Liam Howlett’s synths and gear in studio and live.
The battery-powered Roland TB-03 is a direct descendant of the classic Roland TB-303 Bass Line Synth. The TB-03 was released in 2014 as part of Roland's Boutique series of synthesizers, which are designed to recreate the sound and feel of classic Roland synthesizers in a compact and portable form.
The layout and controls are unchanged, so it works just like the original. It sounds like it too, thanks to Rolands advanced ACB technology that recreates the hypnotic liquid grooves of the magic silver box.
The TB-03 is designed to closely emulate the sound of the original TB-303, but with some modern updates and improvements. It has the same sawtooth waveform and low-pass filter as the original, and it also features a built-in distortion circuit and a step sequencer for creating complex patterns and grooves. In addition to the classic sound, the TB-03 also offers some new features such as accent, slide, and pattern chaining.
The four-digit LED display makes programming easier and more accurate, while overdrive and delay effects let you unleash a twisted, tribal wall of sound to send the crowd into a frenzy.
Like the original TB-303, the TB-03 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can only play one note at a time. This, along with its built-in step sequencer, makes it well-suited for creating basslines and acid-style lead lines. It also has a built-in arpeggiator, which can be used to create complex patterns and rhythmic sequences.
The TB-03 is also MIDI compatible, which allows it to be used in conjunction with other MIDI-enabled devices and software. This opens up a wide range of possibilities for using the TB-03 in a modern production setup. It also has a USB port, which allows it to be used as a USB MIDI controller.
The TB-03's compact and portable design makes it an ideal tool for electronic musicians and DJs who want to incorporate the classic TB-303 sound into their live performances and DJ sets. It's also a great option for producers and composers who want to use the classic TB-303 sound in their studio productions.
One of the main benefits of the TB-03 is that it offers the classic TB-303 sound in a more affordable and portable package. The original TB-303 is a highly sought after and expensive piece of gear, but the TB-03 offers a similar sound at a much more affordable price point. It also offers a number of modern updates and improvements, making it more versatile and usable in a modern production environment.
It's a great option for electronic musicians who want to incorporate the classic TB-303 sound into their live performances and studio productions. It's also a great option for musicians who want to experiment with the classic TB-303 sound without having to invest in an expensive vintage synth.
Roland TB-03 was actually released around that time when Liam was writing 'No Tourists' album and he probably got one as a gift from Roland to his studio. There are some photos him experimenting with it on studio and you can hear it used in 'Give Me A Signal'.
On September 1, 2017, Liam posted a snippet of Light Up The Sky on his Instagram, featuring a live performance of one of the parts on his Roland Boutique TB-03 in his studio.
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