EasyManua.ls Logo

Roland TB-303 User Manual

Roland TB-303
92 pages
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Page #1 background imageLoading...
Page #1 background image

Table of Contents

Other manuals for Roland TB-303

Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Roland TB-303 and is the answer not in the manual?

Roland TB-303 Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeBass Line Synthesizer
Synthesis TypeAnalog Subtractive
Oscillators1 VCO
PolyphonyMonophonic
Year Released1982
WaveformsSquare, Sawtooth
EnvelopeDecay
Memory64 Patterns
ControlCV/Gate
OutputsAudio Out
Power Supply6 x AA batteries
Filter Slope24 dB/oct

Summary

IMPORTANT NOTES

BATTERY REPLACEMENT AND PRECAUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

1 BASS AND THE TB-303

Explains the role of a bass line in music and its relation to the TB-303.

2 THE BASIC IDEA BEHIND THE TB-303

Details how to memorize and construct bass lines by dividing them into patterns.

A. PITCH

Explains how to write and memorize the pitch of notes for a bass line.

B. THE LENGTH OF NOTE

Details how to memorize the duration and rhythm of notes.

C. ACCENT

Describes how to write accent and portamento features into a bass line.

D. COMPLETING THE BASS LINE

Explains how to combine memorized patterns to complete a bass line.

E. CREATING A SOUND

Describes how to use the TONE CONTROL SECTION to create sounds.

F. HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Guide on understanding the manual's structure for learning operations.

BASIC COURSE

1 CONNECTIONS AND INITIAL SETTINGS

Instructions for connecting the TB-303 and performing initial settings.

A. CONNECTIONS

Details on connecting the TB-303 to amplifiers and headphones.

B. INITIAL SETTINGS

Step-by-step guide for setting up the TB-303 after connections are made.

2 WRITING AND PLAYING A BASS LINE (Part 1)

Explains the process of writing and playing the first part of a bass line.

SELECTING

Steps for selecting tracks, pattern sections, and patterns for writing.

ABOUT THE MEMORY POSITIONS

Explains the organization and selection of memory positions for patterns.

WRITING THE PITCH

Detailed steps for inputting the pitch of notes into the TB-303.

CHECKING THE PITCHES

Optional steps to verify that the entered pitches are correct.

WRITING THE LENGTH OF NOTE

Instructions for writing the duration and rhythm of musical notes.

CHECKING THE LENGTH OF NOTE

Optional verification of entered note lengths.

PLAY

Instructions on how to play the entered bass pattern.

HOW TO CORRECT

Guidance on correcting errors in pitch and note length for the bass pattern.

SELECTING

Steps for selecting memory positions and clearing data.

TRANSPOSE

Explanation of the transpose function for altering pitch.

HOW TO USE THE WRITING TABLE FOR TRANSPOSE

Guide to using the writing table for transpose operations.

CHECKING THE PITCH

Procedure to confirm the accuracy of written pitches.

WRITING THE LENGTH OF NOTE

Alternative method for writing note lengths using the TIME MODE button.

CHECKING THE LENGTH OF NOTE

Optional verification of entered note lengths.

PLAY

Instructions on how to play the completed bass line.

SELECTING THE TRACK

Process for selecting a track to write bass lines into.

WRITING INTO THE TRACK

Steps for writing bass patterns into the selected track.

TRACK SCORE

Explains how to read and use the track score for pattern selection.

HOW TO USE THE TRACK SCORE

Guide on interpreting the track score notation and pattern selection.

SHIFTING

Method for changing the key of patterns to simplify writing.

SHIFTING AND WRITING

Combining shifting with writing patterns for different keys.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE KEY-SWITCHES TO 'SHIFT' CORRECTLY

Guidance on selecting the correct key-switches for accurate shifting.

WRITING THE LAST MEASURE

Specifics on writing the final measure of a bass line sequence.

CHECKING & CORRECTING THE TRACK

Procedures for verifying and rectifying errors in the written track.

HOW TO USE THE INDICATORS

Using indicators to confirm pattern and shift status.

PLAYING NEXT MEASURE

Steps for playing the next measure and confirming patterns.

4 LET'S PLAY THE TRACK

Instructions on how to play the entire written bass track.

INTERMEDIATE COURSE

1 THE TONE CONTROL SECTION AND TUNING

Explains how to use tone controls and tune the TB-303 to specific pitches.

A. TUNING

Detailed method for tuning the TB-303 to A (220Hz) or other reference notes.

B. TONE CONTROL SECTION

Describes the synthesizer controls for shaping the TB-303's tone color.

C. SAMPLE SOUNDS

Presents examples of different tone settings for bass sounds.

2 WRITING THE LENGTH OF NOTE (ALTERNATIVE METHOD)

Alternative method for writing note lengths using the TAP button.

