ACID SYNTH - Our Homage To A Classic That Launched A Genre

video upload by The Crow Hill Company

Press release follows:

The Crow Hill Company creates VAULTS - ACID SYNTH as an homage to the revered Roland TB-303 Bass Line synth and associated Acid House genre

EDINBURGH, UK: music-making community tools-maker The Crow Hill Company is proud to announce availability of VAULTS - ACID SYNTH as the latest entry into its lengthening line of free and accessible virtual instruments arising from company co-founder and composer Christian Henson effectively opening his ‘vaults’ for everyone to enjoy — this time creating an homage to the revered Roland TB-303 Bass Line, launched with high hopes in 1981 as a so-called Computer Controlled bass synth by the Japanese giant of electronic musical instrument manufacturing responsible for its creation before being deemed a commercial failure and discontinued quite quickly thereafter, though it was later instrumental in driving Acid House into the musical mainstream as a whole new EDM (Electronic Dance Music) genre and associated cultural movement, the popularity of which triggered a dramatic rise in the price of used units — as of March 19…

It is fair to say that when Roland released its TB-303 Bass Line in 1981 as a so-called Computer Controlled bass synth with the intention of mimicking the characteristics of an electric bass guitar, there were far fewer tools to create electronic music available. But buyers of the TB-303 Bass Line were possibly swayed by the fact that it could be time-synced — using Roland’s proprietary five-pin DIN sync interface (later superseded by MIDI) — to its contemporarily-released Computer Controlled sibling, the TR-606 Drumatix drum machine, making for an affordable rhythm section that could conceivably fit into a small briefcase as a beautiful backing combination for the solo gigging musician, further helped by both devices being battery operated as an attractive alternative to their (included) AC adapters… or so Roland had hoped.

Though the engineers involved tried their best to imitate the sound of an electric bass guitar with the technology of the time, the TB-303 Bass Line fell short in capturing its subtleties as an instrument, sadly, so it was discontinued within a couple of years, with Roland cheaply selling off the last of the 10,000 units manufactured. Now, normally this would be the end of the story, yet something incredible happened…

Helpfully, for the benefit of anyone not already in the know, The Crow Hill Company’s Theo Le Derf picks up what is an incredible story in itself: “DJ Pierre and his band called Phuture found a used TB-303 in a music shop in Chicago for a bargain price. They started experimenting with the bass sequencer and a drum machine while playing about randomly with the filter and resonance knobs. The sound they produced was so unique and, frankly, weird that they decided to commit the jam session to tape. With the release of this experiment on Trax Records in 1987, they unwittingly birthed a new genre: Acid House. This slimy, hypnotic, subversive sound subsequently built a cultural movement, and was the soundtrack to many illegal warehouse parties of the late Eighties — all of this from a tiny synth that was used ‘incorrectly’.”

Thanks to VAULTS - ACID SYNTH’s GUI (Graphical User Interface) being as intuitive as always, correct — or ‘incorrect’ — usage of the virtual instrument in question comes quickly. “The first large dial — CUT OFF — is a 24dB lowpass filter that controls what high frequencies you cut out, and it is automatically assigned to MIDI CC1.” So starts Theo Le Derf by way of an appropriately quick guided tour, before continuing: “RESONANCE determines the peak of the filter as it opens and closes, which creates that characteristically ‘squelchy’ sound that the synth is known for. The small dials are more concentrated effects — MOD controls how much voltage is being sent to the filter, so you can get some really interesting sounds by adjusting the CUT OFF dial and MOD simultaneously; DECAY controls the decay for all the envelopes; and, of course, there is also our standard ECHO and SPLOSH, with the SPLOSH being an algorithmic imitation of a cave, which suits this synth so brilliantly.”

It is as easy as that, though Theo Le Derf is keen to add: “Another thing to mention is that you can obviously play staccato, but when you play legato — MIDI notes overlapping with one another, you get a glide between the notes. This glide effect is another characteristic that the ’303 is renowned for.”

No need, necessarily, then, to risk dropping a bank-balance-busting four-figure sum on a decades-old Roland TB-303 Bass Line when The Crow Hill Company’s ‘tribute’ truly captures the essence of its distinctive sound for all to enjoy for literally nothing. Notes Theo Le Derf, ending on a high note: “The story arc of this synth is so amazing — from its unpromising beginning to completely defining a genre and an era, it’s so
exciting to have this celebrated instrument at my fingertips for free!”

