303 Clones

[nvisibl]

Do any of you guys know of any good hardware tb-303 clones available out there just now? I've seen the xoxbox kit which sounds great but its a DIY parts assembly job, no use to me, i'd fuck up the build.

The syntechno Tee Bee sounds great too but its discontinued.

I've been on the lookout for a few days but have not found anything available of which I could go purchase right now. Strictly hardware, no software.

Prefferably a 303 clone with decent midi functionality for sequencing via SX3.

Any ideas?

Cheers

[ledge]

MAM - MB33 http://www.vintagesynth.com/misc/mb33.shtml I have one and it is sounds pratically the same as a 303 and has midi.

Unfortunately it too is discontinued.

[3o3]

Hm.. What-on-earth-is-that-company-called-again-that-released-a-tb303-clone-without-the-sequencer?

It's a brittish company and has released synths/filters namned like "Coffehouse" or something like that.

[3o3]

Ah, here ya go: http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~concuss/

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~concuss/concussor/tb303.htm

[nvisibl]

Thanks guys.

The MB33 looks good, bummer it being discontinued.

I've got in touch with that company yesterday 303, and it looks promising. Except that there are no audio demo's on site, though I'll go in faith that its of suitable 303 sound. The midi spec is not too bad either, with Filter Cutoff into Cubase via modwheel. The unit is a little expensive though, ?500+. Eek!

The other unit I was looking at was the FutureRetro Revolution.
Looks good, sounds good, has some basic FX, but the midi spec isn't so good and filter changes would need to be done in real time.

I'm not sure wether to go for the Revolution with its simple FX or the TB-X with better midi. They are both around the same price.

[Tomer=Trance]

for that amount of money i would just get the xoxbox and pay some electrition to do it for you. for someone with expirience it shouldnt take more then couple of hours to build.

[nvisibl]

Its very tempting as it looks perfect. Don't know any electricians, no idea how much they one would charge either, and if I could trust 100% that the job would be done right. The cost of an electrician would be added to the ?250+ anyway so i'm not sure how much of a saving it would be. Theres also a waiting list for the xoxbox, though for the amount of time I waited on the Ti I could wait !! lol

Its looking like the TB-X so far but the jury is still out, I would take the xoxbox in a second if it were sold as a unit.

[3o3]

It took almost 11 months before my friend recived his xoxbox. They sure are popular or just is lazy as fucks

[nvisibl]

I think a bit of both, thats the vibe I get from the site.

I remembered an electrician I know, trusted person too, in the family. I just asked him if he would like to put the xoxbox together for me, he said he wouldn't touch it, wouldn't risk it. It would be a couple of days work including any fault finding afterwards and overall whilst he is capable he couldn't give guarantee that it would work out 100%

I'm sure it would be more of an ideal thing for certain enthusiasts, who are capable of building the thing for themselves, have the time, patience and inclination, and are not paying someone per hour to do it for them.

Its looking like the TBX

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~concuss/concussor/aspics/tbx.jpg

[3o3]

Just remember that TBX is missing the TB-sequencer.. Loads of it's "sound" comes from that sequencer..

Those buttons are just a small keyboard-kinda-thingy!

[nvisibl]

Yeah, i'm questioning them right now on that and how the accent and slide functions can be incorporated into a midi sequence made on SX3.

[nvisibl]

For info sake on this thread, heres what I got back from Future Retro regarding MIDI capabilities (or lack of) on their Revolution unit.


None of the controls on the Revolution will transmit their settings, and MIDI information that is received will not control their values either.
The only way to externally control the filter cutoff in the Revolution is by using a control voltage.

[Gopal]

Without the sequencer, it would be a complete waste of money IMO

[nvisibl]

I actually prefer it without the sequencer, using it with Cubase instead. I probably wouldn't have bought it if I was restricted to an onboard sequencer only. Each to our own I suppose.
---------------------------


i'm questioning them right now on that and how the accent and slide functions can be incorporated into a midi sequence made on SX3.

The slide works by overlapping notes in cubase, understandably.
The accent kicks in with any note velocity amount set above 60.
Filer Cut-off via modwheel.


Purchased last night, should arrive by the weekend.
Exciting stuff! cant wait.

