Roland Boutiques – The Next Chapter - Video & Details on the TR-09, TB-03 and VP-03

Published on Sep 9, 2016 RolandChannel

"Three more iconic Roland products, now available as affordable, limited-edition sound modules.
Recreating the sound and user interface of the TR-909, TB-303 and VP-330, each module is packed with hands-on controls for deep editing, while battery operation and built-in speaker lets you make music on the move.
With all the sonic power of the originals, plus some brand new features, the second wave of Roland Boutique gear lets you add even more classics to your library."

via Roland:


"The influence of the TR-909 drum machine is still heard—and felt—more than three decades after it was launched. Now, the 909 sound is available as part of the Roland Boutique series in the form of the TR-09. Featuring the same front-panel layout and user interface of the original, the TR-09 is powered by Roland’s ACB technology, delivering the speaker-pummelling power of the TR-909 in a super-affordable and portable format. Offering precise control over an array of drum parameters and the ability to keep playing when switching modes, the TR-09 may be compact, but it still has the power to move people. Studio sessions are well catered for too, with four separate outputs via USB audio, external instrument control via a trigger output, and USB MIDI.

Ultra-compact recreation of the iconic TR-909 drum machine
Retains the sound, character, and user interface of the original TR-909
Hands-on control over many parameters, including tune, level, decay, etc.
Programmable via classic Step and Tap write modes
Continue playing beats even while switching between write and play modes
Four separate outputs via USB audio
Trigger output for controlling external instruments equipped with trigger input
High-quality construction with metal front panel
Highly portable for mobile music making
Battery-operated (4 x AA) or USB powered
Built-in powered mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
Compatible with optional K-25m Keyboard Unit

909 Power via Roland’s ACB Technology

The original TR-909 blended analog kick, snare, and tom drums with six-bit samples for the hi-hats and cymbals. This hybrid approach to sound generation meant that the 909 sounded like no other drum machine. Accurately recreating such an influential sound while retaining the ability to edit and tweak the various parameters is only possible via Roland’s ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology, which is also found in the popular AIRA series.

Classic TR-REC Sequencer with Enhanced Functions

Dedicated TR-909 users will recognise the classic TR-REC style of programming found in the TR-09, with a choice of Step or Tap write modes. You can even change modes while the pattern continues playing, something not possible on the original. The TR-09 sequencer has 16 steps, and each has 16 sub-steps so you can fine-tune your performances. And just like the original TR-909, the Shuffle/Flam parameter can be selected using the buttons—but if you need greater control, simply use the display and rotary encoder to perfect your pattern.

Connect with External Gear

The TR-09 is designed to easily connect with other gear. The main stereo mini-jack output can also be reconfigured to send the selected instrument to the right channel, with the other instruments output to the left. A mix input routes external audio through the main outputs, while the trigger output lets the TR-09 drive vintage analog synths such as the SH-101 or JX-3P, or modern gear like the current SYSTEM-500 modular series. Sync and control other gear via standard MIDI ports or USB, and even send the audio of four individual drum parts via USB to continue working in your favorite DAW.

Battery or USB Bus Power

Some of the best music is made away from the studio, so the Roland Boutique series runs on 4 x AA batteries, ready for when inspiration strikes. Alternatively, you can power the TR-09 with USB bus power.

USB Audio Interface for Direct Recording to Your DAW

Via its USB port, the TR-09 also functions as a high-quality audio interface, providing a simple and reliable way of recording directly to your DAW application. You can even send individual drums to separate channels, thanks to the TR-09’s four discrete outputs over USB. Saving your favorite settings and sequencer patterns is easy too via the USB data backup function."

"The battery-powered TB-03 is a direct descendant of the famous TB-303 Bass Line Synth. The layout and controls are unchanged, so it works just like the original. It sounds like it too, thanks to Roland’s advanced ACB technology that recreates the hypnotic liquid grooves of the magic silver box. But the new TB-03 goes even further, with several enhancements not found on the original model. 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. Back in the studio, the TB-03 can send control information via MIDI or its USB port, the latter of which also functions as a audio interface.

Realistic recreation of the iconic TB-303 Bass Line synth
Retains the sound, character, and user interface of the original TB-303
Hands-on control over expressive parameters, including cutoff, resonance, envelope mod, decay, and accent
New features not found on the original TB-303, including four-digit LED display, overdrive and delay effects, MIDI, fine tempo control, and additional functions for pattern creation
Programmable via classic Pitch, Time, and Step write modes
Continue playing a sequence even while switching between write and play modes
CV/Gate outputs for controlling vintage analog gear and modular synthesizers
Dedicated trigger input to drive the internal sequencer
Highly portable for mobile music making
High-quality construction with metal front panel
Battery-operated (4 x AA) or USB powered
Control information can be sent and received via MIDI and USB
Built-in powered mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
Compatible with optional K-25m Keyboard Unit

Authentic 303 Sound and Behavior via Roland’s ACB Technology

You know when you hear a TB-303—a hypnotic, tribal sound that works best in dark, crowded rooms with big sound systems. Using the same ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology from the acclaimed AIRA series, the TB-03 accurately emulates the expressive, slippery sound of its older brother, and even adds a few surprises. Saw and square waveforms are available, along with all of the rotary control knobs that help shape the 303’s unique character, including tuning, cutoff, resonance, envelop mod, decay, and accent.

