-> In the beginning there was underground Acid and become underground Techno. In the old days,
the line between Acid and Techno was not as sharp as it is today, There was Techno with 303 filters and Acid without.
But now we have Acid Techno, the best of the two in one style. I love the pumping Techno beat and the screaming of the 303 together.
In Acid Techno there are also different styles, the more Funky & Groovy and more Experimental & Acid-Core style. Within the limits of the extreme,
we simply want danceable music, and go for the experience of the human mystique of our dancing ancestors.
03-03-21 DJ ShamanX
Online Global Acid Network
On FaceBook & YouTube, where Acid Techno is
well represented in large numbers are important channels.
But also have to do with a low rankings
in SocialMedia.
That's how I can get f*cked-up
about good music that doesn't get enough
attention. According to these big-tech providers, there's not enough money to make. If it's not for
the "dumb masses" then you don't belong.
It's about clicks and numbers, not quality.
It is to be hoped that in the future other Underground Acid "playgrounds" will emerge.
YouTube PlayLists
Almost all my sites use PlayLists. You can also put individual videos on
the site, but that takes up too much space. So, if you have three dashes
with a small play icon in the top right corner, that's a YouTube PlayList.
If you click on the icon you can select one of the videos in the playlist.
Why this story? Don't just play the first video, but also check out the other content.
You can find a lot of info on a topic, but now selected and easily accessible.
Moreover, YouTube itself doesn't support PlayList; try posting one in YT ! But thankfully,
most social media platforms do. Go to YouTube by clicking the YT icon. To the right of the
video window, you'll see all the videos listed. You can easily select the videos from there,
which is cool. More PlayLists (link YT MNX2010)
. Submit my YT channel for new adds.
Welcome to this new site.
As you can see, a lot has changed, and it was a lot more work than I thought.
I didn't realize this topic would be so extensive.
There is hardly an Acid Techno online community.
You can find a handful of acid sites and there are a
few sites that support acid as a genre.
Although online there is a lot of acid info, video's, tracks and producers, it is spread
and sometimes hard to find.
This site will contribute to bring it more together.
This site changes from time to time, and I don't know which way it will go.
I think it will someware find its final form.
The design is not static and can change really easy, like Lego !
So I am open for ideas & suggestions.
The TB-303 (Source wikipedia)
was designed by
Tadao Kikumoto
, who also designed the Roland TR-909 & TR-808 drum machine. It came out on the market in 1982. It was marketed as a "computerised bass machine" to replace the bass guitar.
it was a commercial failure and was discontinued in 1984. However, cheap second-hand units were adopted by electronic musicians, and its "squelching" or "chirping" sound became a foundation of electronic dance music.
The TR-808 (Source wikipedia)
is a drum machine manufactured by Roland between 1980 and 1983. It was one of the first drum machines to allow users to program rhythms instead of using preset patterns. Unlike its nearest competitor at the time, the more expensive Linn LM-1, the 808 generates sounds using analogue synthesis.
The TR-909 (Source wikipedia)
is a drum machine manufactured by Roland in 1983. It succeeded the TR-808, and was the first Roland drum machine to use samples for some sounds. It was also the first Roland drum machine with MIDI functionality, allowing it to synchronize with other devices. Though it was a commercial failure, the 909 became influential in the development of electronic dance music genres such as techno, house and acid.
The TB-303 was actually intended as a replacement for the bass guitar. It proved less suitable. However, it was capable of much
more. This was particularly evident in the Acid - Music, which emerged from this small box. What's particularly striking is the
dynamics of the sound. It's rock solid, especially when used analog. You'd need some "rare parts", high-quality Japanese parts
to match this sound. A mountain of "303 clones" inspired by the ZilverBox have also appeared on the market. (See 303 clones)
This also happens in the software, they've made a science of making their sound resemble that of the TB. (See 303 software)
Popular for almost 50 years, and we're still going 303.
