TB-03 first impression from a former TB-303 owner
9 Nov 2016, 16:19Hello,
Yes I foolishly parted with my immaculateTB-303 in 2008, so I could get funds together for a Korg M3 - thinking that its time was over and 303's would drop in price anyway..... (the actual hi-res one on the TB-303 Wikipedia page was mine) Doh ! Stooopid!
Having owned that TB-303 for about 15 years, I think my ears are well honed to the subtle little nuances which sets a TB-303 apart from the clones.
I also own a Bassbot TT-303 and used to own aTB-3.
I haven't bought the TB-03 yet, but spent about 20 mins in the music store with one, using headphones.
First thoughts:
Well built and feels like the TB-303, obvious differences aside. I think the 3 little protruding and rounded LED's are a nice authentic nod to the original; the Bassbot's LED's on the other hand are all below the surface and although it is meant to look identical, the shiny plastic coating on the Bassbot spoils what could have been a more believable look.
With the TB-03, I think Roland have captured the 'Woah' sound very well and this is a key characteristic. For me, a real TB-303 sounds a bit like it's in pain with toothache when it 'woahs' !! The Bassbot TT-303 doesn't replicate this nuance as deeply as it should, even though it's a proper analog unit. I couldn't get my TB-3 to do this properly either, but then that could be because Roland missed out the Env Mod pot in favour of that horrible touch pad!!
Whilst I think the 'Woah' has been perfectly recreated, the TB-03 did seem to lack some analog warmth/depth which is there with real analog units like the TB-303, TT-303 and even my Korg Volca Bass. I can sense that it's missing, yet I don't really mind because in a mix, this wouldn't come across anyway and I think that getting the 'woah' right (which Roland have done),they've accomplished the most important aspect of what a '303 clone should have.
The pots are good quality and a good size, spaced far enough apart that you won't move the neighboring one.
Overall I think they've done a good job and having owned a Roland TB-303, I think I'll have a similar sense of authentic ownership with a TB-03. For me, the TB-3 never really 'grabbed' me, I think because it was such a radical departure - in physical form and use - from what I was used to. The Bassbot TT-303 feels right (apart from the shiny finish) but it's not extreme enough in the 'toothache, Woaahh' department. I will probably get a TB-03 (once the finances have recovered from purchasing the excellent TR-09 :-)
Yes I foolishly parted with my immaculateTB-303 in 2008, so I could get funds together for a Korg M3 - thinking that its time was over and 303's would drop in price anyway..... (the actual hi-res one on the TB-303 Wikipedia page was mine) Doh ! Stooopid!
Having owned that TB-303 for about 15 years, I think my ears are well honed to the subtle little nuances which sets a TB-303 apart from the clones.
I also own a Bassbot TT-303 and used to own aTB-3.
I haven't bought the TB-03 yet, but spent about 20 mins in the music store with one, using headphones.
First thoughts:
Well built and feels like the TB-303, obvious differences aside. I think the 3 little protruding and rounded LED's are a nice authentic nod to the original; the Bassbot's LED's on the other hand are all below the surface and although it is meant to look identical, the shiny plastic coating on the Bassbot spoils what could have been a more believable look.
With the TB-03, I think Roland have captured the 'Woah' sound very well and this is a key characteristic. For me, a real TB-303 sounds a bit like it's in pain with toothache when it 'woahs' !! The Bassbot TT-303 doesn't replicate this nuance as deeply as it should, even though it's a proper analog unit. I couldn't get my TB-3 to do this properly either, but then that could be because Roland missed out the Env Mod pot in favour of that horrible touch pad!!
Whilst I think the 'Woah' has been perfectly recreated, the TB-03 did seem to lack some analog warmth/depth which is there with real analog units like the TB-303, TT-303 and even my Korg Volca Bass. I can sense that it's missing, yet I don't really mind because in a mix, this wouldn't come across anyway and I think that getting the 'woah' right (which Roland have done),they've accomplished the most important aspect of what a '303 clone should have.
The pots are good quality and a good size, spaced far enough apart that you won't move the neighboring one.
Overall I think they've done a good job and having owned a Roland TB-303, I think I'll have a similar sense of authentic ownership with a TB-03. For me, the TB-3 never really 'grabbed' me, I think because it was such a radical departure - in physical form and use - from what I was used to. The Bassbot TT-303 feels right (apart from the shiny finish) but it's not extreme enough in the 'toothache, Woaahh' department. I will probably get a TB-03 (once the finances have recovered from purchasing the excellent TR-09 :-)