WRITING THE LENGTH OF NOTE BY USING THE TAP BUTTON

Detailed steps for inputting note lengths using the TAP button and metronome.

3 WRITING AND PLAYING A BASS LINE (PART 2)

Guide to writing and playing more complex 12-measure bass lines.

1 WRITING A BASS PATTERN

Steps for writing bass patterns into specific memory positions within Pattern Group II.

2 WRITING A PATTERN WITH ACCENT & SLIDE I

Method for writing patterns that include accents and slides.

Adding Accents and Slides

Instructions for applying accents and slides to notes using the TAP and SELECTOR buttons.

CHECKING & CORRECTING ACCENT/SLIDE

Optional procedure for verifying and correcting accents and slides.

HOW TO CONFIRM ACCENT AND SLIDE

Using indicators to confirm the correct application of accents and slides.

3 WRITING A PATTERN WITH ACCENT & SLIDE II

Writing patterns incorporating accents and slides, referencing previous operations.

4 WRITING INTO A TRACK

Composing bass lines by writing patterns into tracks according to a score.

5 PLAYING/CHECKING A BASS LINE

Playing and verifying the correctness of a bass line.

B. HOW TO CORRECT

Troubleshooting guide for common errors in pitch, length, accent, shift, and track.

1. CORRECTING THE PITCH

Steps for correcting pitch errors in a bass pattern.

2. CORRECTING THE LENGTH OF NOTES

Steps for correcting errors in the length or rhythm of notes.

3. CORRECTING ACCENT/SLIDE

Steps for correcting errors related to accents and slides.

4. CORRECTING A TRACK

Procedures for correcting errors within a complete track.

5. CORRECTING THE D.C. POSITION.

Steps for adjusting the D.C. (Da Capo) measure position.

C. PLAYING THE BASS LINE (ALTERNATIVE METHOD)

Method to control pattern order and shift while the TB-303 is playing.

4 TO WRITE YOUR OWN BASS LINES

A. HOW TO WRITE YOUR OWN BASS PATTERNS

Fundamentals of writing original bass patterns, focusing on note length.

1. THE STEP

Explanation of the 'STEP' concept and its division for writing note lengths.

a. THE STEP AND WRITING THE LENGTH OF NOTES

How the STEP division relates to writing note lengths using specific switches.

STEP MODE and Note Lengths

How STEP MODE affects note length writing and using switches.

Using Switches for Note Lengths

Detailed guide on using switches to represent various note lengths in STEP MODE.

Triplet Division (3 Steps)

How to set STEP MODE for triplets (1 beat = 3 steps) and write note lengths.

Selecting STEP MODE and Setting STEP Number

How to select STEP MODES and set the STEP number for patterns.

Writing Bass Patterns Using Triplets

Example of writing bass patterns with triplets using specific STEP MODE settings.

Selecting the STEP MODE

Steps to automatically set STEP MODE and adjust step numbers.

Using TAP Button for Timing in 3/4 Time

Writing bass patterns in 3/4 time using the TAP button for timing.

SETTING THE STEP NUMBERS

Procedure for setting the STEP number for patterns, especially triplets.

Patterns with More Than 16 Steps

How to write patterns exceeding 16 steps by dividing them into multiple positions.

CONFIRMING BY CHAINING

Method for playing consecutive patterns as a group to preview them.

Shifting Key and Changing Patterns During Chaining

How to alter keys and patterns while chaining, without interrupting playback.

CHAINING Patterns

Explanation of chaining techniques using blocks of switches.

d. WRITING COMPLICATED PATTERNS

Techniques for writing complex patterns using multiple STEP MODES.

Operation Examples for Complicated Patterns

Examples demonstrating writing complicated patterns with different STEP MODES and chaining.

Writing Slides Between Patterns

How to create slides that connect notes across different patterns.

B. TO WRITE YOUR OWN BASS LINES

1. The TRACK

Explanation of the TRACK function for organizing bass lines.

a. TRACK MEMORY

Details on the memory capacity and limitations of each TRACK.

b. HOW TO MEMORIZE A TRACK

Process for memorizing pattern order and key shifts within a TRACK.

c. WRITING

Method for writing new TRACKS by replacing existing measures.

SELECTING A PATTERN GROUP

How to select and use Pattern Groups for writing tracks.

② SETTING D.C.

Procedure for setting the D.C. (Da Capo) measure to define track end points.

2. WRITING AND PLAYING A BASS LINE IN TWO TRACKS

Steps for writing and playing bass lines that span across multiple tracks.

METHOD

Explains the method for writing bass lines across tracks, including limits and pattern groups.

NOTES ON CORRECTION

Important notes regarding corrections when writing bass lines across multiple tracks.

b. PLAYING THE COMBINED TRACKS

How to play multiple tracks together in sequence.

3. CHANGING THE TRACK WHILE PLAYING

Method for switching between tracks during playback.

