Want to create that squelchy Acid sound without spending four figures? We’ve identified the best TB-303 plugins available today
A brief history of the Roland TB-303
In the early 80s, Japanese instrument manufacturer Roland was coming up with ways to make it easier for musicians to play along to accompaniments at home, without needing to invite the whole band over.
The CR-78 and TR-808 were designed to give instrumentalists the ability to play along to a drum track at home, but they didn’t sound like real drummers. Similarly, the TB-303 was designed to emulate a bass guitarist, and that didn’t exactly work out either.
If you’ve ever heard a TB-303, you’ll know how little it sounds like a bass guitar. For this reason, the 303 started out as something of a commercial flop. Roland simultaneously pulled it from production while discounting the remainder of their stock after just three years on the market.
This paved the way for masses of musicians of a range of styles and levels to discover alternative applications for the synth. By cranking the Filter Resonance and messing with the Filter Envelope Decay and Accent amounts, producers were able to come up with otherworldly bass and lead patterns.
Many of these artists, including Phuture, DJ Pierre and Herb J were based in Chicago, and the so-called Acid flavours of the 303 began to be infused with the House scene that had taken Chicago by storm. The Acid sound still exists in today’s Acid House as well as other 303-laden styles including Acid Techno, Rave, Trance and Breakbeat.
Since its discontinuation, the demand for authentic Roland TB-303s has leapfrogged supply, causing the price of original units to skyrocket. Fortunately, when it comes to realistic software emulations of the beloved 303, there are options for all budgets.
Arturia: Acid V - £170.07
Best TB-303 plugin for in-built effects and in-depth modulation options
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Price: |
£170.07 |
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Platforms: |
Windows and Mac |
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Type: |
Synth |
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Format: |
AAX, AU, VST2, VST3 |
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Features: |
Award winning synth with 14-mode Distortion circuit, advanced polymetric 64-step sequencer, over 150 presets, Advanced tab with 3 modulation sources and 17 effects |
Arturia are well known for their huge, high-quality range of software plugins, many of which emulate classic vintage synthesisers from a range of manufacturers and eras. Included in this range are remakes of classics such as the Roland Jupiter-8, Yamaha DX7 and a whole host of other synths for a range of applications.
But if you wanted to create Acid, you were out of luck. That all changed in 2023 with the arrival of the award-winning Arturia Acid V, the French developer’s take on the classic Roland TB-303. True to the original, you get Square and Saw waveforms, a wildly resonant low-pass filter and an advanced sequencer.
In addition to the traditional attributes that make a 303 a 303, there are an array of additional features that bring this software emulation up to speed with the modern production tool. The sequencer is designed with expressive performance in mind, and allows for pattern mutation and randomisation while remaining in key with your selected scale.
There’s a two-octave Sub-oscillator with Square, Saw or Sine waves, and a Vibrato section to apply pitch modulation to your sequence on a per-step basis. There’s even a parallel Distortion circuit with 14 distinctive distortion models to choose from.
Upon opening up the Advanced tab, there are further controls for tailoring your Acid sound down to the last detail. An additional sequencer window, three Modulation sources and an advanced Effects window cement this as one of the most feature-packed software emulations of the classic 303.
D16 Group: Phoscyon 2 - £99.00
Best TB-303 plugin for advanced sound design capabilities
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Price: |
£99.00 |
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Platforms: |
Windows and Mac |
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Type: |
Synth |
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Format: |
AAX, AU, VST2, VST3 |
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Features: |
In-depth 303 configuration, Reorderable Insert Effects, dedicated Distortion circuit, Randomiser features and over 800 presets and patterns |
From their advanced bitcrushing plugin Decimort 2 to their award-winning drum machine Drumazon 2, D16 are responsible for some of the most powerful software effects and instruments on the market today. That extends to the second iteration of their Roland TB-303 software emulation, the Phoscyon 2.
As with the other plugins on this list, Phoscyon 2 ships with many of the same features and quirks as the original 303, but adds some extra touches that make it a formidable option for anyone looking to don their Acid hat. One of the most notable extensions of the 303’s functionality is the additional controls for the Filter, Filter Envelope, Slide and Accent controls.
There are controls for Slide Time, Envelope Attack, Accent Decay and Accent Volume to name a few. While these might seem like negligible additions to the vintage 303’s controls, they allow the user to capture the essence of the original and refine it in a way that works for them.
The in-depth Insert Effects section lets you add another layer of production to your synth-line without ever leaving the user interface. The effects include an advanced Algorithmic Reverb, Parametric EQ, Delay, Chorus and Limiter, each of which is reorderable for maximum control and versatility.
Separate from the Insert Effects section there is a dedicated Distortion circuit with a selection of 19 (yes, 19) distortion models. If this all sounds like a lot, the 800+ included presets and patterns are a great place to find inspiration for your next Acid-tinged production.
Audio Blast: AcidBox V2 - £44.95
Best Roland TB-303 plugin for control over your sequence
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Price: |
£44.95 |
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Platforms: |
Windows and Mac |
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Type: |
Synth |
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Format: |
AAX, AU, VST2, VST3 |
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Features: |
Up to 32 patterns, 5 Distortion Units, 1 Delay, sequencer with 4 synchronize modes |
If you’re looking to capture that authentic, squelchy Acid sound without breaking the bank, the AcidBox V2 from Audio Blast has got you covered. On the face of it, this fun-looking synth bears little resemblance to a real 303, but as soon as you start messing with the five flavours of distortion, new and updated filter and advanced step sequencer, its likeness is revealed.
As well as the core features and functionality that characterise a traditional 303, the AcidBox V2 has some additional tricks up its sleeve. Not only can you pan and fine-tune your pattern on a per-step basis, you can tweak the timing of each step too. This is a feature that is absent from classic Roland sequencers, but will allow you to program more natural grooves in the case of the AcidBox V2.
While the plugin grants a huge amount of control over your pattern, it also lets you take a creative backseat too if that’s your preference. There’s a Random button for each control in the sequencer, as well as a global Random button.
All things considered, Acid Box V2 is the best value Roland TB-303 software emulation on this list, and you can grab it now. Alternatively, you can sign up to Beatport Studio and get access to this plugin and up to nine more per month, as well as high-quality samples and even a DAW.
AAS: Ultra Analog Session - £36.95
Best software emulation of a Roland TB-303 if you’re on a budget
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Price: |
£36.95 |
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Platforms: |
Windows and Mac |
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Type: |
Synth |
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Format: |
AAX, AU, VST2, VST3, RTAS, Standalone |
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Features: |
Five playback and five unison modes, simple layout for quick sound design, inbuilt arpeggiator, Pulse Width Modulation and over 200 Presets |
Applied Acoustic Systems or AAS are renowned for their industry-leading physical modelling technology, found in the likes of Chromaphone 3 and Lounge Lizard. As well as being able to recreate real-life sounds through physical modelling, they certainly know how to make a soft synth too.
While Ultra Analog Session might seem like a simple synth, the feature set and sound quality really do the talking. With five playback and Unison modes to choose from, you can change the character of your sequence or the sound of your patch extremely quickly.
The VCO’s Pulse Width Modulation control with Sync amount unlocks a whole new side to the synth, allowing you to come up with unique tones and timbres that aren’t possible on the original Roland TB-303.
Ultra Analog Session comes with a huge array of presets across five Banks including Arpeggio, Bass, Lead Pad and Polysynth. There are also further Preset Banks from experienced producers and sound designers Richard Devine and Sean Divine.