Where can I go to get either a true xoxbox kit or premade one, seems like there is a lot of crap out there selling off the back of tb-303 fans! Is it a case of I have to source it all myself to get a good one? I don't own an ocilascope and don't know how you would calibrate it I don't want to end up with a pile of burnt components...
You won't necessarily need an oscilloscope to get the job done but you'll need to trust your ears. A multimeter will be a must. You need to check voltages, etc. so invest in one of the those. I used a PC based oscilloprobe ($50 after shipping) with free software and was able to calibrate the one in the video accurately.
Thanks for the reply... the kits on Willzyx look affordable and going by your advice sound worthy of a purchase, i am an Electrician to trade and have had some experiences with electronics so i own a soldering iron and a couple good multi-meters, i think a friend of mine owns an oscilloscope so i could use his, is it a good idea to have them solder and test the FT232 chip?
@DJCJ999 I didn't have a problem soldering my own several times now but it *is* a delicate step. You're practically painting on the solder to each little pin. Don't do it with shaky hands :)
I think willzyx is the one to get you started. The other thing is that the community is familiar with the parts list he follows. There's no guess work with what you're working with. That's never the case with the TT kits. You have no idea what's in the box when the parts arrive with the latter.
This is the reason some sell for $400, probably even less. Most units have problems or have incompatible parts in them.
The 2nd resource is the Adafruit x0xb0x forum. That community is totally legit, helpful, & inspiring. Adafruit also has every step of the build documented.
3rd, you can always hop onto my blog for additional reading that follows the build link above. I cover every section as I go. It's anecdotal but I've hear that it's helpful to some people
Willzyx.com is the guy that officially took over the x0xb0x kits for Adafruit. He follows the correct quality guidelines and expectations of the x0x community. As far as I know he hasn't let anyone down. Technology Transplant / ChipForBrains is a guy out of China and he is the cause of all the problematic x0xes you find around. He threw in junk parts to make them cheap but these units cause headaches for tons and tons of people.
and... I did pick up another 303 this week to replace the one i foolishly sold, and also to hear them both side by side, and it's different. it's almost like the 303 is more "compressed "sounding or something. i dunno, i'll have to spend more time at this. But both can fit into a project studio and have their own sonic space - imo.
@d3mrp0 bear in mind that if you read up on it a bit you can calibrate it and get it closer to yoru 303 (if you prefer it). All the sections can be tweaked so you can probably have it much closer than it currently sounds.
@f115Recs Thanks for the tips, I didn't know that and probably would like to tune this up. It would be cheaper than getting another 303 that's for sure.
so I cracked the case open and checked some of the work. There are some components soldered by a robot/machine, but there are plenty soldered by a human, or rather a human with no soldering skills. Dry joints, insufficient solder, eww...pretty scary. But all in all it sounds good. the xoxbox is very similar to the 303. But it's a different instrument. It's way more flexible than a 303 and with MIDI and on the fly expression (accent, slides etc) it's very very versatile. i love it.
I bought the complete assembled version. But I would certainly like to make my own later (have electronics background). So, it came in today, sounds really good. I like the sequencer way better than on my 303. The sound is really remarkably similar. I am not sure if it resonates "exactly" the same but it's close! I am also going to process it a bit tonight with some distortion and delay and compression and see what it sounds like. Very well made though and super clean sound coming out of it.
I think the parts list can be easily downloaded from Ladyada web site so I may check all my components once it arrives this week. I'll let you know if I come across something not right.
@d3mrp0 Did you buy a complete x0x or a kit? The parts list is your ticket for sure. The Adafruit forum is where the experts live too. Lots of stuff came up beyond the parts list. If you join the forum, my handle is E:pp:ik on there.
f115Recs thanks for your comments. I would agree if parts are substituted then yes, I can see there would be a sonic difference. I may reach out to you for the tweaking service if mine doesn't sound right :)
@d3mrp0 It's no trouble. Feel free to msg. I have heaps of notes in the blog I threw up about it too so have a look there. Every section of the build is covered.
The whole "does it sound like a "real" tb303 is a silly game, I suspect championed by tb-303 owners who are looking to maintain the artificial street price of their TB303, that are 30 years old now and need some repairs. The xoxbox sounds JUST LIKE A TB303 to a listener (I owned a TB303 and got rid of it). If your objective is to make acid - then get an xoxbox and you will be happy and no one will notice any difference. Comments such as "it doesn't sound bassy enough" etc. are ridiculous.