Notes on Track Selection and Playback

Important notes regarding track selection and avoiding playback errors.

ADVANCED COURSE

① USEFUL FUNCTIONS OF THE TRACK

Covers advanced track manipulation, including designation and correction.

A. PLAYING/WRITING/ CORRECTING A MEASURE/CHANGING THE D.C. FROM A DESIGNATED MEASURE

How to play, write, correct, or change D.C. from a specific measure.

1. DESIGNATING THE MEASURE NUMBER

Steps for designating a specific measure number for track operations.

Playing/Writing/Correcting from Designated Measure

Methods for performing operations starting from or affecting a specific measure.

Changing the D.C. Position

Procedure for changing the D.C. (Da Capo) measure designation.

Playing a Track Using D.S. and Signs

How to use D.S. and signs to control track playback and repeats.

Setting the D.S. Sign

Steps for setting the D.S. (Dal Segno) sign in a track.

Playing a Track Using D.S. Sign

How to play a track and use the D.S. sign for returning to a previous point.

C. DELETE AND INSERT A MEASURE

Functions for deleting or inserting measures within a written track.

1. DELETE

Procedure for deleting a designated measure from a track.

2. INSERT

Procedure for inserting a new measure into a track at a specific point.

D. CONFIRMATION BY USING THE INDICATORS

Using indicators to confirm measure numbers, shift amounts, and D.C./segno positions.

1. CONFIRMATION OF THE MEASURE NUMBERS

How to check the currently playing or selected measure number.

2. CONFIRMATION OF THE AMOUNT OF SHIFT

Checking the amount of pitch shift applied to patterns.

3. CONFIRMATION OF D.C. AND MEASURE

Confirming D.C. and segno measure positions using the FUNCTION button.

2 APPLIED METHOD OF THE TB-303

A. REAR PANEL

Diagram and labels for the TB-303's rear panel connections.

B. SYNCHRONIZATION WITH OTHER UNITS

How to synchronize the TB-303 with external rhythm machines and sequencers.

1. SYNCHRONIZATION WITH RHYTHM MACHINES

Steps for synchronizing the TB-303 with TR-606, TR-808, and CR-8000 rhythm machines.

Synchronizing with TR-606

Detailed instructions for synchronizing the TB-303 with the Roland TR-606.

Synchronizing with TR-808/CR-8000

Instructions for synchronizing the TB-303 with TR-808 or CR-8000 rhythm machines.

c. MIX IN

How to connect and mix external audio signals with the TB-303's bass sound.

2. SYNCHRONIZATION WITH SEQUENCERS

How to synchronize the TB-303 with sequencer units like CSQ-600 or MC-4.

Synchronizing with CSQ-600

Detailed steps for synchronizing the TB-303 with the CSQ-600 sequencer.

Synchronizing with MC-4

Instructions for synchronizing the TB-303 with the MC-4 sequencer.

3. SYNCHRONIZATION WITH THE EP-11

How to synchronize the TB-303 with the EP-11 keyboard.

C. CONTROL OF SYNTHESIZERS

Using CV and GATE outputs to control external synthesizers.

1. CV. GATE

Explanation of CV Output (Control Voltage) and GATE Output functions.

2. CONNECTION

Example connections for linking the TB-303 with synthesizers like SH-2 and SYSTEM100M.

TB-303 + SH-2 Connection

Diagram and steps for connecting the TB-303 to an SH-2 synthesizer.

TB-303 + SYSTEM100M Connection

Diagram and steps for connecting the TB-303 to a SYSTEM100M synthesizer.

SAMPLE BASS LINE EXAMPLES

2 Beats Bass Line Examples

Provides sample bass lines with 2 beats per measure, detailing pitch and time.

4 Beats Bass Line Examples

Provides sample bass lines with 4 beats per measure, detailing pitch and time.

4 Beats Bass Line Examples (Continued)

More examples of 4-beat bass lines, including notes on shifting and repeating.

8 Beats Bass Line Examples

Examples of bass lines in 8-beat time signatures (Rock, Disco, Bossa Nova).

Complex Bass Line Examples (9 & 10)

Examples of complex bass lines with detailed measure-by-measure pitch and time information.

Complex Bass Line Examples (9 & 10) (Continued)

Further complex bass line examples, detailing shifting and pattern writing.

SPECIFICATIONS

Number of Patterns and Modes

Details on pattern capacity, memorized content, STEP MODES, and sound range.

Number of Tracks and Memorized Contents

Information on track capacity, memorized contents like pattern order and D.C.

Controls and Selectors

List and description of all controls and selectors on the TB-303.

Switches, Buttons & Indicators

List and brief description of all switches, buttons, and indicators.

Connections Specifications

Detailed specifications for all input and output jacks and power requirements.

Included Accessories

List of accessories included with the TB-303 package.

Related product manuals