The Behringer TD-3 is a 303-style analog bassline synthesizer based on a renowned synth that played a significant role in shaping the sound of Acid House and EDM. With its vintage design, the TD-3 brings this iconic synthesizer into the modern era. It faithfully recreates the original circuitry with a pure analog signal path and comes equipped with onboard controls, including a 16-step sequencer with up to 250 user patterns. The original 303 was known for its distinct squelching-style bass sounds and was instrumental in defining the sound of popular dance music. The TD-3 features the same unique 4-pole low-pass resonant filter and distortion circuitry, making it versatile and capable of producing the same iconic sound. In addition, the TD-3 now offers MIDI and USB connectivity for seamless integration with modern music production setups.
The original 303 was intended as a digital replacement for bass guitars, aiming to create powerful bass sounds for use in pop and dance music in the early 80s. Its bass tones were more squelchy and chirping than those of a standard bass guitar. However, it wasn’t until the rise of dance music in the late 80s and early 90s that the 303 was truly utilized to its full potential. It became the foundation of Acid House and EDM in the early 90s. Behringer has taken great care to replicate the sound and look of the original 303, while also adding MIDI and USB connectivity for modern convenience. The TD-3 authentically reproduces the original circuitry, utilizing a pure analog signal path based on the VCO, VCF, and VCA designs. It offers a wide range of sounds and bass tones, as well as the ability to create rhythms with its onboard 16-step sequencer. The sequencer features seven tracks, each with 250 user patterns. The synth also includes a built-in arpeggiator for creating rhythmic patterns.
At the core of the TD-3 is a vintage-style oscillator, the Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO), which features transistor wave-shaping circuitry. This allows for toggling between reverse-sawtooth and pulse waveforms, offering flexible sound design options. Combined with the pure analog signal path, the TD-3 provides ultra-flexible sound shaping capabilities, allowing users to create everything from fat basses to stunning lead tones. The TD-3 retains the classic 4-pole low-pass filter that was a hallmark of the original 303, providing the sought-after iconic sound. Users can precisely adjust the low-pass cutoff frequency and resonance settings to easily shape their tones. The synth also includes a built-in distortion, based on the original distortion circuitry, which adds a touch of flare to any sound. The distortion effect can be activated with a simple on/off switch, and the Drive control allows for precise adjustment of the distortion level, from subtle overtones to powerful and aggressive tones.
The TD-3 is compact and highly portable, making it easy to get creative wherever you go. Its intuitive and ergonomic layout, featuring 11 controls and 28 switches, allows for hands-on sound design right out of the box. Behringer has also updated the design for the modern world, implementing a 16-voice Poly Chain, which allows for the combination of multiple synthesizers with the TD-3 for up to 16 voice polyphony. This opens up new possibilities for sound design and allows users to unlock their inspiration and take their capabilities to the next level. Additionally, the TD-3 offers USB and MIDI connectivity, making it compatible with computers and other MIDI devices. This means that the classic 303 sound can now be used for digital music production without the need for complicated cabling.
Some key features of the Behringer TD-3 include its true analog circuitry, authentic reproduction of the original circuitry with matched transistors, sawtooth and square waveform VCO with transistor wave-shaping circuitry, the amazing 4-pole low-pass resonant filter, the built-in DS-1-style distortion circuitry, the 16-voice Poly Chain for combining multiple synthesizers, and the MIDI and USB implementation. The TD-3 also comes with a 3-Year Warranty Program and has been designed and engineered in Italy.
Specifications:
– Type: Analog
– Number of voices: Monophonic
– Oscillators: 1
– VCF: 1 low pass
– Envelopes: 1
– MIDI in/thru: MIDI in and MIDI thru 5-pin DIN
– Outputs: Line output: 1/4″ TRS unbalanced max. +8dBu, Output impedance: 1.5kΩ
– Inputs: Filter in: +12dBu, Sync in: More than 2.5V
– Outputs: CV out: +1 V to +5 V (1 volt/oct), Gate out: Off 0 V on +12 V
– Power input: DC input connector, External power adaptor: 9 VDC 670 mA
– Power consumption: 2 W maximum
– Dimensions: 56 x 305 x 165 mm
– Weight: 0.8kg
– Shipping weight: 1.4kg
– Product code: TD-3-AM
