Very simple and awesome acid bass sound. Combine it with a pocket operator or a Korg NTS-1 and away you go!!!!
First real capture of a live 303 was live at the infamous Global Village rave parties in Melbourne Australia specifically pure flow 3 with Dr Fernando from Belgium he blew that place apart mindblowing never seen a 303 scream like that since that partt was easily best done to existence been to many but that was the one. Long live the 303🤟😊🤟
Worth mention Armando from Chicago RIP who for me was the Acid house pioneer! FUSE Substance Abuse and Final Exposure Vortex …both by Richie Hawtin in 90/91 for filtering and using more than one 303 together… UR Acid Rain ep 92 taking to next level and Aphex Twin Red Label release 92…! Saw Cj Bolland Orbit 1st birthday July 92…live PA with Steve Cop…just a 303 and 909 together at beginning….dancefloor speakers must have been size of a double wardrobe each and there was 4 in a line next to each other….the 909 BD thump was brutal (😁) but that 303 sound just blew my mind !! (🤯😁)
I just got the Roland t8 as iv always had a thing for the 303 was gonna get the behringer clone but i saw the t8 has the drum machine and bassline synth on it for a few pound more
I just happened to see this video on my recommended and when you mentioned you made Gin & Sin I looked at your profile and recognized the name immediately. :D How exactly did you program it? I have a TD-3 myself and I'd love to try and replicate it! Would it be possible for you to show us, John?
Got a KingKorg with several VA filter emulations. It does 303 pretty well, as p5, oberheim and even Moog ladder. In a mix hard pressed to notice difference between VA and original. Nord A1 is also very nice.
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams Ah, well, perhaps investigate then. It is a part-for-part TB303, but with some very interesting additions (which even have their own dedicated power supply that's different to the imbedded 303, so as not to spoil its' integrity..).
Hi Johnny and thanks for the video. It would have been nice to mention the Norand Mono as one of the latest TB-303 children and not only Roland and Behringer ones which are maybe too close to the original where the Mono pushes the 303 spirit and sound into the future. Like Roland did back in the days with the TB-303.
Back in 1982 or so, I was in my local music store looking for a cheap drum machine. The owner showed my the Drumatix and Bassline. Neither of us had any idea how to use them, and I ended up buying a Mattel Synsonics. I stopped in there couple of years later, and the still had those 303s and 606s...three of each. But now they were trying to blow them out for $395.00... for the pair! Again, I passed. *sigh*
It's still pretty magical the way the 303 can do a normal bassline, an acid bassline, or super expansive atmospheric stuff so easily. The TB-3 is pretty underrated. It's got that ridiculous squishy touchscreen keyboard and it's digital, but I'd rather have a TB-3 than the boutique TB-03 any day. They did a good ACB recreation of the 303 and dramatically improved the sequencer. They must be getting more popular, because six months ago you could still find them for $200 on Reverb, and you could find new-old stock ones for $300. I wish they'd make a TB-3 with normal buttons for the keyboard.
You can get a decent emulsion of the Roland 303 bassline on you Android device called Rockrelay Bassline. 303 Basline was first emulsion in software was software called Rebirth.
Great documentary.
Nearly dropped my yoghurt when you said you made Gin and Sin. That track and many others from the SSX I played as a child inspires me to this day.
Thanks Emma!
Rebirth was AMAZING especially for a broke tenth grader to tinker around with in the late 90s. I never managed to come to fame and fortune with my own electronic music experiments but still remember those days quite fondly. And things have only gotten better since, to the point where anyone with a decent PC and a basic license for a DAW software package can create outstanding tracks using only virtual instruments like Dexed, TyrellN6, or the Native Instruments Komplete Start bundle. Add an entry-level MIDI controller keyboard to this and you have a solid range of affordable and easy-to.use tools for getting a head start in electronic music production. Myself, I'm keeping busy with other things these days but I very much enjoy videos like yours that bring back the nostalgia. Keep it up!
I fell in love with that sound long before I knew what it was. Never was very interested in electronic music production, until I saw a live set at a small club. Standing up by the booth, I could see what that thing was, that sounded so cool.
And I saw that the musician who played it had the most fun of everyone in the club.
So I went home and ordered a behringer TD-3...
