Video
Story
The battery-powered TB-03 is a direct descendant of the famous TB-303 Bass Line Synth. The layout and controls are unchanged, so it works just like the original. It sounds like it too, thanks to Roland’s advanced ACB technology that recreates the hypnotic liquid grooves of the magic silver box. But the new TB-03 goes even further, with several enhancements not found on the original model. The four-digit LED display makes programming easier and more accurate, while overdrive and delay effects let you unleash a twisted, tribal wall of sound to send the crowd into a frenzy. Back in the studio, the TB-03 can send control information via MIDI or its USB port, the latter of which also functions as a 24-bit/96 kHz audio interface.
Authentic 303 Sound and Behavior via Roland’s ACB Technology
You know when you hear a TB-303—a hypnotic, tribal sound that works best in dark, crowded rooms with big sound systems. Using the same ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology from the acclaimed AIRA series, the TB-03 accurately emulates the expressive, slippery sound of its older brother, and even adds a few surprises. Saw and square waveforms are available, along with all of the rotary control knobs that help shape the 303’s unique character, including tuning, cutoff, resonance, envelop mod, decay, and accent.
New Features Not Found in the Original
The TB-03 includes several enhancements over the original TB-303. Firstly, the four-digit LED display makes programming easier and more detailed, since you now have a visual representation of the value being edited. Then there are a variety of overdrive, delay, and reverb effects that dramatically change the mood and tone of the TB-03, going from smooth to spiky to squealing. Programming patterns is also easier thanks to newly added functions that include step write, shuffle, and fine tempo control. Finally, the inclusion of MIDI and USB ports mean that the TB-03 can send and receive control information and connect easily to computer-based DAWs.
Classic TB Sequencer with Enhanced Functions
If you’re familiar with the TB-303’s programming method, then you’ll feel right at home with the TB-03. The original Pitch and Time write modes are included, along with an all-new Step mode. Pattern programming is also enhanced by the LED display, which shows the current step in the sequence as well as showing fine tempo values (such as 125.5 BPM). The internal sequencer can be triggered externally via the trigger input, and you can even switch between write and play modes without stopping pattern playback, opening up new possibilities for live performance.
Specifications
User Memory
Patterns: 96 (4 groups (I, II, III, IV) x 3 sections (A, B, C) x 8 patterns) Tracks: 7
Waveform
(SAW, SQUARE)
Controllers
BVOLUME knob
TUNING knob
CUT OFF FREQ knob
RESONANCE knob
ENV MOD knob
DECAY knob
ACCENT knob
OVERDRIVE knob
DELAY TIME knob
DELAY FEEDBACK knob
WAVE FORM switch T
RACK PATT.
GROUP selector
MODE selector
TEMPO button
VALUE knob
PATTERN CLEAR button
RUN/STOP button
PITCH MODE button
FUNCTION button
Keyboard buttons (C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C)
TIME MODE button
TRANSPOSE UP/DOWN buttons
ACCENT button
SLIDE button
BACK button
TAP button
Effects
OVERDRIVE (Overdrive/Distortion)
DELAY (Tape Echo/Digital Delay/Reverb)
Indicators
7 segments, 4 characters (LED)
PITCH MODE LED
NORMAL MODE LED
TIME MODE LED
Connectors
TRIGGER IN jack: Mono miniature phone type
CV OUTPUT jack: Mono miniature phone type
GATE OUTPUT jack: Mono miniature phone type
PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type
OUTPUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type MIX IN jack: Stereo miniature phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
USB port: Micro-B type (Audio, MIDI)
Power Supply
Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4 USB bus power
Current Draw
500 mA (USB bus power)
Expected battery life under continuous use
Rechargeable Ni-MH battery: Approx. 5 hours * This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.
Manual
Download Manual
