Comparing TB-303 with Futureretro Revolution

[DdSSonicScienceLab]

well... would be great to listen to the original recorded wave. in .flv all examples are sounding crappy.. ;)

[longdivision87]

Personally i prefer the future retro, more flexibility in sounds and functions. The retro has a wider range of sounds and they are really good! Maybe there is something wrong in me, but i really can't understand all this people that worship the tb 303 and want invest a lot of money in it.....

[774434]

all machines are different

[jensomat3000]

Well done comparison!!! I was guessing the retro would be the 303 because I liked the sound more. What a surprise, the retro seems bouncier, softer and groovy. First time ever I prefer a modern machine vs the original because of it's sound.

[repeatle]

@jensomat3000 Cheers. Thanks for posting a decent comment, rather than "your a dumb fuck you push them up". Yes, the Revolution sounds really good. I do miss it sometimes. The TB is more fun to program (you get more unexpected things coming from it) but I really loved the "remix" function of the Revolution.

The overall feel of the Futureretro Revolution was good too. Still, I really didn't need it with a couple of 303's and whatnot.

[mattrule2]

your a dumb fuck you push them up

[mattrule2]

your a dumb fuc* you push them up

[synth77]

Th second one sounds the best...at the end of the video there is two tb 303's?is one modded.Why two?

[mollysangelique]

dit,is,leuk,

[shiloharts]

Now I suppose you can pass the futureretro through some filters to give it that grit, but nothing like the original. Live the 303!

[shiloharts]

I can totally tell the difference. The 303 sound so much more dirtier, while the futureretro sounds to clean. Listen for yourself.

[androydxnt]

minimo acido!!!

[kenspocket]

best thing on the Revolution is the remix dials :)

[LeoNacht]

Compare the prices and you will soon hear how subtle the difference in sound is.

All 303's will have subtle differences in tone if you analyse them in a good listening environment as the parts are old and worn.

I don't believe anybody can tell the difference here at all. Not Least because it's a compressed YouTube file!!!!

[DaiReborn]

That rules, I guessed right! Maybe my ears are getting better. The Revolution sounds... sharper somehow, and yes cleaner, while the 303 sounds blunted, a little bit spread out, something like when you hit the voice detune on a synth. It's an imperfection in the signal that just happens to make a new perfection.

[tranceemerson]

I like how you can do pattern queuing like a turn table :)

[goatphilososphy]

the 4 min pop song

[humanity4408]

It's easy to tell which one isn't the real deal, like most imitations it's too clean and smooth to pass for real. But it sounds fantastic just the same.

[inbetweenmovements]

great bassline!

[cmacmanus]

my next toy is gunna be the Futureretro Revolution

[stealthgear]

I wasn't looking at the video. I thought the sounds both came from the same machine! I wouldn't be able to tell which was a 303 or a Future Retro. They both are good sounds. I wouldn't take this demo as an end-all test.

[H4NDCRAFTED]

TB still sound the fatest and has nice rez.

I really Like d16 software version myself, a devilfish model, never get that fat sqr from software that i have ever used anyway.

But the d16 has some lovely distortion on it.

[devmiles]

303 absolutely sounds more round, phat and juicy but that doesn't mean there are no other reasonable alternatives

[rays130226]

that thing looks like you are playing Simon

[youtdub]

"coexsystems" Is right, some of the Revolution knobs in the video are not set to the right position for comparing it to a TB, The Future retro has a couple of extra fonction CVmod and AccDecay. How can you compare these machine if these knobs are not set to the right position.. Both the TB and the 303 sound great... to bad i only have one TB i would have put one in a different casing just to see how many people would have say the one in the the original casing was much better sounding...

[Metamusik]

How about just putting up a video with the Future Retro with the knobs in the right position for a comparison? (Though, I'm not quite sure how CVmod would matter if there's no CV input). That sad truth of it is, it's not just placebo: I thought that the left-most channel sounded less impressive before I learn which slider belonged to which instrument. I'm actually disappointed, a second-hand FR Rev is far less expensive then a TB-303.

[pacific707]

This was a good test! They're close but the 303 is a juicy little beastie...it sounds a bit better - my $.02.

[acidroll]

303 is beautifull but really really beautifull... revolution is nice...

