Details
Manufacturer: Roland
Released: 1981
MSRP: $395 USD at release
Specs
Polyphony: Monophonic
Memory: 64 patterns, 7 songs, 1 track
Form Factor: Desktop, 13 buttons
Audio: Mono, Headphones
Speaker: None
Midi: No. Din Sync.
Control Output: CV:1V/oct gate:10V
Dimensions: W:300mm D:146mm H:55mm
Weight: 2.2 lb
Power: AC Adapter, 4 1.5v batteries
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Description
The Roland TB-303, often referred to simply as the “303,” is a legendary analog bass synthesizer produced by the Roland Corporation. Manufactured from 1982 to 1984, the TB-303 initially struggled to find commercial success but later gained iconic status in the realm of electronic music, notably within the emerging genre of acid house.
Key Features
- Monophonic: The TB-303 is a monophonic synthesizer, capable of producing only one note at a time.
- Oscillator: It features a single oscillator, making use of a unique waveform generator.
- Filter: Equipped with a resonant low-pass filter, this synthesizer delivers the distinctive “squelchy” sound that defined the acid genre.
- Sequencer: The TB-303 boasts an integral 16-step sequencer that enables users to create intricate and repetitive bassline patterns.
- Portability: Powered by batteries, the TB-303 offers a degree of portability, allowing musicians to take their distinctive sounds on the go.
- Legacy: The Roland TB-303’s influence extends beyond its initial commercial struggles. Its unmistakable sound became a hallmark of the acid house movement in the late 1980s, with artists and producers leveraging its unique capabilities to create infectious and hypnotic basslines.
The TB-303 was initially introduced at an affordable price point, making it more accessible than its digital counterparts of the time. This affordability contributed to its subsequent popularity, especially within the emerging electronic music scene. The distinctive sounds generated by the TB-303 played a significant role in the development of electronic dance music, ensuring its lasting legacy in the industry.
Notable Users (via Equipboard)
DeadMau5, Daft Punk, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Aphex Twin, Justice, Richie Hawtin, Chemical Brothers, Paul van Dyk, Moby, Squarepusher, The Prodigy, Alessandro Cortini, Fatboy Slim, Orbital, Richard Devine, cEvin Key, Venetian Snares, Giorgio Moroder, Future Sound of London, Luke Vibert, Plastikman, Plaid, Chris Carter, Josh Wink, The Flashbulb (Benn Jordan), A Guy Called Gerald, Funkagenda, UNKLE, DJ Pierre, kid606, Solvent.
Sound Examples
