To some, the Roland TB-303 Bassline is the holy grail of synthesizers. Developed 30 years ago as an alternative to a bass guitar, it instead grew in popularity as a powerful analogue synth with the ability to program and manipulate complex arpeggios. It maintained a healthy presence across electro, hip-hop, ’80s groove, and most famously acid house before it moved on to pop and dance crossover acts in the nineties and beyond. Today, it’s sound is considered timeless and a second hand TB-303 will set you back $1500 and beyond on eBay.

It’s something i have long coveted myself, having been introduced to the Roland MC-303 at a very young age. The MC-303 is the upgraded version of the TB-303 which also incorporated the TB-808 and 606 drum machines as well as a sequencer. Purists largely dismiss the MC-303 arguing that it isn’t true analog, and that the sound suffers because of it. And they are right. It’s uses sample based technology as opposed to the original analogue components. Predictably, many attempted to recreate the sound, with varied degree of success. Propellerhead (the makers of Reason) created a software based emulator called ReBirth which is no longer in development, but can be downloaded for free (legally) from The ReBirth Museum.

Thankfully for everyone comes the x0xb0x, one of the most impressive TB-303 emulators going around. It uses the exact same analog technology as the original, has a very similar layout and has added USB and midi capabilities. All for US$625 delivered. Still expensive, but very close to the original sound of a classic and expensive synth.

This YouTube video shows a comparison between the x0xb0x (left channel) and an orginal TB-303 (right channel).

Check out this track: Acid Crash by Tyree for an example of what a bunch of old Roland gear can do. Believe it or not this song is 22 years old. If you are a fan of the sounds you hear, I strongly recommend an excellent 2 disc compilation put out by SoulJazz Records called: Can You Jack? Chicago Acid and Experimental House. Amazing. You can buy one for me at x0x Source.