Well - generally speaking I don't think that the x0xes you can get out there are *quite* right sonically. Some sellers are throwing parts in that have nothing to do with the original circuitry to cheap out. Others are putting the correct parts in on spec but, as demonstrated in so many other videos on here, it just isn't quite there either. I discovered the same thing when I built mine.
The x0x is the perfect instrument to buy in terms of price, mods, community, etc. but you need to be prepared to tweak some transistors and parts as I did. I agree that the general listener may not notice the difference but as a musician and synth geek I want an accurate version of that sound. I think that's achieved here. So much so that I sold my 303. I've subsequently adjusted x0xes for other owners and they agree that it sounds more 'liquid'.
@ianjhicks if you're referring to what you see, it's a Roland Jupiter 6 synth to the right, not a mixer. The actual mixer being used a Mackie 1604 VLZ running through a MOTU 2408. Old skool stuff relative to what people use these days but I like the set up. It has always given me a clean signal.
HA! Shit, I knew it! If you get the right parts modded into the x0xb0x, it sounds EXACTLY like the TB-303. The only thing I have to say is this.... I'd get the 303 purely to say I have one, and for it's convenient size and portability. Peace.
You know, on the one hand I would agree with you. Having a real one is sweet. Truth is that the my x0x gets more use since it's a proper go-between from my DAW to Midi & Dinsync. It's driving an MC-202 via dinsync (and cv/gate from time to time) which in turn drives a TR-606 and it also channels a Midi thru to a Jupiter 6. Since it sounds the same I have to say that the 303 isn't delivering the tools to get this to all work. The x0x is not *much* bigger but I know what you mean.
@f115Recs Right on. I totally agree with you man. I'm becoming a HUGE fan of this machine thanks to your video and others on youtube. It's a $600 TB-303 for sure. Nothing else even COMPETES with it, other than another x0xb0x or another TB-303 (you know, one that might be just a LITTLE different becuase of analog technologies). Peace man, keep it acid.
Just to clarify though - buyer beware! If you go the Ebay route make sure you're getting one that's built from the components as outlined on the original site and forums. There are more of these turning up for like $550 - $600 built but it's not actually the same. Some buyers are finding cheaper component substitutes in these x0xes and the sound ISN'T the same. The real cost is around $800.
Your best bet by far is to join the original forum and get help there.
@f115Recs Absolutely. Even if those parts weren't genuine, one could still swap out the parts. But still, good advice. I like you, you've got my sub. :D
Yeah you're kinda right. The x0x's accent is punchier though if you push them both to 100% (at least on the one I built here). The resonance can be calibrated further too but yeah there's an audible difference between these two. I don't think there's any question it's super close though.
Is it exact? No.
Super close? Yes.
Worth a $1500 difference? At this point only for bragging rights. (Don't get me wrong though. I love my 303 too.)
Yes! You're right. My bad. I did some phase and speaker tests here just before posting it so my channels were reversed. Thanks for catching that. I'm updating the description now.
I've been saying it for months.. With careful attention to build, a x0xb0x is every bit as good as a real TB303. Even allowing for the fact that some real 303's can sound different to each other..
In fact x0xb0x are better, as they have midi, usb and are less of a pain in the ass to program!
Where can I go to get either a true xoxbox kit or premade one, seems like there is a lot of crap out there selling off the back of tb-303 fans! Is it a case of I have to source it all myself to get a good one? I don't own an ocilascope and don't know how you would calibrate it I don't want to end up with a pile of burnt components...
DJCJ999 1 month ago
@DJCJ999
You won't necessarily need an oscilloscope to get the job done but you'll need to trust your ears. A multimeter will be a must. You need to check voltages, etc. so invest in one of the those. I used a PC based oscilloprobe ($50 after shipping) with free software and was able to calibrate the one in the video accurately.
Happy building!
f115Recs 1 month ago
@f115Recs
Thanks for the reply... the kits on Willzyx look affordable and going by your advice sound worthy of a purchase, i am an Electrician to trade and have had some experiences with electronics so i own a soldering iron and a couple good multi-meters, i think a friend of mine owns an oscilloscope so i could use his, is it a good idea to have them solder and test the FT232 chip?
