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Roland Boutique Start - TB-03 Bassline Synthesizer Tutorialplay button

Roland Boutique Start - TB-03 Bassline Synthesizer Tutorial

TB-03 Quick Start 01 "Installation on DK-01"play button

TB-03 Quick Start 01 "Installation on DK-01"

TB-03 Quick Start 02 "Using the Knobs to Adjust the Sound"play button

TB-03 Quick Start 02 "Using the Knobs to Adjust the Sound"

TB-03 Quick Start 03 "Pattern Playback"play button

TB-03 Quick Start 03 "Pattern Playback"

Roland

collapse expand iconDescription

The battery-powered TB-03 Boutique is a direct descendant of the famous TB-303 Bass Line Synth. The layout and controls are unchanged, so it works just like the original. It sounds like it too, thanks to Roland’s advanced ACB technology that recreates the hypnotic liquid grooves of the magic silver box. But the TB-03 Boutique goes even further, with several enhancements not found on the original model. The four- digit LED display makes programming easier and more accurate, while overdrive and delay effects let you unleash a twisted, tribal wall of sound to send the crowd into a frenzy. Back in the studio, the TB-03 Boutique can send control information via MIDI or its USB port, the latter of which also functions as a 24-bit/96 kHz audio interface.
Features

The TB-03 Boutique accurately emulates the expressive, slippery sound of the TB-303, and even adds a few surprises. Saw and square waveforms are available, along with all of the rotary control knobs that help shape the 303’s unique character, including tuning, cutoff, resonance, envelop mod, decay, and accent.

New Features Not Found in the Original
The TB-03 Boutique includes several enhancements over the original TB-303. Firstly, the four-digit LED display makes programming easier and more detailed, since you now have a visual representation of the value being edited. Then there are a variety of overdrive, delay, and reverb effects that dramatically change the mood and tone of the TB-03 Boutique, going from smooth to spiky to squealing. Programming patterns is also easier thanks to newly added functions that include step write, shuffle, and fine tempo control. Finally, the inclusion of MIDI and USB ports mean that the TB-03 Boutique can send and receive control information and connect easily to computer-based DAWs.

Classic TB Sequencer with Enhanced Functions
If you’re familiar with the TB-303’s programming method, then you’ll feel right at home with the TB- 03 Boutique. The original Pitch and Time write modes are included, along with an all-new Step mode. Pattern programming is also enhanced by the LED display, which shows the current step in the sequence as well as showing fine tempo values (such as 125.5 BPM). The internal sequencer can be triggered externally via the trigger input, and you can even switch between write and play modes without stopping pattern playback, opening up new possibilities for live performance.

Connect with External Gear
The TB-03 Boutique includes MIDI IN/OUT ports and USB, allowing control information to be exchanged with other instruments and devices. This turns the TB-03 Boutique into a versatile controller, especially as you can use the CV/Gate output to control external analog gear and modular synthesizers. This level of control works both ways, thanks to the trigger input that lets external gear drive the TB-03 Boutique’s internal sequencer. Once connected to a PC or Mac, both audio and MIDI data can be sent through the USB port.

Battery or USB Bus Power
Some of the best music is made away from the studio, so the Roland Boutique series runs on 4 x AA batteries, ready for when inspiration strikes. Alternatively, the TB-03 Boutique can run on USB bus power.

USB Audio Interface for Direct Recording to Your DAW
Via its USB port, the TB-03 Boutique functions as a high-quality 24-bit/96 kHz audio interface, providing a simple and reliable way of recording directly to your DAW application. You can keep your favorite settings and sequencer patterns safe too via the USB data backup function.
Roland TB-03 Boutique Bass Line
Roland TB-03 Boutique Bass Line
Roland TB-03 Boutique Bass Line