[PsychNerD]

FutureRetro Revolution ?

[dlb]

the mb33 were still be made upto a year or two ago at least but rebadged with a different face plate under the Terratec name.

They sound ok (i have one at home). But they are not completely accurate to the tb. My tb has more character in sound especially when i have it screechy in the higher freq ranges. Although with the mam you can get some real nice lower end going. Also you lose a lot by not having the sequencer. You can do all slides and accent via midi on the mam but it never quite sounds the same. They are excellant for the money though. But if your willing to save and spend the extra money then the tb is the way to go.

If not look into software the audiorealism is very good conversion. Although i always have problems getting it to sit in the mix where my hardware tb does so without to much effort. The phoscyon is ok too but sounds a bit thin on the bottom end.

[blay]

Please dont clone 303.

One is enough on this forum. ;)

cheers

Blay

[nvisibl]

Update...

I bought the TBX but when it arrived it was more or less dead, back it went and the response was that the CPU had fallen out.

Ok... so shit happens sometimes.

Got it back again, powered up fine sounded great, very good clone.
However when playing fast basslines with medium to full velocity on the notes I could hear clicking, much like when there is too sharp of an attack or release.

Ok, sent it back again... getting tired now.

Recieved email today that they could not pin down why the clicking was occuring and that they may have to scrap the 303 clone project if they cant sort it out soon enough :shock: Apparently its not just occuring on the one unit, my unit.

I was offered the unit back with clicks for 50% discount on the price?

I thought about it, a great 303 clone for ?300 Hmmmm.... naa, the clicks are too much of a put off.

I turned it down and now await a full refund.

303 less again :|

I think i'll just hold out for the vague potential opportunity of getting the real deal and having it modified.

[Hollowcell]

How about buying an original one?

I still see them around quite often, and if I head into Tokyo they're found very easily.

What do they sell for in everybody's part of the world these days anyway?

[nvisibl]

Yea thats the plan now HC
I see them pop up and go on EBay from ?700 - ?1,000+

[Gopal]

I never see them for sale here. I know someone who half owns one and if the other owner will agree i'll buy it off him.

HC, can you let me know what kind of money you see them for over there. I must own one.

[Hollowcell]

Last time I looked they were selling from about 600 euro to about 1000 euro depending on condition, mods, and also where they were. It's been a while since I've been to Tokyo though, so I can't say if this is still the case.

[bishopkris40]

nvisible, if you buy the xoxbox kit, I'd help you build it or debug. In Falkirk, middle of Glasgow and Edinburgh. I have already built a modular for myself and have a Honours in Electronics and computing, work in electronics and love synths so it'd cost you nothing more than petrol.

But looking at the list it could take ages, but if you want try getting on the synth diy list I'm sure someone there has another version that is kept quiet and will probably come in easy assemble.

Let us know how you get on with what you choose.
Cheers
Kris

[nvisibl]

It would be trully appreciated if you could help out as I reckon the x0xb0x might be the best clone available.

The waiting list is 1-3 months, there is another run happening in mid November.
I'll get on touch when it happens and see if you are still up for helping out.

I'll return the kindness.

Cheers

ps - i'm in the south side of Glasgow

[bishopkris40]

man hit me off list and I'll help. Sure someone here will help you get in contact (hmmm maybe add hotmail.com to my user name!!!!!)

I'd like one too but building one with someone may be enough. Hit me mate and I'll help. (anytime as this synth bug aint left me in the last 10 years so aint going anywhere fast :wink: )

Kris

P.S I've already looked through the list this looks easy (ish)

[nvisibl]

ok man... really generous of you to offer your time in helping out.
We can make some noise and have some fun :idea: 8)

[nvisibl]

hhm.... I may not be holding out for the x0xb0x as saw a clone on EBay and just couldn't help myself, got it for ?165. The Superbass 4.4 which is an update of the generally acclaimed MAM MB33II 303 clone. I'll respond back in a few days with the results, it might be a keeper, who knows.

http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/5768/superbass01ap6.th.jpg (http://img369.imageshack.us/my.php?image=superbass01ap6.jpg)

[bishopkris40]

samples would be good, let us hear it mate.

Cheers
Kris

[nvisibl]

Sure, i'll rustle something up' soon for a demo