DJCJ999 1 month ago
@DJCJ999 I didn't have a problem soldering my own several times now but it *is* a delicate step. You're practically painting on the solder to each little pin. Don't do it with shaky hands :)
I think willzyx is the one to get you started. The other thing is that the community is familiar with the parts list he follows. There's no guess work with what you're working with. That's never the case with the TT kits. You have no idea what's in the box when the parts arrive with the latter.
f115Recs 1 month ago
@DJCJ999
This is the reason some sell for $400, probably even less. Most units have problems or have incompatible parts in them.
The 2nd resource is the Adafruit x0xb0x forum. That community is totally legit, helpful, & inspiring. Adafruit also has every step of the build documented.
3rd, you can always hop onto my blog for additional reading that follows the build link above. I cover every section as I go. It's anecdotal but I've hear that it's helpful to some people
f115Recs 1 month ago
@DJCJ999
Willzyx.com is the guy that officially took over the x0xb0x kits for Adafruit. He follows the correct quality guidelines and expectations of the x0x community. As far as I know he hasn't let anyone down. Technology Transplant / ChipForBrains is a guy out of China and he is the cause of all the problematic x0xes you find around. He threw in junk parts to make them cheap but these units cause headaches for tons and tons of people.
f115Recs 1 month ago
and... I did pick up another 303 this week to replace the one i foolishly sold, and also to hear them both side by side, and it's different. it's almost like the 303 is more "compressed "sounding or something. i dunno, i'll have to spend more time at this. But both can fit into a project studio and have their own sonic space - imo.
d3mrp0 8 months ago
@d3mrp0 bear in mind that if you read up on it a bit you can calibrate it and get it closer to yoru 303 (if you prefer it). All the sections can be tweaked so you can probably have it much closer than it currently sounds.
f115Recs 6 months ago
@f115Recs Thanks for the tips, I didn't know that and probably would like to tune this up. It would be cheaper than getting another 303 that's for sure.
d3mrp0 6 months ago
so I cracked the case open and checked some of the work. There are some components soldered by a robot/machine, but there are plenty soldered by a human, or rather a human with no soldering skills. Dry joints, insufficient solder, eww...pretty scary. But all in all it sounds good. the xoxbox is very similar to the 303. But it's a different instrument. It's way more flexible than a 303 and with MIDI and on the fly expression (accent, slides etc) it's very very versatile. i love it.
d3mrp0 8 months ago
I bought the complete assembled version. But I would certainly like to make my own later (have electronics background). So, it came in today, sounds really good. I like the sequencer way better than on my 303. The sound is really remarkably similar. I am not sure if it resonates "exactly" the same but it's close! I am also going to process it a bit tonight with some distortion and delay and compression and see what it sounds like. Very well made though and super clean sound coming out of it.
d3mrp0 8 months ago
I think the parts list can be easily downloaded from Ladyada web site so I may check all my components once it arrives this week. I'll let you know if I come across something not right.
d3mrp0 8 months ago
@d3mrp0 Did you buy a complete x0x or a kit? The parts list is your ticket for sure. The Adafruit forum is where the experts live too. Lots of stuff came up beyond the parts list. If you join the forum, my handle is E:pp:ik on there.
f115Recs 8 months ago
@f115Recs Cool thanks! Yeah I will join the forum.
d3mrp0 8 months ago
f115Recs thanks for your comments. I would agree if parts are substituted then yes, I can see there would be a sonic difference. I may reach out to you for the tweaking service if mine doesn't sound right :)
d3mrp0 8 months ago
@d3mrp0 It's no trouble. Feel free to msg. I have heaps of notes in the blog I threw up about it too so have a look there. Every section of the build is covered.
f115Recs 8 months ago
The whole "does it sound like a "real" tb303 is a silly game, I suspect championed by tb-303 owners who are looking to maintain the artificial street price of their TB303, that are 30 years old now and need some repairs. The xoxbox sounds JUST LIKE A TB303 to a listener (I owned a TB303 and got rid of it). If your objective is to make acid - then get an xoxbox and you will be happy and no one will notice any difference. Comments such as "it doesn't sound bassy enough" etc. are ridiculous.
d3mrp0 8 months ago
@d3mrp0
Well - generally speaking I don't think that the x0xes you can get out there are *quite* right sonically. Some sellers are throwing parts in that have nothing to do with the original circuitry to cheap out. Others are putting the correct parts in on spec but, as demonstrated in so many other videos on here, it just isn't quite there either. I discovered the same thing when I built mine.
