Roland announced that they’re offering 3,030 free licences of the TB-303 plugin for Roland Cloud to celebrate 303 day.
UPDATE: The signup page on Roland’s website is still online but the free licenses have been depleted, as reported by our readers in the comments.
Before you continue reading, please note that a very limited number of free licenses is available. I’m very sorry if you don’t manage to claim your free license on time, but as they say… don’t shoot the messenger!
On the other hand, I hope that at least a few lucky BPB readers (including you) will read this on time and get the virtual TB-303 for free.
Roland TB-303, so much more than a bass guitar
What is there to say about the TB-303 that you don’t already know?
Like the TR-808 drum machine, it defined new music genres and, in the hands of talented musicians, did so much more than its creators intended.
A humble bassline synthesizer meant to replace bass guitars and provide a simple accompaniment for jams became the quintessential electronic music instrument of the late 1980s and early 1990s. It gave birth to acid basslines and music styles like acid house.
It was emulated since the early days of music production software, starting with ReBirth RB-338 and countless other virtual instruments.
However, having an official TB-303 emulation from Roland themselves still counts for something. Roland’s official plugin is the best option if you want to get as close as possible to the real thing without using hardware.
The TB-303 Software Synth
The TB-303 Software Synthesizer is available through Roland Cloud and usually costs $149.
It accurately recreates the sound and behavior of the original hardware using Analog Circuit Behavior modeling and I trust that Roland’s engineers and developers knew what they were doing while creating it.
The plugin features the classic squelchy tone you’d expect from a 303 while adding modern enhancements that make music production in the DAW more convenient.
I like the graphic edit window, which allows for precise pattern creation and editing. It offers up to six octaves, user-defined scales, and randomization options.
The software further expands on the original by providing five play modes, including Forward, Reverse, and Random. You can store up to 64 patterns and 64 patches per bank, with 32 preset patterns and 48 unique sounds included.
A hidden panel introduces circuit modifications such as VCF Trim, Vintage Condition, and Master Tune, alongside built-in effects like distortion and delay.
Get the TB-303 for free
So, if you want to get all of this for free, visit the 303 Day promo page on Roland’s website linked below.
And if you missed the deal, all is not lost. There are dozens of free TB-303 emulations out there, including the Mi-03 Bassline and BL-303 among others.
Get the deal: Roland TB-303 (3,030 free licenses available via Roland)
More:
