The Behringer TD-3 (Red) is a clone of the famous Bass Synthesizer Roland TB-303, whose bubbling and screaming sound has captivated generations of musicians, DJs and revellers. Probably the most used sound in Electronic Dance Music, it requires surprisingly few controls and comes to life with its internal Sequencer. A Dual Waveform Oscillator, the legendary Acid Filter, a Decay Envelope and the Accent parameter; that's what it takes to create the legendary sound. Compared to the original from 1982, the TD-3 has a Distortion Effect for analogue sound generation and, among other things, a directly accessible Randomize Function for the Sequencer.
History & Hype
Originally, the TB-303 together with the TR-606 Drum Computer (both by Roland) was designed to replace Drums and Bass in a solo entertainer context, allowing musicians to practice without band members present. However, this target group didn't feel addressed and so the TB-303 ended up with disco-house DJs and producers who linked the Bass Machine to a Drum Computer and thus created countless tracks that are legendary then as now.
In the 90s with the upcoming Techno wave, many producers wanted to own a "303", which was unfortunately reserved for only a few due to the then already increased second-hand market prices and the low availability. So numerous manufacturers took up the cause and released a considerable number of Software and Hardware clones. Sometimes the Sequencer was successful, sometimes the sound generation, but many times the result was so independent that it was many things, but not a 303.
Sequencer
This iconic Sequencer gives access to 64x Patterns, each of which can be up to 16-Steps long, and of course the Song Mode. The indispensable and characteristic commands Accent and Slide are of course on-board. There is also the possibility to transpose Patterns. Thanks to the Randomize Function, you can create new patterns in the TD-3 at the touch of a button, which are a constant source of inspiration and variation.
Distortion
What would the most famous Bass sound in the world be without the pithy addition of a Distortion Effect? Behringer has given the TD-3 an extensively adjustable Distortion effect, which will especially please friends of the somewhat harder sounds.
I wasn't expecting much as this is a budget box, but actually, the sound is fantastic and the unit is nice to operate. It's ridiculously light which isn't always a good sign but when in use, the knobs feel sturdy and smooth, actually better than some other gear that I have.
For the money, It's a no brainer IF the 303 sound is what you're looking for! :)
Why get the TD-3 still?
Well simply, the non modded version has the ability to turn of distortion and have a clean 303 sound, which can be used for simply basslines.
The modded out version has a bigger variety of sound due to more parameters.
Setting up:
Unpacking and getting it running was super easy. You turn on TD3 and basically ready.
In Ableton Live 11: You can use the External Audio Device, set there all settings in the MIDI section. From there you are good to go.
I tried to use a few virtual Pedal Plugins on it, this enhance the sound a lot and is really something great to try.
Awsome Behringer brought this to masses.
I ordered this from the UK and was surprised with how quick it took to arrive. After reading reviews about the td3 it didn’t fail to please, from using the original 303 the Behringer remake sounds just as good and for half the price. If you’re looking to purchase a 303 I’d highly recommend considering the td3 instead!