One thing led to another, and I now own enough gear to annoy the whole neighbourhood, wich I do on a daily basis.
hahaha this made my day!
i want to hear you acid jams mate, no matter how bad they are XD
i've played "classic" instruments (guitar, bass, keys, drums) for some 20 odd years. a little over 3 years ago i found out about daw-less electronic and have since basically sold all my guitars and basses in order to afford my new love for electronic music .. first thing bought was a (still in the box) used Novatio Circuit Tracks for half the retail-price and the Behringer TD-3 .. last week i played my first gig at a private party using my Soundcraft mixingboard for added effects
What do you think of music software like ‘audiotool’? I discovered 303 on audiotool. It’s got old synths 60s early 70s up till late 80s. Its free. You make account your password. Start plugging in they effect are guitar pedal. You start from scratch piano roll just dry notes no sustain until you start manipulating synth, dialing sound help added from effects pedals. Audiotool users listen to your music. After a recording. The option if you allow it. Audiotool is much harder to get sound. It’s advanced unless I use presets samples.
Streets of Rage 2 video game sold me in the sound!
Yo man your SSX soundtrack was INCREDIBLE -- I don't know how many hours I spent playing Tricky when I was a kid, but I can tell you that one of the reasons I played it over and over was the music. Epic. Thank you.
Awesome - thank you Phil!
Fellow Future Retro fan here! Thank you Jered for a fantastic piece of art.
I loved my Futureretro - yes he was a pleasure to deal with.
I have chills right now. The SSX and Tricky soundtracks were quite literally the soundtracks of my childhood. I was playing recently and decided to buy a 303 after hearing Gin & Sin and System Overload back to back! I have two songs called DeathDrop and Queens of Transcendence that don't have 303s but have SSX sound effect samples and are precisely inspired to be spiritual sequels to you and Huda Hudia's work on the soundtrack! Sorry, I'm excited lmao, fantastic video. 💕
I sold a 303 in 1992 for £100. Still haunts me to this day. I was going over a Computer Music Mag from 1989 that I had in storage, going through the second-hand adverts you could've got a 808 for £200, 909 for £170. 303 for £240.00.
😮 yikes
Cyclone TT303 is 300 bucks right now, which won't be far from 100 GBP in 1992 money. It's a proper 1:1 hardware clone. So TB303 is missed only if you want to own the original box.
I bought mine for £125 and sold it for £800. Bought 2 Novation Bass stations, I know, I'm a Sap. 🤢
Right there with you man I remember them going for less than 30 quid apiece in charity shops by the pile in various states including boxed untouched mint-
I also remember Juno’s 808,909 is et cetera going for practically peanuts-
Crazy times
I got my 808 back in 1987 for £275 and sold it to get a Linndrum. Remember seeing 303’s for around £200 and 909’s for £250. Thankfully I got the original rebirth 338 software in 1996 which was great and its sound was good enough.
and is still there :) using my 303 for over 30 years
Thank you for introducing to Charanjit Singh's "Ten Ragas ..." album - it's brilliant. Legend has it that Phuture enhanced the sound of their 303 by passing it through the filter of another synth. As for distortion on a 303, that was a common trick already in the UK scene of the late 80s, and the kick drum of the 606 was often treated this way as well once separate voice outputs were fitted. I did the latter on my 606 in the very early 90s to get a massive, punchy kick sound.
Phuture didn't pass the TB303 through another synth, it was just one TB303 with 3 guys turning knobs-Herb, Pierre, and Spanky
Thanks for confirming it was just a 303 without any extra filtering. Never expected a reply from an actual house music legend!
Amazing video, I wanna add, in the early 90 this bass synth made its way into lots of trance producers at that era since nobody wanted it and it made this synth very available. Thus shaping the sound of the genre at the time
So true as well - I loved acid trance around this time.
Love your docos! Do more. But forever grateful for your knowlege
Thanks!
This just shows how good you are, Johnny. I actually said out loud "sweet bro, you are actually doing THAT!" Probs one of the most revered instuments of all time. 👍👍👍👍
Thanks Michael!
👏Love these historical breakdowns Johnny!
Excellent docs ! have watched them all, thanks for taking the time and effort for putting them together
Thanks Costa
Thanks again Johnny for your in-depth coverage of another classic Roland device.
Wow great video, i love the the tb-303!!
Great piece! I grew up in the rave scene, that 303 sound is unmistakable.
Another flawless video - thank you for making these, Johnny!
Thanks again!
Hey, this is a great history lesson on the 303. Thanks man.
Glad you liked it!
