Imaginando has just dropped TV3, a fantastic software emulation of the legendary Roland TB-303, and it’s available for free until December 1st, 2024. Better yet, once you claim it, the license is yours to keep—no expiration!
After December 1st, TV3 will return to its regular price of €10, so this is a limited-time offer you don’t want to miss.
A Quick Look at the TB-303’s Legacy
Released in 1981, the Roland TB-303 was initially designed as a bassline synth, but it didn’t quite catch on for its intended purpose. Fast forward to the late 1980s, and it became the defining sound of acid music, showing up in countless iconic tracks. Today, it’s a highly sought-after piece of gear, with some units changing hands on eBay for for thousands of dollars.
Tracks like “Voodoo Ray” by A Guy Called Gerald, “Da Funk” by Daft Punk, and “Higher State of Consciousness” by Josh Wink feature the unmistakable squelchy bass sounds that only the TB-303 could create. The synth’s influence extended far beyond acid, shaping electronic music as we know it.
TV3: A Faithful 303 Emulation with a Modern Twist
The TV3 stays true to the core of the original TB-303 hardware. It features:
- A single oscillator with sawtooth and square waveforms
- A sub-oscillator for added depth
- Multiple distortion types to get that gritty, acid sound
What sets TV3 apart from the original is its intuitive and user-friendly interface. Programming the original TB-303 could be a nightmare, but Imaginando’s design makes sound design and pattern creation a breeze.
Simplified Programming with a Built-in Pattern Generator
One standout feature is the pattern generator, which allows you to customize:
- Complexity of the pattern
- Length (number of beats)
- Scale and Key
With just a few tweaks, you can easily create acid basslines or any electronic groove, then drag the pattern straight into your DAW. Plus, TV3’s scale options go beyond the basics, offering pentatonic and stylized modes to inspire creative sequences.
Easy-to-Navigate Interface
The interface has three main sections:
- Pattern Generator on the left
- A vintage TV display in the center, which nods to the acid scene with a classic Acid style smiley face and shows the preset bank
- Advanced parameter controls on the right for tweaking sound
In the Advanced view, you can adjust waveform types, tuning, and distortion. The right-hand controls give access to TB-303’s essential parameters like Cutoff, Resonance, Accent, and Envelope Modulation.
Fast Sound Design for Instant Results
One of the best things about TV3 is how quickly you can dial in the iconic acid sound. The Envelope Mod and Decay controls, in particular, are perfect for crafting basslines reminiscent of the famous “Confusion” bass from the ’90s, featured in the Blade soundtrack.
Whether you’re an acid house enthusiast or just love gritty, electronic basslines, TV3 makes it easy to get the classic TB-303 vibe without the hassle.
Compatibility
TV3 is available in 64-bit AU, VST, and VST3 formats for macOS (11.0 and higher) and Windows (10 and higher). So, it’s ready to integrate seamlessly into most DAWs.
Don’t miss out! Download TV3 for free before December 1st and add a piece of music history to your collection.