VAULTS - ACID SYNTH is free for everyone — as are all VAULTS… releases from The Crow Hill Company — from here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/vaults/

Abx3 Bassline Synth by Audioblast (No Talking)

video upload by Elektronick Musick

"Cutting-edge bass line synthesizer.

https://www.audioblast.me/product/abx3/

Abx-3 is a cutting-edge bass line synthesizer,at first designed as a modern tribute to the legendary 303 bass line synthesizer from the 1980s.

With a completely redesigned interface, Abx-3 makes it easier than ever to craft real-time sequences and dynamically adjust them during live performances and by the way in studio situation too.

Unleash Your Creative Potential with Abx-3, the ultimate tool for live performances and studio production. This innovative bass line synthesizer is packed with powerful features, including a robust 16 to 64-step sequencer, 32 independent patterns, 8 powerful distortion types and 7 integrated effects and in addition a patch randomizer that offer unparalleled creative freedom.

In conclusion it’s not a classic 303 synthesizer it does much more than that.

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Strange Synthesizers of Japan by Hiromichi Oohashi - Synth Book w/ CD

Hiromichi Oohashi wrote in to let us know about his new synth book featuring rare and somewhat strange synthesizers from Japan. The book features synths from his collection along with a CD of audio/music. You can find the book via the publisher Rittor Music (Japan) (published Nov.2021), and on Amazon JP here.

You can find a list of the synths featured by chapter further below.

Details on the book from Hiromichi Oohashi follow.

"This art book introduces many of Japanese most rare and strange electronic musical instruments (1960s~1980s) from author's private collection for long years.

Contains over 130 synthesizers, rhythm machines, organs, toy instruments, speech synths, etc most of these rare instruments will be the first public release. All color pages, lot of beautiful photo of these unique instruments with simple and detailed text, all photos and book design by author himself.

Contribution from Mark Mothersbaugh (DEVO)

Foreword by Eric Schneider (author of TOY INSTRUMENTS/MBP)

Attached CD has original music using these strange instruments so you can hear what these synth sounds like.

CD's music made by author's band KINO-MODERNO (world-renowned electronic music duo)



Hiromichi Oohashi is an artist born in Tokyo 1961
after studied art & design at Kuwazawa Design School in Tokyo
works as an artist and producer for Art, Design and Music
also known as collector of rare electronic musical instruments
in 1990 released groundbreaking [ VIDEO DRUG2/Phuture ] and get noticed
member of electronic music duo KINO-MODERNO since 1984
president of DAT PLANET PRODUKT"

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303 acid basslines: Liquid Slow by Charlotte De Witte/Chris Liebing & Acid Tracks by Phuture

video upload by Endorphin.es

"Drop acid not bombs!
In today's video we will teach you how to acid using the SHUTTLE SYSTEM with GROUND CONTROL combo. We will break down the baselines from tracks Liquid Slow by @Chris Liebing and @Charlotte de Witte"

Roland TR-707 & TB-303 Walkthrough

Published on Dec 13, 2018 Alex Ball

"One final tutorial to round out this batch before I take a break. This time we're having a look at two classics; the Roland TR-707 and the Roland TB-303. This video gives you the basic principles to get started.

Along with the TR-727, TR-909, TR-808, SH-101 and MC-202, these machines played an integral part in dance music that emerged in the late 80s, most notably Acid and Techno...

Phuture "Acid Trax" from 1987
Armando "Land of Confusion" from 1988

Download samples from my TR-707 for free: http://bit.ly/TR707

There's also a great (and free) html emulation of the TR-303 if you can't access an original unit or clone: http://errozero.co.uk/acid-machine/

Thanks for watching!"

DJ Pierre - Acid House Pioneer: Artist Feature

Published on Apr 19, 2017 Propellerhead

"Here’s a thought experiment… how many musicians can you name that invented an entire musical genre from a single song which the genre even takes its name from? Is there a song called Jazz? Did someone write a track called Blues? No. That unique honor is reserved for Phuture and their song Acid Tracks, from which the global cultural movement of Acid House was born.

DJ Pierre sat down to tell us the stories of his early days, show us around his latest work, and share some of the new talent and artistry he's nurturing in his creative incubator space at Afro Acid Digital in Atlanta."

Roland Boutique Artist Interviews - Paul Hartnoll, A Guy Called Gerald, DJ Pierre

Published on Sep 30, 2016 RolandChannel

Playlist:
1. Roland Boutique Paul Hartnoll interview

"As one half of the legendary Orbital, Paul Hartnoll knows a thing or two about putting a killer tune together, and just as much about how to recreate that sound live in front of thousands of people.