This was a really great Doc. Thanks for making this. Peace
I've been hooked on the Roland TB 303 since way back when. I have The ABLX3 Virtual emulator, I have been using it in my latest tracks. It moves my soul.
this instrument has always been a favorite of mine, but you cant ignore the fact that behringer has single handedly revived this synth and put it back into the mainstream as well as introduced millions of musicians to the sound who had previously been unaware. I would even go so far as to say that behringer may even be inadvertently responsible for this video coming out in 2022. I think the TD-03 has also out sold the original tb-303 by many many thousands, if not close to a million sales.
The TD-3 is a steal at it's price-point. There is no reason not to own one or many of them. Having both, I enjoy them both together.
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams thats why i bought SR (color) version. for like $161, it is like a price of diy x0xb0x back in 2014! woah!
@@nikostalk5730 Yeah you can't go wrong. I might get MO version soon
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams go for it, pretty nice to have
To me, it seems pretty unlikely that someone unfamiliar with the sound would go out and buy the TD-3. If you're part of the scene-whether as a producer or a listener-there's no way you wouldn't recognise this sound. It's like a supersaw: even if you don’t know the name, you’d absolutely recognise it when you hear it. It feels far more plausible that the TD-3 appeals to people who already know the sound but couldn’t afford the original, and now finally have an accessible alternative. I’m not bashing Behringer here-I’m all for making gear more accessible-but I just think it’s worth keeping the perspective grounded.
thank you mate!!! you joined up awful lot of dots in quarter of an hour! and cleaned up some question marks for me too-- i love the shout out to the big beat boutique! skint records brought me here!! love your work mate!
Finally someone who says it right: Josh Wink used a normal TB303 (there are actually two TB303s) for the track Higher State... and not, as 80% of people claim, a TB303 with Devilfish Mod.
Greetings from Germany
Cheers Mareike!
I always heard the rumor that it was a 101 or 202, never a Devilfish.
Great deep dive into the classic silver box mate, you should be proud.
Thanks Corey.
You made Gin and Sin? That's awesome, I love that track. It's so funky and smooth.
Thanks!
It changed the world of dance music and youth culture all over the world. An legendary creation!
Great video on the TB303, I remember seeing these at between around £200 second hand in music shops and music magazines for sale ad’s here in London back in the 80’s, amazing how much it’s worth today !!
I'm getting a td3 tomorrow and I can't wait
Great 303 overview video😃♥️🙏🙏🙏
Really good video. There were several really good TB-303 tracks before Phuture, but DJ Pierre was the first twisting the knobs while it was playing. Charanjit Singh's "10 Ragas to a Disco Beat" album is amazing. Though, I strongly disagree with people saying that he invented Acid House. Even though he uses a TB-303 and with a four to the floor beat on his album, he did not twist the knobs of the TB-303 while it was playing. He was doing this at live performances, way later. Still, he is a amazing musician and an important figure in the history of the TB-303.
I am glad that you mentioned "Acperience 1" by Hardfloor, which is among the best Acid tracks out there. Though, I think that layering multiple 303s has been done before "Acperience 1" with "Flow Coma" (1988) by 808 State.
Are you sure that Josh Wink was the first using an overdrive behind a TB-303 on "Higher State of Consciousness"? The track was released in 1995, but there were already several Acid Techno tracks, like "Ego Acid" by Pump Panel (1994), "Lost In The Silverbox" by Hardfloor (1993) or "Von Unten" by BassXPansion (1994), Lost In The Silverbox by Hardfloor featuring distorted TB-303s. Though Josh Wink's "Higher State of Consciousness" was the first music video with a distorted TB-303 I can recall. "Confusion (Pump Panel Reconstruction Mix)" by New Order also used a distorted TB-303. It was released in the same Year as "Higher State of Consciousness". "Confusion (Pump Panel Reconstruction Mix)" exposed the distorted TB-303 to an even wider audience, because it was played in the "Blood Rave" scene of the Movie Blade (1998).
Roland had several unlucky attempts bringing the TB-303 sound back in their music gear (usually groove boxes like the MC-303 mentioned in the video) before switching to ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology. The best attempt during that time might have been the MC-09 Phrase Lab. Anyways, before Roland introduced the Boutique TB-03 (shown in this video), they released the Aira TB-3. Their first TB-303 clone based on ACB, and their first TB-303 emulation, which actually sounded close to the original.
I am a little disappointed not to see my favorite TB-303 cone, the Avalon Bassline by Abstrakt Instruments, mentioned in the video. It preserves the TB-303's sound while adding more features and a better user interface. For this and the superior built quality, I would even call it "the better TB-303" or "TB-303 2.0".
I like that you show the Behringer TD-3. It's the most affordable clone out there, but the programming is like the original. Which may be frustrating to some, but also leads to these happy accidents. There are other clones with better user interfaces.
On the software side you mention RB-338, which is abandoned by the vendor and there might be challenges when it comes to legally obtain the software and installing it on modern PCs. I recommend to look into the following VST TB-303 emulations, which integrate better in todays DAW workflow:
- ABL3 (Mac, Win) by audioRealism - That's my personal favorite.
- Phoscyon (Mac, Win) by D16 - Version 2 is about to be released.
- Roland's Cloud TB-303 (Mac, Win) - Uses also ACB technology.
- Venom VB-303 (Win) by Anton Savov - It's free and only for Windows. You'll need JBridge when using it in DAWs which only support 64 bit plugins.
- Bass Matrix (Win) by Witech - It's free and only for Windows. You need a DAW with VST3 support.
- Acid Devil by RS-Met (Win, Mac) - Acid Devil is hidden in the free RS-MET Toolchain. It's quite challenging to set it up properly. To this day, I didn't manage to synch it's sequencer to my DAW.
Btw., there is a website with many audio comparisons of TB-303 clones and VSTs with the original: AcidVoice.com (I am not affiliated with them, but I like the content a lot.)
Thanks for all this info Engineer. I agree with all of your points - in the case of Josh Wink, distortion and overdrive were of course being used long before, but I think the way he used it was notable as he just got more out of it with a track that was so memorable. So many clones to list as well, and yes - the Avalon is amazing I shoudl probably have mentioned it as I agree it's like a 2.0 for sure.
303 is still hot, Ceephax, Luke Vibert, AphexTwin
Have you heard of the astonishing RE303? I have one - it IS a real 303, same transistors, with the circuit board cad scanned for authenticity. It's a beast.
@@JackAcid Yes. The RE-303 is a replica and is listed on AcidVoice, also. Great choice!
Have you heard of the Abstrakt Instruments Avalon? It's close to a replica, they added features and a more convenient UI. It's a TB-303 V2.0 in my Opinion and the best clone I have in my Acid arsenal.
In the late 90's I sat in my car with a friend in a Florida beach parking lot listening to a Frankie Bones CD and read on the CD insert that it was all created with the 303, that is where my journey began, still to this day I use and love 303's (Mostly clones, because budget)
You really need to check the controversy on the comments for the last Telekom video. A real peace of history on its own. Love your videos btw!
I just checked them out - so crazy - great to hear DJ Pierre chime in with the facts.
WOW, what a greatful video. ❤️❤️❤️
I'm waiting for a DX7 video man! This was great!
زمانی که با ویدئوی شما گذشت بی شک هدر نرفته. استادانه تدوین شده بود رفیق.
Music is just soooo inspiring, viby space energy, waves ❤❤❤❤
Very nice production man🙏
Great doc on a great instrument. Forever aciiiiiiiiid 😁
Who doesn't need more acid!
fantastic video, thank you so much. Hardfloor are the masters of 303 to me.
They really are - they took it to a whole new level. The way Aceperience builds was like nothing else at the time.
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams yes, i absolutely agree. A track that really blew my mind was "lost in the silver box" where you can really hear their use of various 303s in one song. I wonder what the original creator of the 303 thinks about the artists using this instrument in such non-conventional ways.
Absolutely! 🙂👍🏼
I absolutely love your docs! I remember that Future Music or The Mix in which you was featured, didn´t know it was you.
Thanks Juno6 - was so cool to be in my favourite mag at the time.
Great video as always!
Thanks Allan
Great video, very well documented!
Great video Johnny , spent a lot of time in pawn shops in the early 90's , never found a 303 but did pick up a few gems.
Mid 90's were the best - pre- ebay!
Online prices are insane. I remember finding an ex school/ ex council Korg Delta at Cash Converters in Bolton for £50. Pretty terrible synth all told, but costs 10x that on eBay now
Can never get enough 303!
Rebirth rb338 was my first intro into making music. I got my first hardware around that time and learned how to sequence and sync gear and how to sample, etc. I think my bedroom setup back then was an asr-x, mc303, yamaha cs1x, juno 106, and a foster 4 track.
I had a demo copy in high school and could only use it for 20 minutes. I remember being able to write drum and bass and techno tunes with a stopwatch because of that time limitation.
@@LocaliLLocano you didnt get the crack for it?!
