Description
Here's What Roland say About the Cloud TB-303 Virtual Instrument:
With an unmistakable sonic signature brimming with warmth, energy, and character, the Roland TB-303 Bass Line defined the acid house movement of the late 1980s. Widely misunderstood when launched in 1981, the true revolution began several years later when electronic music producers rediscovered the quirky box, unleashing the hypnotic, liquid sound that captivated a generation. The TB-303 Software Bass Line delivers this historic instrument in a DAW plug-in, with circuit-level sonic accuracy and useful modern enhancements.
Humble Beginnings
Some instruments are so groundbreaking they create entire musical genres. The TB-303 is one of these influential instruments, but it wasn’t always seen that way. When Roland released the TB-303 in 1981, it was marketed as a computerised bass machine to simulate a traditional bass guitar, but didn’t quite catch on. Later on, inventive electronic musicians discovered the 303, often on the secondhand market, and found new uses for its recognisably fluid low end.
Iconic Status
Using the 303 in new ways, these pioneers of early house music inadvertently created a sound that came to be known as acid. This new sound ignited other electronic music genres and, like the Roland TR-808’s influence on hip-hop, the TB-303 played an essential role in late ‘80s-early ‘90s rave culture. While we may never really understand why the 303 sound makes people want to dance, there’s no denying its power, influence, and unwavering ability to get a party started.
Plug In Your Own TB-303
The TB-303 Software Bass Line takes the classic instrument to the next level. Utilising Analog Circuit Behaviour modelling the virtual TB-303 captures the hypnotic tone of the original hardware and forms the perfect complement to the TR-909 and other classic Roland instruments. The iconic interface and signature crunch and squelch of the original are perfectly reproduced, while adding new features which surely would have turned heads back in the day:
Edit Window
The 303’s new editing window is one of the most striking features. For the first time, you can create and edit patterns with a visual interface. With the ability to see the DNA of a preset pattern, you can edit a variation, or start from scratch then step-edit a new pattern, using up to six octaves with user-defined scales, accents, slides, pitch manipulation, and more. The new randomise/generate functions create an endless supply of classic 303 patterns.
Five Play Modes
With five new play modes (Forward/Reverse/FWD&REV/Invert/Random) the TB-303 Software Synthesizer widens the ability to experiment. These new functions allow sonic alchemists to twist and turn the bass, changing direction at will.
More Memory and Manipulation
For the first time, the TB-303 can hold up to 64 patterns and 64 patches per bank. The eight variations of a pattern are still accessible on the UI faceplate. Plus, with 32 preset patterns and 48 unique sounds, the 303 arrives complete with sonic templates for you to explore.
The Secret Panel
A hidden panel on the far-right corner of the 303 unlocks a variety of new tone-colouring features. Explore the expanded circuit modification via the new VCF trim, Vintage Condition, and Master Tune knobs. The onboard effects, including distortion and delay with tempo-sync, are sure to inspire fresh ideas.
Virtual Acid: TB-303 for a New Generation
Roland Cloud’s TB-303 provides the means to emulate the past or lay down brave new pathways. It’s an instrument with a proud history of shaking up the status quo and defying expectations. Use the TB-303 to leave an imprint on tomorrow’s sounds and become part of a lasting musical legacy.
Hardware Integration
Pairing with the TB-03 Roland Boutique synth or the TB-3 Touch Bassline provides hands-on control for the plug-in.
Lifetime Keys
To install an instrument with a Lifetime Key, you must have a Roland Account. To create your Roland Account, download Roland Cloud Manager, create an account/log in, download your instrument, and redeem your Lifetime Key.
Features
- 64 patterns per bank
- 64 patches per bank
- 48 preset patches and 32 preset patterns included
- Eight variations per pattern
- New graphic edit window for step input, pattern edit, and pattern creation
- Circuit modification via the new VCF Trim, Vintage Condition, and Master Tune knobs
- Condition knob adjusts the age and condition of the virtual hardware
- Overdrive/compressor and delay with tempo sync
- Pattern drag-and-drop of MIDI/audio data to your DAW
- Five play modes: Forward, Reverse, Fwd & Rev, Invert, and Random
- Six-octave spread (C0 to C6)
- Position locking to DAW
Returns and Refunds relating to Roland Cloud products
Please note that refunds should not be offered in relation to any Roland Cloud products unless they are faulty and, in accordance with clause 3.4(f) of our SDA. For the avoidance of doubt, this is permitted for software products under European Consumer Protection legislation.