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Realistic recreation of the iconic TB-303 Bass Line synth
  • Retains the sound, character, and user interface of the original TB-303
  • Hands-on control over expressive parameters, including cutoff, resonance, envelope mod,
  • decay, and accent
  • New features not found on the original TB-303, including four-digit LED display, overdrive
  • and delay effects, MIDI, fine tempo control, and additional functions for pattern creation
  • Programmable via classic Pitch, Time, and Step write modes
  • Continue playing a sequence even while switching between write and play modes
  • CV/Gate outputs for controlling vintage analog gear and modular synthesizers
  • Dedicated trigger input to drive the internal sequencer
  • Highly portable for mobile music making
  • High-quality construction with metal front panel
  • Battery-operated (4 x AA) or USB powered
  • 24 bit/96 kHz stereo IN/OUT USB audio interface
  • Control information can be sent and received via MIDI and USB
  • Built-in powered mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
  • Compatible with optional K-25m Keyboard Unit

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.6

5 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Live Performances1
  2. Mobile1
  3. Records with Ableton, FL Studio, or any DAWs1
Pros
  1. 303 Nostalgia1
  2. Compact1
  3. Easy To Carry1
  4. Easy to program1
  5. Fun Control Knobs1
  • Great product, spoiled by the shipping department

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 years ago

    byJack

    fromundisclosed

    [ SHIPPING ] I gave a four, because I ordered this brand new, got an open box, missing CD, missing manual - who knows who touched it, programmed it, dropped it?? Fortunately it has given no indication of breakage, but when you pay for an unopened, brand new item, full price, you don't expect to get a floor model. [ PRODUCT ] WOW - great sound, wish fulfillment. Super happy to add this, the USB bus is great too! Now I want more Roland Boutiques!

  • Thank you Roland! Thumbs up!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byRoberto

    fromundisclosed

    Pleased with my purchase. I was born and raised in Chicago Illinois, the birthplace of House Music. I lived through the entire House Music movement in Chicago and always loved Acid House that was founded in Chicago by pioneer house music producers Dj Pierre and Spanky aka Phuture with their killer release of Acid Tracks" in 1986. I've always wanted a TB-303 but unfortunately the original is a little out of my price range at over $2500. Thank you Roland for re-releasing a classic machine for this is the next best thing in my opinion. I look forward to cranking out some acid patterns with the TB-03. Thumbs up!

  • fun little acid box

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byPete

    fromundisclosed

    just getting my hands dirty with this and i love it. i can't justify the cost of buying an original TB but this little guy is great. 1 star off because of the 1/8" jack out and the fact it only takes mini-USB but doesn't include a mini-USB cable

  • Love it... TB303 Sound with Distortion and Delay!!!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byBilly K

    fromPeoria Il.

    Works and Sounds Great. Sounds like the real thing at a fraction of the price of buying an original TB303.

  • TB-03: The Real Deal

    5

    submitted9 years ago

    byGalatra

    fromHouston, TX

    This is the greatest 303 unit for the buck! It brings back memories of all the years when acid house was born. The TB-03 sounds extraordinary with pulsating bass rhythms, giving a reason why Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is popular today. It makes me want to learn back from its roots and learn how the TB-303 generation emerged from its underground soul. Overall, Roland's TB-03 makes more room for the EDM producer's future in electronic music production. Roland's TB-03 is a small, compact bassline synth controller with similar capabilities as the original TB-303. The only new features that is different from its previous model is the LED display screen and internal effect knobs. The LED display shows the amount values of Tempo, Steps, etc., displayed in this unit to help prevent guesswork or trial and error. However, the main control knobs, such as Tuning, Cutoff, Resonance, Env Mod, etc, do not display any values when you are tweaking. This gives an Analog feel of how the TB-03 should sound to your liking or preference. I recommend this for any Electronic producer to purchase this unit, while you can, so that not only do you have to waste your time on spending money for the original TB-303 from third party sources, you can learn the fundamentals roots with this modern unit and enjoy it for a lifetime. Roland did an excellent job in bringing back this classic instrument.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byNo nickname

    fromundisclosed

    I want my Elka bass pedals to sound as close as possible to electric bass. The ONLY sound I need. Does this have a sound close to electric bass?

    I want my Elka bass pedals to sound as close as possible to electric bass. The ONLY sound I need. Does this have a sound close to electric bass?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    No, it doesn't. No digital unit will sound like a bass guitar.