@@VincentsVideoVisions I was a noob and didn’t know where to look in 1996. I was scared of getting viruses. But hey I got the behringer RD-9, TD-3, and the yocto 808. So I can make a poor man’s Voltron
Omg you made music for ssx? Amazing. Thanks for this excellent video.
Brilliant 👏. Thanks for this.
holy shit! John Morgan!!!! dude i love SSX 2000 and the tracks you made were absolutely amazing! I didnt even realize it was you until you started talking about ssx lolllllll
Thanks! Good times they were on that SSX team.
Idk if u have done something about the legend M1 but it would be an idea
beautiful
Nice. Never heard of Charanjit Singh before. Banger of an album.
Hey this was inspiring, I need to get one for my compositions
Aww man thanks for the lesson on all these Jam-boxes! I love Roland products since I was old enuff to buy them at 20yrs young back in '89! I never got to see the DAW used from 1980 on into the 90's. Would love to see a tut on how studios used the 1st DAW in the 80 & 90's and how and when it was finally made for the home studio 🎙! Bring more lessons like this one very inspiring!
Great video!
Love my Behringer TD-3s (have two).
For a treat, I hook the MIDI out, from TD-3, to MIDI in, on Roland FA-07 Keyboard.
Then the baseline from the TD-3, plays a patch on the FA-07.
Layer that together with the output from the TD-3, and sounds so fat-liscious.
@@voraciousfred Yes, you can play monophonic notes, from the synth in the TD-3, using an external keyboard, plugged into the TD-3 MIDI IN.
You could use an external sequencer to trigger the notes. You could also use a computer, or iPad, to trigger notes, using the USB port.
You can not change the sounds (the things controlled by knobs), from external MIDI.
Have fun experimenting.
When Rebirth was launched it was an apocalypse for me.. and I still use it to this day
Best fact of the vid, you did some track on SSX what a cool line on the CV ^^
Was such a fun game to work on
Very cool videos! Good job.
Excellent brother! 🎛🎛
Great documentary
Thanks Zip's
I love stories like this
10:53 The synth on the hips of this guy is the Future Retro 777 - also a badass synth which clones the TB-303 and goes far beyond and includes a switchable 18 dB/42 dB LP-Filter. The FR-777 is also a very rare synth due to the small batch around 600 units and is a real beast.
Yeah that's me - it's my FR-777
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams Yeah, nice. Did you keep it until now? I own two which I have been keeping around since 1999. Brgds
@@Analoque444 I sold it about 10 years ago and I really regret it, as I used it for so many songs, especially with my band Unit:187 for our Capital Punishment album.. I ordered mine direct from Jared when they first came out and used it almost every day. Very cool you have 2 of them - lots of possibilities there! Ok Cheers!
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams Thanks for your video btw. I remember the band, cool to meet you here. How time passes :D ... I ordered my 777´s from a shop in Berlin which contacted Jared and after 6 months waiting time I got them. I love them and will never give them away. Everybody who sold it regrets it xD xD I know because I talked to many ex-owners during the years. I am sad about the Future Retro company, they are out of business. Wish you the best and keep on going.
@@Analoque444 Yes - never sell them. Great to meet you here as well - lets keep in touch. My email is on my channel page. All the the best.
BTW, this video story is fantastic Johnny.
Thanks - all the best!
If you are interested in a super simple acid bass synth in the style of the 303 and fits in the palm of your hand, check out the amazing Paripi Destroyer!!! Very simple and awesome acid bass sound. Combine it with a pocket operator or a Korg NTS-1 and away you go!!!!
First real capture of a live 303 was live at the infamous Global Village rave parties in Melbourne Australia specifically pure flow 3 with Dr Fernando from Belgium he blew that place apart mindblowing never seen a 303 scream like that since that partt was easily best done to existence been to many but that was the one.
Long live the 303🤟😊🤟
Saw Dr Fernando at the Orbit, Leeds uk in the 90's, he did his thing & it was crazy.
Amazing video
Thanks for the visit
Thank you! 👍
Everybody needs a 303! For example, a family of four needs FOUR 303s. 😁(that ending track is lovely BTW)
Or to save money, a few of them could be TD-3's
Had never heard of Charanjit Singh, amazing stuff. Pioneer.
Aha, reuploaded 🙂 Nice docu video's!
Yes - thanks for the feedback Mayz
The sound of the TB-303 is healing. It seriously does something to you. I don't know what it is.
Worth mention Armando from Chicago RIP who for me was the Acid house pioneer!
FUSE Substance Abuse and Final Exposure Vortex …both by Richie Hawtin in 90/91 for filtering and using more than one 303 together…
UR Acid Rain ep 92 taking to next level and Aphex Twin Red Label release 92…!