f115Recs 8 months ago
@d3mrp0
The x0x is the perfect instrument to buy in terms of price, mods, community, etc. but you need to be prepared to tweak some transistors and parts as I did. I agree that the general listener may not notice the difference but as a musician and synth geek I want an accurate version of that sound. I think that's achieved here. So much so that I sold my 303. I've subsequently adjusted x0xes for other owners and they agree that it sounds more 'liquid'.
f115Recs 8 months ago
Sounds pretty fucking good. I think I might get an x0xbox after all.
meatrace 11 months ago
what kind of mixer is that?
ianjhicks 1 year ago
@ianjhicks if you're referring to what you see, it's a Roland Jupiter 6 synth to the right, not a mixer. The actual mixer being used a Mackie 1604 VLZ running through a MOTU 2408. Old skool stuff relative to what people use these days but I like the set up. It has always given me a clean signal.
f115Recs 8 months ago
wow thats pretty damn close
Capeau 1 year ago
If nothing else, you've shown that having a x0xb0x AND a TB-303 going to reft and right channels respectively sounds FREAKIN AWESOME.
And that is because they do sound slightly different.
neolojism 1 year ago
HA! Shit, I knew it! If you get the right parts modded into the x0xb0x, it sounds EXACTLY like the TB-303. The only thing I have to say is this.... I'd get the 303 purely to say I have one, and for it's convenient size and portability. Peace.
VacTrooper 1 year ago
@VacTrooper
You know, on the one hand I would agree with you. Having a real one is sweet. Truth is that the my x0x gets more use since it's a proper go-between from my DAW to Midi & Dinsync. It's driving an MC-202 via dinsync (and cv/gate from time to time) which in turn drives a TR-606 and it also channels a Midi thru to a Jupiter 6. Since it sounds the same I have to say that the 303 isn't delivering the tools to get this to all work. The x0x is not *much* bigger but I know what you mean.
f115Recs 1 year ago
@f115Recs Right on. I totally agree with you man. I'm becoming a HUGE fan of this machine thanks to your video and others on youtube. It's a $600 TB-303 for sure. Nothing else even COMPETES with it, other than another x0xb0x or another TB-303 (you know, one that might be just a LITTLE different becuase of analog technologies). Peace man, keep it acid.
VacTrooper 1 year ago
@VacTrooper
Just to clarify though - buyer beware! If you go the Ebay route make sure you're getting one that's built from the components as outlined on the original site and forums. There are more of these turning up for like $550 - $600 built but it's not actually the same. Some buyers are finding cheaper component substitutes in these x0xes and the sound ISN'T the same. The real cost is around $800.
Your best bet by far is to join the original forum and get help there.
f115Recs 1 year ago
@f115Recs Absolutely. Even if those parts weren't genuine, one could still swap out the parts. But still, good advice. I like you, you've got my sub. :D
VacTrooper 1 year ago
the 303's accent has has more punch and the x0x's resonance sounds muffled by comparison
soundwave8925 1 year ago
@soundwave8925
Yeah you're kinda right. The x0x's accent is punchier though if you push them both to 100% (at least on the one I built here). The resonance can be calibrated further too but yeah there's an audible difference between these two. I don't think there's any question it's super close though.
Is it exact? No.
Super close? Yes.
Worth a $1500 difference? At this point only for bragging rights. (Don't get me wrong though. I love my 303 too.)
f115Recs 1 year ago
@sorcerio
Done.
f115Recs 2 years ago
@sorcerio
Yes! You're right. My bad. I did some phase and speaker tests here just before posting it so my channels were reversed. Thanks for catching that. I'm updating the description now.
f115Recs 2 years ago
great!
btw: nice little synth on the right side ;)
hartig1967 2 years ago
great work :-)
phono1337 2 years ago
I've been saying it for months.. With careful attention to build, a x0xb0x is every bit as good as a real TB303. Even allowing for the fact that some real 303's can sound different to each other..
In fact x0xb0x are better, as they have midi, usb and are less of a pain in the ass to program!
Good job :)
Llitsor 2 years ago
Hey u 4got 2 mention the price :)))
indeed good job
XHALE303 2 years ago