The Din Sync RE-303 (DIY kit)
The Din Sync Re-303 isn't just a replica of the the Roland TB-303 Bassline, it's even better. You feel it when you work with it,
even when you hold it in your hands, this is top quality ! The RE-303 is made of best durable parts and the case is made of
aluminum. Din Sync used for the electronica parts (you have to order "the rare parts" separately) only the best and that is
reflected in the sound and has also midi. The RE-303 comes in three colors: black with white print, silver with black print,
and gold with black print. You can also use these colors with the buttons. The LEDs are available in red, green, blue, and UV.
Since the TB-303 is exactly the same as the RE-303, the extra MODs apply to both.
You have 3 CPU types for the RE-303 & TB-303
The Pixie CPU, a replica of the original TB programed by Roland, as DIY kit and manufactured. Supported by updates it can
do quite a lot more nowadays. firmware v1.4.3 PIXIE CPU. For the RE-303/808/606, the midi-note/in works now.
PIXIE Manual
The Sonic Potions CPU with midi fuctions like : note In, accent & slide and data dumps. Also randomizer and other programing extra’s. Some complain about instability of the track edit.
It is no longer available and will no longer have updates.
SP Manual
The Quicksilver CPU is an upgrade MOD. With more live performance functions and equipped with USB for upgrades and USB
MIDI. Can send and receive MIDI notes and MIDI clock. Unfortunately the Quicksilver is no longer made.
Quicksilver Manual
Midi-Filter-in - MIDI modulation control
(MidiBass 303 Kit). (See mod links)
The sound is that of a lead synth, with a lot of dynamics. I bought an expensive overdrive (Dtronics DT-303) for it, and the overall
sound is definitely unique. A nice, clear sound, but also with plenty of bass (low-end).
Since the latest PIXIE CPU update, the MIDI-Note/In finally works well, very handy.
It was a long road, but ultimately, along with the MIDI-Filter MOD and an extra MIDI-In port for uploading PIXIE updates, the ZilverBox has become very complete and very useful in the studio.
The BlackBox (Sonic-Potions CPU)
I was looking for a counterpart to the Zilverbox, with a different sound but also a different CPU.
So I ended up with this BlackBox, built by Sonic Mechanix and upgraded with green LEDs and two extra MODs.
I had hoped that the Sonic Potions CPU would support MIDI-Note output (the SP website says "Full MIDI I/O"), but the manual
on the MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART states that it doesn't support MIDI-Note output. I tested it, and unfortunately, that's the case.
It's also a shame that the Sonic Potions CPU is no longer available and won't receive any updates.
The Sonic Potions CPU does have more options and features and also has its own manual, although it's generally very similar to the current PIXIE.
The BlackBox has 2 MODs on board:
spacemod "Res max adjust" MOD and thanks to this MOD the sound of the BlackBox is also very different.
kenton 3 Sockets - Kit to add : CV-in / Gate-in / Filter-in (CV-Gate control with three additional sockets). (See mod links)
The sound is a bit dreamy, like a distant synth loop, but the BlackBox also has a nice low, dark baseline.
I carefully adjusted the Res Max setting, as it can distort quite a bit at full tilt.
I've tested the CV filter control extensively, and the nice thing is that it works in conjunction with the filter cutoff potentiometer.
This way, both have an effect, and you can shift the same filter sequence from almost closed to fully open.
This also applies to the MIDI to Filter MOD, which is very useful for live performances.
Disadvantage of the TB/RE-303 : A major drawback is the lack of a long-standing promise : Midi-Note output.
This is because it's currently not possible to directly convert your RE-303 sequences to Midi-Note. The only CPU we can expect an update for is the
PIXIE CPU. MIDI storage and analysis of the MIDI data could be beneficial in this case.
TB & RE-303 "Rare" Parts
For the RE-303 parts is the 2sc1583 VCF, I believe is seen as the kit with the best acid sound. These are the most important parts
you need : Transistors (2SC2291, 3x 2SC1583, 2SK30A-O, LA4140, 8x 2sc2021R.) and IC like the famous BA662 VCA chip.
RE-303 is available as a DIY kit, the price including case is between 600 and 800 euros, Manufactured are they available for between 1000 and 1100 euros. (Link DIY Build Service) The Quicksilver & Sonic Potions CPU cost both for about 100 euros.
