The Behringer TD-3 is a 303-style analog bass line synthesizer with a design based on an iconic synth that played a pivotal role in the development of Acid House and EDM. This modern iteration of the TD-3 brings a vintage synthesizer into the present, faithfully recreating the original circuitry with a pure analog signal path. It comes equipped with a wide range of onboard controls, including a 16-step sequencer with up to 250 user patterns. The original 303 was known for its unique squelching-style bass sounds, which played a significant role in shaping popular dance music. The TD-3 features the same distinctive 4-pole low-pass resonant filter and distortion circuitry that made the original so versatile, while also incorporating modern updates such as MIDI and USB connectivity for seamless integration with contemporary music production.
The original 303 synthesizer was intended as a digital alternative to bass guitars and aimed to produce powerful bass sounds for use in pop and dance music in the early 1980s. The bass tones it generated were more squelchy and chirping than traditional bass guitar tones. However, it wasn’t until the rise of dance music in the late 1980s and early 1990s that the 303 would be fully embraced and utilized to its maximum potential. The original 303 was instrumental in laying the foundation of Acid House and EDM in the early 90s. Behringer has taken great care in replicating both the sound and aesthetics of the original synth, while also adding modern features like MIDI and USB connectivity. The TD-3 faithfully reproduces the original circuitry, utilizing a pure analog signal path based on the VCO, VCF, and VCA designs. With its onboard 16-step sequencer, you can create a wide variety of sounds, bass tones, and rhythmic patterns. The sequencer boasts seven total tracks, each with 250 user patterns. Additionally, the synthesizer includes a built-in arpeggiator for creating dynamic rhythmic patterns.
At the core of the TD-3 is a vintage-style oscillator known as the Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO), which features transistor wave-shaping circuitry. This allows you to toggle between reverse-sawtooth and pulse waveforms, offering flexible sound design options. Coupled with the pure analog signal path, the TD-3 provides ultra-flexible sound shaping capabilities, enabling you to create everything from fat basses to stunning lead tones. The synth also features the classic 4-pole low-pass filter that was integral to the original’s iconic sound. This 24dB/octave filter allows you to precisely adjust the low-pass cutoff frequency and resonance settings, allowing for easy manipulation and shaping of your tones. The TD-3 also incorporates a built-in distortion effect, further expanding its sonic possibilities. This distortion effect, based on the original circuitry, can add a touch of flare and excitement to any sound. Activated by a simple on/off switch, the distortion circuit can be controlled using the Drive dial to achieve the desired level of distortion. Whether you’re looking for subtle overtones or powerful, in-your-face tones, the distortion circuit is sure to inject a new level of fun into your music-making.
The TD-3 is highly portable, thanks to its compact and robust design. Its intuitive and ergonomic layout ensures that you can get creative wherever you go, with no barriers to getting started right out of the box. The synth boasts 11 controls and 28 switches in total, providing ample opportunity for hands-on exploration of your sound design. Behringer has updated the TD-3’s design to accommodate modern needs, adding a 16-voice Poly Chain feature. This allows you to combine multiple synthesizers with the TD-3, offering up to 16-voice polyphony and expanding your sound design possibilities. The TD-3 also includes USB and MIDI connectivity, allowing for seamless integration with your computer and other MIDI devices. This means that you can now harness the classic 303 sound for digital music production without the hassle of complex cabling.
Key Features:
– Authentic reproduction of the original 303-style analog circuitry for bass and groove sounds
– Faithfully recreates the original circuitry with matched transistors, ensuring pure analog signal path based on the legendary VCO, VCF, and VCA designs
– Vintage-style VCO with transistor wave-shaping circuitry offers a wide range of sound design options
– Classic 4-pole low-pass resonant filter with adjustable cutoff, resonance, envelope decay, and accent controls
– Easy-to-use 16-step sequencer with seven tracks and 250 user patterns
– Built-in arpeggiator for creating rhythmic patterns
– DS-1-style distortion circuitry adds character and edge to your sounds
– 16-voice Poly Chain feature allows for combining multiple synthesizers for increased polyphony
– 11 controls and 28 switches for direct and real-time access to important parameters
– USB and MIDI implementation with channel and voice priority selection
– Comes with a 3-Year Warranty
– Designed and engineered in Italy
Specifications:
Product Code: TD-3-BU.