[syzygywell]

Great test, would be interesting to hear Acidlabs clone as well. The TB 303 is better & more liquid sounding. I'm just not convinced its 1500 bucks better.

[repeatle]

Thanks for you comment.

I had the Acidlab clone for a while too but I got rid of it because the octave range wasn't as wide as on the TB-303.

I've heard that the new version has more octaves though. Haven't tried it yet.

[tranceemerson]

@syzygywell the TB-303 is far more expensive and hard to find.

[aliencall]

and the winner is?

for me 303:) awesome video

[freedomdancemusic]

the future is a retro revolution in which Facebook is exctinct

[jedimaster303]

and producers have to go back to using the telephone to communicate... as if.

[neilurry]

does any one know any acid vst's for ableton

[repeatle]

neilurry - Audiorealism ABL is really good.

[neilurry]

thanks dude :)

[Sweetking182]

rebirth is okay, but i think ABL is better

[reyjll]

@Sweetking182 I have Rebirth and love it. What is ABL???

[Sweetking182]

@reyjll rebirth is pretty good, but a bit too much. abl is more or less the same thing as rebirth, but in my opinion it has a better sound and more streamlined interface

[EFKA526]

@Sweetking182 yeah abl sounds very good but it is not usable for livesets eg in Ableton Live, only as a producing softsynth, not very good for performing.

[EFKA526]

@neilurry if you just want a nice acid bassline synth for ableton or other vst or au hosts, get Alien303 for only 10 Euros, sounds good and you do not have to pay hundreds of bucks. K, not so accurate as an 303 emulation but still a very nice sounding synth for 303ish sounds.

[redmistpete]

@neilurry Silverbox

[coexsystems]

the knobs of the revolution are not in the right position for a revolution - tb 303 comparing! its funny, but not correct!

[syzygywell]

I think the 303 is slightly clearer, punchier and bubblier which makes it have a more liquid type sound but they are awfully close. I just picked up a rev2 for $475 and I'm pretty happy about it. I love the fact that it is close to the 303 and it has midi/cv sequencing. So it is a net win really. Thanks for the comparison. It helped me make a good choice I think.

[01Mai1983]

i´m sure, if anybody is listening to an acid track, he doesn´t care or even knows how you did your bassline.

i´d like to get a 303 but its fucking expensive.

now i use "d16 phosycon vst".

and i´m going to buy the revolution, not just because of the nice stepsequencer ;)

[tepposal]

I knew it!

To me, the 303 is smoother.

[606outburst]

Agree fully...much more smoother...

[AlphA202303]

that was fun. while watching, we played "which is the real 303" and were only expecting 2 choices. I thought something was off with the first channel, but was so torn between the 3rd and 4th. we had a good laugh over here once you revealed what we were all hearing. earned me some braggin' rights too ;) nice vid!

[exactspace]

i just can't enough of the quirkiness of the original 303. the sound seems way more pronounced and even if it may be more lo fi and less pristine than the Revolution, i like the 303's sound better.

[Musiccalculater]

i think its an insult to the word ACID , to affiliate the 303's corney sound with it.

[whisperingvenus]

which one you guys would suggest in terms of wider filter range, dirtier, features between :

the revo, acidlab bassline2, or the x0xb0x?

And please add the pros and cons on those bad boys. Thanks!

[MARANTZamp]

i'd like to hear a 303 do something other than these tired, squelchy acid sounds.

[millomloyal]

can they do anything other than ACIIIIIEEED?

[systemlfo]

Yeah they can do more in an arrangement with other synths

[Barfunkel]

No, it's just a monosynth with a sequencer.

[THEDEFOCATOR]

A Countryman D.I. or tube D.I. can really help. Also analog tape recorders can add an amazing amount of punch.

[shaft9000]

i used to have a tb-303 and it was a one-trick pony. but what a trick! the revo is far more versatile; the sequencer and interfacing options decimate 303. and getting the 303 'girth'/ooze using a revo is easy if you have a Sherman Filterbank.

[MisterEternal]

I think the retro sounds more precise while the 303s sound more 'fuzzy' or 'blurry', but in a good way. Kind of like if you do a sketch with pencil and blend it with your thumb.

[snolan1990]

They don't sound spot on exactly the same but they are so so so very similar that you would have to take other factors into consideration when spending such a bulk of money on a pecie of kit.

