Behringer TD-3

The Behringer TD-3 is a faithful analog recreation of the Roland TB-303 Bass Line — the synthesizer that accidentally invented acid house. At a fraction of vintage prices, it delivers the squelchy, resonant bass that defined a genre.

The Circuit

One VCO (switchable saw/square), one 24dB resonant low-pass filter, one decay envelope. The simplicity is deceptive — the interaction between resonance, accent, and slide creates the distinctive 303 sound that no digital emulation has fully captured. Crank the resonance and the filter screams. Add accent and the notes punch through. Enable slide and patterns flow with that liquid acid quality. Built-in distortion adds overdrive edge when the clean signal needs more grit.

The Sequencer

The 16-step sequencer faithfully replicates the original 303's famously unintuitive programming method. Notes are entered in one mode, timing in another, then accents and slides in a third pass. It's confusing at first — just like the original — but this workflow often produces happy accidents that straight-forward sequencers miss. Seven patterns can chain for longer sequences, and the tempo knob dials in anything from slow basslines to frantic acid runs.

Connectivity and Variants

MIDI in/out, USB for DAW sync, and CV/Gate outputs integrate the TD-3 into any setup from all-hardware jams to hybrid production. The compact desktop format works standalone or rack-mounts with optional brackets. Color variants (silver, red, blue, black, transparent) are cosmetically different but sonically identical. The TD-3-MO adds the Devil Fish-inspired modification with extra controls, accent sweep, and muffler circuit.

Who Is This For?

The TD-3 suits electronic producers who want analog acid bass:

• Acid and techno producers needing authentic 303 sound at accessible prices
• Hardware enthusiasts building analog setups on a budget
• Live performers using the sequencer for real-time acid lines
• Beginners learning classic mono synthesis at low cost
• Curious producers who want to understand why this sound defined a genre

For polyphony or versatility, look elsewhere. For that specific squelchy acid sound, the TD-3 delivers.