TB303

[Fraser, Colin J]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Paul Maddox [mailto:Paul.Maddox at unilever.com]
> Sent: 26 August 1999 08:33
> To: synthdiy
> Subject: TB303
> 
>   Ive decided to have a stab at makeing a tb303 sequencer to clone,
> to go with Tony's tb3030 voice clone.
> 
>   One small problem, Im unsure about writing/storing patterns and
> tracks. Does anyone have a users manual (not service guide) that I 
> can have a photocopy of, so I can figure out all its 
> functions. I intend
> to make it as close to the original as possible.

If you're going to the trouble of building a unit with the LEDs, switches,
scanning circuitry, etc., you should write different software that allows
you to use your hardware as an exact 303 sequencer clone (hard to use, but
makes you write patterns that you didn't mean to), or as a more advanced
sequencer.

I've been hacking away at the software for my 'analogue' sequencer.
(see slightly out-dated picture at
http://www.octavo.demon.co.uk/colinf/p3/p3.htm )

It has x0x style editing for note patterns, with one row of knobs for note
values, and another switchable between velocity and gate length.
The buttons toggle steps on or off, and are also used to enter slides and
set pattern length.

In theory, any pattern that can be sequenced on a 303 can be entered on my
sequencer, but in practice, with the real 303 hooked up to the sequencer,
and even using the correct gate length, slide time and accent control, it is
very hard to come up with a pattern that sounds like it was written with a
303 sequencer.

Of course, there is a universe of other cool patterns that can be created
very easily, but that's not the point.
The sequencer interface plays a much more important role in the sort of
patterns you'll create than the data structure you use to store sequences.
Giving the same sequencer hardware a choice of different operating methods
will encourage you to find patterns you might not have.


Colin f