Personally I think the Future Retro machines sound great and I would get one over a 303 if i ever won big on a scratch card.

For the time being I think I will go Juno 60 as my main synth then MC-202 for the acid sounds.

Nice video

[technotawny]

TB sounds like a living machine with feelings! There is no like the TB

[herzianoid]

Really it sounds diferent, tb is more organic. If you don´t apreciate the diference keep your ears, but get another heart...

[eisenhorn123456]

It sounds more alive? LOL.

[descenttoheaven909]

Doesnt compare at all

[IllusionSet]

The waveforms are similar however the envelope contours are very different.

[apresmidi505]

doesnt compare if you ask me

[klausito1970]

Nice demo, just minor differences.

[marshalltivnan]

very good,yes.

[repeatle]

I agree that Tangerine Dream did some truly wonderful recordings in the seventies.

I still do hope you understand that this demo was merely about comparing the TB-303 to one of it's new clones.

I would obviously use something else If my aim was to sound like Tangerine Dream.

As far as I know, TD or Klaus Schulze, were never into Acid House.

All the best,

Mickey

[weraswero]

I think you mean synthesizers, not sequencers.

[ifreakyou]

one SEQUENCE one CIRCUIT.

yes.Its like human.One more time you repeat one more time you like it ^^

[MaxChaplin]

Also I didn't know Mickey Mouse was into Acid House.

[untergesicht]

Umm... what's a 120db bank of analog gear?

[KryoniKMessiah]

Sequential Circuits was a company. Looks like you are getting rusty in your old age.

[rhodochrosite123454]

I am so ive deleted all my comments lol

[KryoniKMessiah]

It's all good. lol.

[JBLanteigne]

and the mc-202... as well.

[dannyking3]

its true digital cant do analogues job, but analogue cant do digitals job either. Its how you use what's available and to the best of your ability that counts. Masterpieces have been made using nothing but analogue sounds but the same can also apply to digital. But christ I would love to own a 303.

[SuicidleLemming]

ive made acid songs using an acidlab bassline and abl2 and when i play em out at clubs not one person comes upto me and says"excuse me sir but thats not a real 303 in the song" all this talk of"yeah but its not a real 303" has turned this great little box into a fashion accessory

[repeatle]

I agree. It's what you do with the machines that matters.

[RickRhino]

obvious the mids in the 303s were the tell-tale for me. the Retro. sounded clean on the high frequencies also an indicator of modern clean electronics emulating vintage.

[kipptumor]

Man - The Future Retro Revolution is a hell of a sweet sequencer. It's got a superb overdrive and waveform option plus it is as easy to program as falling down. Both these gadgets take some fiddling with to get the sound dialed in that you desire. It's hard to judge which is better, but I'll tell you what - having a MIDI function is nice (FR).

[SenaraBryluen]

no where near as warm and rounded :-((

[ivikas123456789]

kind of true...

[ivikas123456789]

this is not the same sound!why can't anyone make a decent tb 303 emulation.I mean,the original 303 was made in 84 or something,and we are in 2008 now and we still have no accurate emulation?what's wrong with us?

[StinkySound]

There's a few software TB-303 emulators, aka Software Synths. Google "D-Lusion Rubber Duck", closest thing you will get to the real deal, and it's free!

[ivikas123456789]

yes,I know.I've had rubberduck and rb 338.I know what they sounds like.they are shit.cheap toys comparing to the real thing.you probably know that yourself.I wanted to say that even with this technology we lack emulation that sounds 100% tb303.who would listen to the music made on cheap and cheesy software emulations.I wouldn't

[StinkySound]

LOL, I can't say why just yet, but I will prove you wrong soon enough.

I am a hardware person also, I own 7 units myself. When I record in 32 Bit on my PC thru my Line6 Toneport, my brand new AKAI MPC cannot compare to the sound quality or editing features I can do thru software. I agree you cannot compare analog synths to software synths, but they are quite close these days, especially for what most people in here use it for.

[haikousei]

There is only one Roland Corporation. But even they can't make a good emulation. Remember MC-09. What Roland have to do is use the original blueprints to make a new TB-303. Only Roland can do this. But the cost of a brand new 303 by Roland would obviously be quite expensive. At the moment Roland is not known as a high end boutique synth maker. But a maker of mass market mass produced synths.

