Roland TB-3 Touch Bassline

Like the other components in the AIRA series, the TB-3 uses Roland’s new Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) modeling technology, to recreate the sounds of the the TB-303, and Roland has also duplicated the functionality of that instrument, with a lot of digital-era touches such as the Scatter feature, which allows for slicing, reverse, gating, and more, making possible the easy creation of stutter and glitch effects.

Features:

• Modeled from a pristine TB-303 unit, the original spec sheets, and archival data
• Roland’s ACB technology models each component and every aspect of the original TB-303 sound
• Faithful recreation of the original saw and square oscillator waveforms
• Attack, slide, tie, and other elements that characterize the TB-303 have been fully reproduced, including how they interact with each other
• Authentic filter behavior with smooth response and classic sound
• Pressure-sensitive touch pad
• 134 captivating sounds, including the original TB-303 tones and new four-oscillator, effects-processed basses, leads, and sound effects
• Dedicated Tempo control with shuffle and tap tempo functions
• Control built-in effects with smooth, responsive knobs
• 7-segment, 3-character LED display
• Seamless switching between pattern creation and performance/
• 16-step indicator lights to aid in pattern creation
• Pattern support for up to 32 steps
• Easy access to shuffle control for bass lines that groove.
• Enter steps manually or record in real time on the touch pad
• Change step count during playback to alter the length of phrases
• Random pattern generation and pattern modification
• Pattern copy function

The TB-3 is expected to ship in March of this year. Definitive pricing hasn’t been announced, but early indications are that it will have a street price of around $299. For more information, visit RolandUS.com.