Saw Cj Bolland Orbit 1st birthday July 92…live PA with Steve Cop…just a 303 and 909 together at beginning….dancefloor speakers must have been size of a double wardrobe each and there was 4 in a line next to each other….the 909 BD thump was brutal (😁) but that 303 sound just blew my mind !! (🤯😁)
It smacks me in the face, that there is a spelling mistake in the TR-808 ad at 1:17
good work, nice vid
Nice story and documentary on the beloved tb 303 ❤ Fred(e)ricK...😮
Thanks Fred(e)ricK!
Brilliant!
I just got the Roland t8 as iv always had a thing for the 303 was gonna get the behringer clone but i saw the t8 has the drum machine and bassline synth on it for a few pound more
Good Value - I hear it's really decent and nice to have everything all in one small unit. Roland is really making some great new instruments.
❤ that sound 🎼
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it
I just happened to see this video on my recommended and when you mentioned you made Gin & Sin I looked at your profile and recognized the name immediately. :D How exactly did you program it? I have a TD-3 myself and I'd love to try and replicate it! Would it be possible for you to show us, John?
That is so cool. Yes - I'll put t a video of that for you - should be fun. I have the raw tracks still.
I bought my 303 from that mailing list you included screenshots of.
Maybe you bought it from me 🙂
excellent
great video! what is the background track's name at 8:07?
It's a song from a Jam session I did in the 90's - we recorded everything to DAT back then
bro you have no idea how much i watch this video
i want a tb 303 or tb 03 soooooooo much
Hey We g - try and find a behringer TD-3 - they are excellent clones and can be found pretty cheap.
Did you ever get one
@@Danefrak no i got distracted
The KLF took it on the charts with their classic The White Room in 1991.
Got a KingKorg with several VA filter emulations. It does 303 pretty well, as p5, oberheim and even Moog ladder. In a mix hard pressed to notice difference between VA and original. Nord A1 is also very nice.
I’ve always wondered why Roland put a resonant filter control on the 303. What purpose was it supposed to serve?
Yes - really good question. I mean from a bass perspective and original intention, not much. In the end it was the best thing they could have done!
Rebirth was the start of me making music as a young'n.
Brilliant ❤
The 303 changed the world really. One small, unassuming silver box that was a commercial failure. Long live Acid.
Great video, but no Abstrakt Avalon ?
I haven't tried it - but so many great ones out there.
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams Ah, well, perhaps investigate then. It is a part-for-part TB303, but with some very interesting additions (which even have their own dedicated power supply that's different to the imbedded 303, so as not to spoil its' integrity..).
They are rarer then 303s or 777s, it´s a pity. Keeping my fingers crossed that there will be another batch in production.
From 8:05 what is the track title? Thanks!
Hi Johnny and thanks for the video. It would have been nice to mention the Norand Mono as one of the latest TB-303 children and not only Roland and Behringer ones which are maybe too close to the original where the Mono pushes the 303 spirit and sound into the future. Like Roland did back in the days with the TB-303.
Thanks @VEsound - I'll have to check it out!
hey great vid, thanks :) what is the track at 8 mins?
Back in 1982 or so, I was in my local music store looking for a cheap drum machine. The owner showed my the Drumatix and Bassline. Neither of us had any idea how to use them, and I ended up buying a Mattel Synsonics. I stopped in there couple of years later, and the still had those 303s and 606s...three of each. But now they were trying to blow them out for $395.00... for the pair! Again, I passed.
*sigh*
Awesome great first hand account Mike. Thanks for that!
squeeze the trigger by ice t has to be the reason why i love this synthesizer
It's still pretty magical the way the 303 can do a normal bassline, an acid bassline, or super expansive atmospheric stuff so easily.
The TB-3 is pretty underrated. It's got that ridiculous squishy touchscreen keyboard and it's digital, but I'd rather have a TB-3 than the boutique TB-03 any day. They did a good ACB recreation of the 303 and dramatically improved the sequencer. They must be getting more popular, because six months ago you could still find them for $200 on Reverb, and you could find new-old stock ones for $300. I wish they'd make a TB-3 with normal buttons for the keyboard.
Glad you mentioned the TB-3 - my friend has one and you're right - it's actually really good. Highly under-rated.
You can get a decent emulsion of the Roland 303 bassline on you Android device called Rockrelay Bassline. 303 Basline was first emulsion in software was software called Rebirth.