We visited Paul’s studio to discuss the latest Roland Boutiques, and ended up finding out where Orbital got their first 303 from, and why they think their original TR-909 and TB-303 could be rather special."

2. Roland Boutique A Guy Called Gerald interview

"Making electronic music since the mid ‘80s gives A Guy called Gerald a certain perspective on the industry.
We spoke to the genre-busting producer on his first encounters with the original TR-909 and TB-303, how they helped him get started with his music, and what he thinks of the latest additions to Roland Boutique family, especially the TR-09 and TB-03.

You’ll also find out that 808 State’s ‘Pacific State’ was originally called something completely different…"

3. Roland Boutique DJ Pierre interview

"DJ Pierre is synonymous with the sound of acid house, and although the acclaimed producer has an enviable catalog of productions under his belt, it’s possibly his first release that has had the biggest impact on electronic music culture.

Phuture’s Acid Trax kick-started the acid house genre by subverting the sound of Roland’s TB-303 bassline synth, and we caught up with Pierre to talk about those early years with the TB-303, and what he thinks of the new TB-03 Roland Boutique."

Acid House Innovator and Phuture Co-Founder DJ Spank-Spank has Passed Away

Uploaded on Sep 22, 2011 staxxaquila

Some sad news in via Aaron K.

DJ Spank-Spank passed away on September 21.

via exclaim.ca:

"Earl 'Spanky' Smith Jr., producer, DJ and founding member of Chicago house progenitors Phuture, has died.

A post from the group's management confirms that the electronic musician, also known as DJ Spank-Spank, passed away today (September 21). The eulogy calls Smith a 'legend,' and explains that Phuture will continue on and complete an album they had been working on prior to Smith's death"

Another great is gone. You can see how much influence he has had here on MATRIXSYNTH over the years.

He will be missed.

Update: Boiler Room Chicago LIVE Set added below. Also in via Aaron K.

Phuture Boiler Room Chicago LIVE Set Published on Mar 5, 2014

→ FOR AUDIO: *http://bit.ly/1l017c8*
→ SUBSCRIBE TO BOILER ROOM: *http://bit.ly/1bkrHWL*

"Phuture smacking seven shades out of our second major Chicago showcase in as many days. Sheer class."

Cover - Phuture's Acid Tracks (Readers Digest mix) & 303 Distortion Party

Published on Sep 19, 2016 retrosynthads

"First attempt at covering Phuture's Acid Tracks - Reader's Digest mix. Very raw. In attendance are the TB303s, as well as the TR707/727 drum machine combo also used in the original.

Yeah - I took a few liberties.

Notes for next time: more squelch required."

303 Distortion Party

Published on Sep 19, 2016 retrosynthads

"TB303 #1 going through a RAT distortion pedal. TB303 #2 going through Boss Overdrive and Delay pedals. Electribe 2 for drums. Everything going through too much reverb from a Strymon BlueSky pedal. Korg KMS-30 providing MIDI-DIN SYNC conversion. And the smallest mixer I could find at the moment. Compression during the quiet parts coming from video camera input."

AIRA - Miami Music Week 2015

Published on Apr 3, 2015 RolandChannel

Roland Airas on eBay

"Armed with the latest AIRA gear (and a lot of USB and patch cables), the AIRA Crew headed to the Gold Coast for Miami Music Week 2015. The AIRA House was hopping as usual, with the occasional living legend stopping by. We also went out to see AIRA in its natural habitat, rocking dance floors until dawn, with the likes of Phuture, KiNK, and Carl Craig."

TB 303 vs X0XB0X vs TB-3

Published on Dec 7, 2014 Kevin Polzer

"A comparison of my collection of acid instruments. Using a famous bassline from 'Phuture' You be the judge."

MMTA SYNTH PETTING ZOO Featured in Roland Decibel Festival Video

AIRA - Decibel Festival Seattle 2014​ Published on Oct 11, 2014 Roland U.S.

Synth Petting Zoo at :59 followed by 1:46.