[haikousei]

The irony is the original TB-303 was a mass market synth that didn't sell well, and quickly became cheap $10 junk in the pawn shop. Unfortunately I dont think a mass market company like Roland will ever make a brand new TB-303 unless they shift part of their manufacturing to the high end boutique market. But do you want Roland to become like Moog?

[ivikas123456789]

I would love Roland to become like Moog,but I couldn't afford it.

[Chumleh]

That's a really good point, I hadn't thought of that. Roland is never going to be a company that truly pays attention to us synth players: look at the SH-201 and the new Junos. Instead of reissuing or updating classic synths, they just kept the name and completely destroyed the legacy of said instruments. It's a shame.

[bellerophonrex]

The reason is down to the chips used for the 303, they're no longer being made, so you have to try and replicate them (x0xb0x's cannibalize other equipment that uses the same chip to work)

[cantfademel]

The Revolution sounds much better than the 303 imo.

[cantfademel]

In this video that is

[Dreamfish]

I've just noticed there is slight CV modulation and the accent decay is set a little high on the Rev for an accurate 303 emulation.

[seekthetruth77]

Revolution sounded better on this test to me.

[liberhhh]

I guessed right! the 303 is just that bit fatter and crisper.

[MeuronDB]

help me. I'm looking for a 303 clone because I'm a teenager with about $200 to his name. Could I get some recommendations? (cheapest for the best sound?)

[iodyn]

You can get TB 303 like sounds out of Rebirth 338 wich is now a freeware. It features 2x virtual 303 machines , a 808 and a 909. Of course its old school software emulation but maybe it will satisfy your craving until you get more money to get a nice synth.

[trialanderror614]

Then buy Audiorealism Bassline 2. It sounds just like the original. It's a VST, so you need a program to run it in, but then it's great.

[repeatle]

I agree, it's a great software. I use it quite often.

[subby33]

I thought the first one must've been the 303 cuz it sounded better to my ears . . . but it was the retro! Very kool. Thanks for this demo.

[909techno]

biggest problem for me is the revolution decay. not very wide at all. totally ruins it for me. plus the square wave (my favorite) is not that good. still a great sequencer for other gear.

[Dreamfish]

Try shoving the Revolution thru a Behringer(yuk)BLE100 limiter pedal; Level = max, Ratio = 1:1, and Thres = max, Rev volume = 4.8ish.

This emulates the mixer section on the 303 which clips at high accent settings and gives it that punchy 'wow' growl that the Rev just sounds too polite with.

The Revolutions VCO volume is a little more prominent in the upper octaves and the 303 has a dirty sound but they are very close when the Rev is put thru a BLE100 or similar limiter pedal.

[HoweGavin]

the second one sounds cooler and alil easier to use

but the first one sounds more modern but you have to make ur knob adjustments slower to get better sounds

[Dreamfish]

Thats because the Rev has extended ranges on all its parameters similar to a Devilfish.

[HoweGavin]

yeah I read something saying that

I kinda like having a larger range better

it just means you have to have better control

Im thinking about getting one of these, if only it were easier to tell when a note is hit

[tezal]

Think its pretty obvious the tb303 rules much warmer and thicker sound

[dkimcg]

I love the gear porn! :)

I thought 2 sounded the warmest, but like the revolution 2nd best.  Thank god since I bought one. :)

[DeRex9]

Group name: Leftfield

Album title: Leftism

Track number: 4

Track title: Song of Life

1995 Sony Music Entertainment

Columbia Records CK67231

Have a great day, I hope this helps.

[DeRex9]

This sequence reminds me of one of the songs by Leftfield from their album "Leftfism".  Well done.

[repeatle]

Oh, I love that album. Haven't heard it in years. Which track are you referring to?

[digitalzero]

Thank you. I've been waiting for a video comparison like this for some time now.

The Revolution's remix function seems rather hit-or-miss. I'm not sure I would miss it if it were absent.

[nvanzoeren]

Nice compare. Good Job, i just stick with the real thing if you dont mind ;)

[bazziman]

Am I the only one that thought the first sounded the nicest (a 'rounder' sound)?

[Synthomania]

i tought the one in the left sounded thinner or maybe cleaner.. it turned out to be te f.r. machine:) Guess nothing beats the good old tb303. It sounds more, dirty in a way. i dont know how to describe it, but i can listen the difference:) Gonna buy a tr707 to morrow and soon a real tb:) i realy want the original sound:) if ill somehow dont feel its worth it, i dont think i will find it hard to sell my tb:p

Great video, thanks a lot!