MODs, or modules, are additional additions to the TB & RE-303 in this case. MIDI or CV MODs are the most common.
But there are also more elaborate MODs, such as the Quicksilver, the Borg MOD, the Ultra303 MOD, and the Sonic-Potions MOD.
But the most elaborate MOD is definitely the Devil Fish! It's a shame you have to drill open half the TB, but if it's done properly,
it looks good. I haven't come across an RE-Devil Fish yet! In theory, it's possible because the TB & RE are exact the same,
perhaps the aluminum case is an obstacle. We're also waiting for a MIDI MOD that allows you to control all the upper rotary knobs.
TR-909 : Technical Specifications
TR-909 RHYTHM COMPOSER (1983-1984) Owner's Manual: Manual TR-909
MEMORY CAPACITY: 48 Rhythm Patterns (16 x 3 Pattern Groups) x 2 (Bank |, ||)
TRACKS: 4 Tracks (1 to 4: Continuous Maximum Measures 896) x 2 (Banks |, ||)
STEPS : 1 .. 16 Steps. REAR PANEL : Master Out (L, R / MONO) [6 V p-p, 1 kW]
Multi Out : BD, Snare, Low Tom, Mid Tom, Rim Shot, Clap, Hi-Hat, Crash, Ride
MIDI (IN / OUT x 2), Tape Memory/Sync, Save/Out, Load/In, External Control,
Trigger Out : (Rim Shot: +14V, 20 ms pulse). Start / Stop (DP-2) Sync In (5P-DIN)
(1: Run / Stop, 2: GND, 3: Clock, 5: Continue). Memory Cartridge Slot (For M-64C)
POWER CONSUMPTION: 14W. DIMENSIONS: 486 (W) x 105 (H) x 300 (D) mm.
19 - 1 / 8 (W) x 4 - 1 / 8 (H) x 11 - 13 / 16 (D) inches.
WEIGHT: 4.5kg / 9lb 15oz
My RE-909 !
In 2025 I bought one, so now I also own a real 909.
I'm naturally happy with it, but it's also the first
time I've owned a real professional drum machine
and learned how to use it. There are tons of YouTube
help videos on how to use such a device, and it's a
great way to get started. What I do need to get used
to is the two types of kicks: snare and toms, and how
to use them properly. The kick on this 909 happens to
be exactly a G#, making it very usable (live tested).
An extra is also included: the P4L MOD (module).
And, at my request, an external (AC) power supply.
This is because the magnetic field and heat can
affect the electronics and because an external
power supply is easily replaceable.
Disadvantages: It doesn't have a headphone jack
and is very "BIG," almost half a meter long, so it
barely fits in my large backpack! These days, you
can get smaller gear, but not this analog. I'm all about the original sound, which is hard to recreate...
(Build by : Sonic Mechanix)
TR & RE-909 "Rare" Parts
The RE-909 basis kit cost 379,27 Euro and the RE-909 case kit 300 euro, but you also need the 909 style caps and IC like the
famous BA662 VCA chip. All the parts are the same as the original. The RE-909 is currently only available as a DIY kit and costs
around 1000 euros complete. Manufactured with safety PSU & lithium battery, they are available around 2200 euros (including VAT).
The P4L mod in cartridge reader 150 euros and Revolution V5 firmware 425 euros (Link DIY Build Service).
The most well-known MOD is the P4L, available as a DIY kit. It's located in the cartridge's place (see right pic), so
you don't have to drill any holes. That's probably also the reason for its success. Most 909 MODs shared online require
you to make and/or invent them yourself. Honestly, I don't like drill any holes either. An external breakout box
(see ModBox) would be best; it only requires one extra hole at the back, but they're rare. Or make one yourself.
The DIY kit is 1 : 1, a real replica and at the back is a switch so you can choose between midi and sync. All instruments have a separate outputs.
It also needs the pixieRECPU and BA662, you have to order it separately. I estimate that the price is around 200 euros. The complete price for all parts and case will be around 1400 euros.
The black aluminum case looks fantastic. The finishing is top notch, every
detail has been taken care of, wow !
