TB-303 by Roland software bass synth plugin interface

TB-303: Acid Bass Line Plugin by Roland

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (83 ratings)

TB-303 is a software bass synthesizer plugin from Roland that recreates the classic TB-303 Bass Line for use in a DAW. It is built for acid-style basslines with a visual pattern editor and modern extras.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

The TB-303 plugin is Roland's software version of the Bass Line hardware behind the acid house sound of the late 1980s. The developer says it aims for circuit-level accuracy, with the virtual hardware modeled on analog circuit behavior. Beyond the original design, it adds a graphic edit window, more pattern and patch memory, five play modes and tempo-synced effects, all running inside your DAW.

Best for

Acid bass lines
Techno basslines
House bass sequences
Pattern-based sequencing
Retro bass sound design

Developer: Roland
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Circuit modification via VCF Trim, Vintage Condition and Master Tune
Condition knob adjusts age and condition of virtual hardware
Graphic edit window for step input and pattern creation
64 patterns and 64 patches per bank
Eight variations per pattern
Five play modes: Forward, Reverse, Fwd & Rev, Invert, Random
Overdrive/compressor and tempo-synced delay
Six-octave range from C0 to C6
Drag-and-drop of MIDI/audio pattern data to your DAW
48 preset patches and 32 preset patterns included

03In depth

Sound Character and Circuit Modification

Roland describes the plugin as using analog circuit behavior to capture the original's squelch and crunch. A hidden panel exposes new tone-shaping controls: the VCF Trim, Vintage Condition and Master Tune knobs. Vintage Condition changes the age and condition of the virtual hardware, so you can dial in a cleaner or more worn-in character.

The onboard overdrive and compressor, along with a delay that syncs to your project tempo, add further shaping on top of the core bass sound.

Pattern Editing and Playback Options

The new graphic edit window lets you see and edit patterns visually, with step input, pattern editing and pattern creation in one place. You can edit one of the eight variations per pattern or start from scratch. Playback can run Forward, Reverse, Fwd & Rev, Invert or Random, across a six-octave range from C0 to C6.

Patterns and MIDI or audio data can be dragged into your DAW, and the plugin can lock its position to the DAW timeline.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Roland
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does the TB-303 plugin support?

The TB-303 is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11, and on macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later.

What do I need to use the TB-303 plugin?

You need a compatible DAW or plugin host that supports VST, AU or AAX. An internet connection is required to install and activate the Roland Cloud software.