[technoxes]

you've got 2 303s,that's not fair!!

Sell one to me or I'm going on hunger strike!

[Beatprisoner]

The machine on the left fader sounds more bright. The question is if you always want this.

How's your experience regarding the total different handling?

[repeatle]

None of the machines are EQ'ed BTW.

I think the original TB-303 sounds best, I really do. But the x0xb0x is very easy to program. The TB is also easy to program but the result is usually something else than you expected. Which of course is great, too.

[maolyn666]

Come on, they sound ALMOST exactly the same... I'm getting a Revo (R2) as soon as I can :p

Thanks for the video !

[inthefade]

its obviously hard to tell on youtube very accurately, but I would say that I like the left one best.

Turns out that is the Futureretro one, cool.

[Biopharmer]

I can hear the very slight difference, but i can't tell if it's a filter or osc issue

[acidroll]

TB 303 IS THE BEST!!!

And now I'm waiting for my DEVIL FISH Mods. When My machine come back from Australia, I will send a short clip... We will see :) .

[nutritionontape]

That's a great 'Pepsi challenge'. The whole time I'm thinking I like the second one best but I won't spoil the surprise and say which one that is - You really need to watch it to the end to find out which is which.

(btw : All 3 at once sounds awesome !)

[exactspace]

TB-303 definitely has a darker almost lower fi sound while the 707 is nice and bright and very crisp hi quality. Not that one is better than the other however. It's part of the signature that was left behind for the 303.

[foodafokkarez]

Cool vid.Not only has he got 2 303s but also a MC-202 as well.Could have been interesting if the third one was 303 hooked up with 202 via CV/GATE and it was the sound of 202 instead of the other 303.

[repeatle]

Unfortunatley I traded my 202 to get an ARP Axxe, the first version with the Moog filter.

I did compare the 202 to the 303 though. There's a big difference, I think. I still love the 202. There's acid classics that has the 202 as the main instrument rather than the 303. I'll get another 202, I'm sure. Miss it already.

[PhotoAnimationGuy]

I think the 2nd sounds better.. but I think its because it sounds a little more overdriven or distorted.

[karlofangdango]

ooooooooooooooooooo my god!!!!!!!!

not only do u av a revo

u have 2!!!!! tb 303s bastard! lol

i bet u got da orginal 808 & 909 analog drum machines too luck man! keep it bubbling

[repeatle]

Hehe, no I haven't got the 909!

[matkuchuma]

cool!!! i like the 2nd 303 better! bt the revolotion sound pretty damn good

[PHAEDRIDER]

i KNEW IT.. yay i get cookie. i waited patiently,i said to self"#1 is future retro.. #2 is 303 and ??? #3 and then it showed 2 303 s.. huhhuh.. and then i saw the sharpie and i was like "i know how this will end"merry christmas!

[petersedin]

happy to see this.. i have a revolution, and happy with it. this just made me happier.

[skyemac8]

I can reproduce a 303 with my SH-2. It still

saves me a grand!!!

[inducejack]

i've got the rev..Wondering if theres a way to mod to get precise resonance and warble as the original. Still as close as its going to get without dishing out over a grand.. Seen tb303s going for 1700!!!! Long live ACID!!!

[phono1337]

x0xb0x is closer if built/tweaked correctly and its $330 (long waiting lists for the kits tho)

[repeatle]

I'm on the waiting list for a x0xb0x. Been trying to buy a few on eBay but I won't pay more than 1000 dollars for one so I never win.

[phono1337]

yeah they almost fetch as much as the real tb, probably cos its the same inside but a much better programmign interface. The only thing missing is the ego of having the silver box ;)

[repeatle]

Hehe, yes and I have twice the ego of owing one.

[skibbie91]

loool,

two TB303's ...

too much money?

[pepemogt]

nice !

[RRKS69]

Excellent comparison for those of you considering the Revo...The remix option is probably the best feature on it...but of course there is NO Substitute for the Real Deal...PEACE

[AppA]

As far as the sound goes, check out a 1:1 clone named the x0xb0x (on which I'm proudly still on the waiting list) :P