Here too, you can choose to have it built for you by a DIY kit builder. He can also help if you can't get your 808 kit working, although that of course costs money (hourly wage).
A fully built kit costs around 2200.
More info will follow Soon !
This text will be visible on August 8, 2026, the date this major update is presented. This text will be visible on August 8, 2026,
the date this major update is presented. This text will be visible on August 8, 2026, the date this major update is presented.
This text will be visible on August 8, 2026, the date this major update is presented. This text will be visible on August 8, 2026,
the date this major update is presented. This text will be visible on August 8, 2026, the date this major update is presented.
Nothing can beat the original TB / TR Hardware because of the authentic analogue sound.
So with clones and you have many, try to sound like the original 303, but it is often not the "real" sound.
The best clone in my opinion is the AVALON. A major drawback is that the Avalon is very rare these days.
The second is the XOXBOX (Andy
Pledger Built), In third place the Braintec TB3 and the TEEBEE, because
of the excellent sound quality. For the 909 clones, the best clone is the 9090 PROJECT, a 909
DIY (self build kit).
Second place the SR-909. In third place YOMOX Drumsynthesizers.
The "clone" list doesn't include any synthesizers other than true "analog" ones, so no TB-03. You have to draw the line somewhere, and Roland's mediocre attempt to revive the old one isn't particularly impressive sonically, even though the sequencing capabilities may be good.
There are also clones that do not even remotely resemble a TB, such as the MAM MB33
and the TT-303, even the electronic components are completely different.
The prices are either the last official price (it may be a bit higher or lower) or the current new exact price.
Conclusion:
Some clones have their own character, but sometimes they don't resemble the TB. Is that
a problem? I think it's a nice addition and sometimes an improvement like the AVALON.
For further enhancing of the 303 sound, a distortion or overdrive is usually used or a similar effect. To get a good overview of which analog pedal best suits your personal 303 sound, there are several comparison sites and YT movies (see the YT playlist below on the right).
It is important to hear these pedals in combination with a 303, because a guitar has a completely different character and output voltage. For example, there are pedals that sound good on a guitar but not on the 303 and vice versa. The pedal / effect must therefore sound good in the basics, but it is also important that the sound has various possibilities to distort the sound.
Not all effects with many buttons meet this requirement, but they do increase the possibility of performance. Effects with 2 knobs, mostly volume and tune, is very poor, but there are few where most options actually improve the 303 sound. After all, most pedals / effects are developed for guitar and bass guitar. Also special effects have been developed for the 303. They are rare and often expensive.
Like the DT-303, specially developed for the TB-303. Funded with crowdfunding, it comes in a heavy metal case, so to speak.
But luckily there are also a number of good pedals / effects for both guitar and 303.
Here's a selection of the best 303 distortions and links to help you with your choice.
Left and right the two best in the test: Dtronics DT-303 & Tech21 VT Bass DI, are the most expensive (260/300 euros).
One of the cheapest and in third place is the Boss OS-2 (100 Euro), see below.
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In Acid Techno there are also different styles, the more Funky & Groovy and more Experimental & Acid-Core style. Within the limits of the extreme,
we simply want danceable music, and go for the experience of the human mystique of our dancing ancestors.
03-03-21 DJ ShamanX
Facebook Groups :
Announcement
The BlackBox (Sonic-Potions CPU)
Not all effects with many buttons meet this requirement, but they do increase the possibility of performance. Effects with 2 knobs, mostly volume and tune, is very poor, but there are few where most options actually improve the 303 sound. After all, most pedals / effects are developed for guitar and bass guitar. Also special effects have been developed for the 303. They are rare and often expensive.
Like the DT-303, specially developed for the TB-303. Funded with crowdfunding, it comes in a heavy metal case, so to speak.
But luckily there are also a number of good pedals / effects for both guitar and 303.
Here's a selection of the best 303 distortions and links to help you with your choice.
Left and right the two best in the test: Dtronics DT-303 & Tech21 VT Bass DI, are the most expensive (260/300 euros).
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Natural Born Acid Techno
