Ecliptiq Audio has announced the release of Magiq, a free sample-based TB-303 emulation for Native Instruments Kontakt.
Magiq isn’t a detailed emulation of the hardware 303, but more of an homage to this legendary analog instrument. It features seven octaves worth of saw and square samples, packed in a Kontakt patch with a customized user interface which features some of 303’s most important control parameters. The product page doesn’t mention whether the sampled waveforms are authentic TB-303 sounds, so I’m assuming that the samples were sourced from a different synthesizer.
Apart from the AD envelope and the low-pass filter controls (Cutoff and Resonance), Magiq also features Drive, Bass, and Timbre control parameters, along with the output Volume knob. The intensity of filter cutoff modulation is adjusted with the Accent knob. The built-in distortion effect works quite well for recreating that classic 303 “acid bassline” sound, whereas the bass boost effect enhances the low end at higher resonance settings.
Positioned in the lower half of the GUI is the 16-step sequencer with adjustable tempo (seven preset tempo values are available). The step sequencer is very simple, featuring vertical sliders to adjust the note value on each step. It is a bit cumbersome to use if you’re trying to precisely input an exact melody. On the other hand, entering random sequences is a breeze as you can simply click and drag the mouse pointer to enter note values.
The library is not compatible with the free Kontakt Player. The full version of Kontakt is required to play Magiq without the 15-minute demo limitation. The library can be downloaded completely free of charge from the product page linked below, no signup required.
Magiq is available for free download via Ecliptiq Audio (12.9 MB download size, ZIP archive, contains 1 instrument patch in NKI format for NI Kontakt).