"The AIRA Crew hit Seattle for the Decibel International Festival of Electronic Music Performance, Visual Art and New Media. DJ Pierre and DJ Spank of PHUTURE participated with Roland on a panel discussing the origins of acid house, how the TB-303 was instrumental in defining the genre, and why they love the TB-3 and TR-8. PHUTURE played a historic live set that, along with other groundbreaking artists like KiNK and Black Asteroid, incorporated the latest AIRA gear into their dynamic live performances."

acid!!!! (phuture,josh wink) cyclone tt-303, aira tr-8 (tb303,tr909 sounds)

Published on Jun 12, 2014 MINO VINILO·7 videos

acid house jam con cyclone tt-303, roland aira tr-8,pedal de distorsion boss mt-2

Roland Aira's on eBay | Bass Bot TT-303's on eBay

Megaloceros 101 Amp DIY Module Distortion Test

Published on Apr 17, 2014 heodesalciphron·206 videos

"basic build : http://www.dendrobate-magnetique.org/...
Make Noise DPO folder
SINUS
phuture acid from sansa clip+ mp3 player"

Googlish translation from the site: "This is a small module that amplifies a signal up to 101 times, in order to align the modular level. The architecture is simple, based on a TL072 for amplification and a second for the detection of saturation.

2 channels. To amplify 1,001 times just change the knobs 100 k by k 100"

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Phuture - Acid Tracks - TB 303 remix

Published on Feb 23, 2014 DJjondent·223 videos

Listen in stereo.

"Released way back in 1987, Acid Tracks (Trax) is credited as being the first track to
feature the "squelch" sound of the Roland TB 303.
Here is the original:
http://youtu.be/OKbLI8EufNo

This version is not meant to be an exact remake. The original was 11.17 mins long and is drenched in reverb. The track is very simple. Just 8 notes repeated over and over again.B,B,C,C',C,D#,D#,C'.

Mine is rather shorter .. 4 mins without any external processing.
Recorded in a single take with just a Roland TB 303 & TR 606 on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

The drums are on the right channel & the 303 on the left. So to hear it properly listen on some good speakers. Headphones might be a problem.

The Acid pattern (if you wanna mix this for yourself) for this track is on my blog:
http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2014..."

Maschine Studio on Acid

Published on Feb 22, 2014 SuicideServer·24 videos

"This is my latest jam on the Maschine Studio. Since Roland surprised me with their launch of the new Aira line i thought it was about time to get my Acid back on. So this is my take on one of the best Acid Basslines ever, the legendary Acid Tracks by Phuture.

Enjoy as loud as possible ;)

Cheers"

Roland TR-707 in da house

Published on Oct 13, 2013 grauoliv·24 videos

"Short vid with my latest good buy! I had no tripod in da house, so I filmed with my Canon EOS 600 D by hand.

The music is my cheeky attempt to recreate THE classic, ACID TRACKS by PHUTURE."

Phuture - Acid Trax (highsage remake live performance 2012)

"Recorded straight off a Mackie 1202 with a Machinedrum and a 303. First time in a few years. Will be the encore track in my live hardware set this summer. This time kicked it up to 128 from 120 bpm, and spent a few hours having to (once AGAIN!) re-craft the original pattern on the 3's. I think this time around it came out even closer to the original. Bump it loud! RESPECT goes out to Pierre on this one, MUCH LOVE BRUTHA!"

Bleep's Guide to Electronic Music

This one in via Scott, via Bleep: "Bleep's guide to Electronic Music is a 55 track compilation charting the historical emergence of electronic music by looking at landmark tracks from the 1930s up to present day.

Our aim with this selection of music is to show the length and breadth of the medium, providing a snapshot of the genres forms and styles, and the development of the artform. Whilst there are omissions and compromises that we have had to make, we hope that we achieve our aims and we do some justice to the variety of music that we love.

This compilation developed out of a project to create a Facebook timeline charting the development of electronic music from the late 19th Century until now."

For reference check out 120 Years of Electronic Music

The collection begins with Olivier Messiaen's Oraison from 1937 performed on Ondes Martenot & Theremin (you can find the original full track previously posted here and a beautiful cover on Buchla 200e and Haken Continuum from the late Richard Lainhart here):

"Originally composed by Olivier Messiaen, this beautiful and contemplative piece of music is a monumental moment in electronic music. Argued to be the first piece of purely electronic music written expressly for live performance on the Ondes Martenot, an instrument closely related to the Theremin."

The collection ends with James Blake's CMYK"

"At just 21 years old, London producer, James Blake releases on newly relaunched R&S Records.

At its core 'CMYK' is forged from a myriad of 90's R&B samples (Aaliyah, Kelis) their voices mangled, barely recognisable and thrown into a red-eyed fire of DSP and hours spent in the waveforms."

The full track listing:

CLICK FOR MORE »

Phuture's acid

http://m.matrixsynth.com/2011/11/november-acid-patter.html
TB303, TR909, TR808, Eurorack Modular, MS20, MXR Phase 90, Tascam DM4800"

Also see beth's night time acid by the passenger.