New Features Not Found in the Original

The TB-03 includes several enhancements over the original TB-303. Firstly, the four-digit LED display makes programming easier and more detailed, since you now have a visual representation of the value being edited. Then there are a variety of overdrive, delay, and reverb effects that dramatically change the mood and tone of the TB-03, going from smooth to spiky to squealing. Programming patterns is also easier thanks to newly added functions that include step write, shuffle, and fine tempo control. Finally, the inclusion of MIDI and USB ports mean that the TB-03 can send and receive control information and connect easily to computer-based DAWs.

Classic TB Sequencer with Enhanced Functions

If you’re familiar with the TB-303’s programming method, then you’ll feel right at home with the TB-03. The original Pitch and Time write modes are included, along with an all-new Step mode. Pattern programming is also enhanced by the LED display, which shows the current step in the sequence as well as showing fine tempo values (such as 125.5 BPM). The internal sequencer can be triggered externally via the trigger input, and you can even switch between write and play modes without stopping pattern playback, opening up new possibilities for live performance.

Connect with External gear

The TB-03 includes MIDI IN/OUT ports and USB, allowing control information to be exchanged with other instruments and devices. This turns the TB-03 into a versatile controller, especially as you can use the CV/Gate output to control external analog gear and modular synthesizers. This level of control works both ways, thanks to the trigger input that lets external gear drive the TB-03’s internal sequencer. Once connected to a PC or Mac, both audio and MIDI data can be sent through the USB port.

Battery or USB Bus Power

Some of the best music is made away from the studio, so the Roland Boutique series runs on 4 x AA batteries, ready for when inspiration strikes. Alternatively, the TB-03 can run on USB bus power.

USB Audio Interface for Direct Recording to Your DAW

Via its USB port, the TB-03 functions as a high-quality audio interface, providing a simple and reliable way of recording directly to your DAW application. You can keep your favorite settings and sequencer patterns safe too via the USB data backup function."

"The VP-03 is a miniature version of the VP-330 Vocoder Plus, one of the most popular vocoders ever made. Part of the Roland Boutique series, the VP-03 brings together the worlds of synthesized sound and the human voice, using the latest ACB technology to accurately emulate the sound that made the original so influential. The VP-03 has the VP-330’s vocoder, human voice, and strings sound sources on board, and comes with a gooseneck microphone. And when paired with the optional K-25m Keyboard Unit, you’ve got the authentic VP-330 vibe in a reliable, low-cost setup that’s highly portable. There are new features too, including 16 Chord Memory setups and a Voice Step Sequencer for even more creative potential. Whether you want the classic, electro-infused “talking robot” sound or the expressive power of shaping synth sounds with the human voice, the VP-03 puts it all at your fingertips.

Ultra-compact recreation of the iconic VP-330 Vocoder Plus
Retains the sound, character, and user interface of the original VP-330
Gooseneck XLR mic included
New features include Voice Step Sequencer and Chord Memory function for one-finger performance
High-quality construction with metal front panel
Highly portable for mobile music making
Battery-operated (4 x AA) or USB powered
Built-in powered mini-speaker for instant enjoyment
Dual ribbon controllers for pitch bend, modulation, and one-touch sound preview
Compatible with optional K-25m Keyboard Unit and DK-01 Docking Case

New Voice Step Sequencer

The VP-03 includes a new Voice Step Sequencer not included in the original VP-330, which allows you to input a single note, chord, or your voice into each of the 16 steps, with each step comprising up to six notes. The result is a distinctive rhythmic effect that brings dynamic motion to the VP-03. You can use a series of functions to change the order of steps within the sequence for unpredictable and inspiring results. Saving your best sequences to a computer via USB is easy using the backup/restore function.

New Chord Memory Function

Another new function not found in the original VP-330 is Chord Memory, which lets you play back chords using just one finger. With 16 locations available, you can quickly store and recall your favorite chords using one of the 16 step buttons. You can also create your own chords and save them into these locations, and back them up to your computer using the backup/restore function.

Connect with External Gear

In addition to line and headphone outputs (both in mini-jack format), the VP-03 is equipped with a full-size XLR mic input. Simply connect the supplied gooseneck mic to fully unlock the VP-03’s creative potential, using your voice (or any other sound) to filter and shape the onboard synthesized sounds. You can also connect the VP-03 to other devices, either through the standard MIDI IN/OUT ports or via a Micro-B USB connection that handles both audio and MIDI data.

Optional K-25m Keyboard Unit

The VP-03 works especially well with the K-25m, an optional 25-note keyboard that takes your music making to the next level. Once docked in the keyboard, the module’s front panel adjusts to three positions for convenient access to the knobs and sliders. Just attach the included gooseneck mic and you’re ready to go!

Battery or USB Bus Power

Some of the best music is made away from the studio, so the Roland Boutique series runs on 4 x AA batteries, ready for when inspiration strikes. Alternatively, you can use the VP-03 with USB bus power. Incredibly portable, the VP-03 weighs just 940 g/33 oz. with the batteries installed.

USB Audio Interface for Direct Recording to Your DAW

Via its USB port, the VP-03 also functions as a high-quality audio interface, providing a simple and reliable way of recording directly to your DAW application. You can keep your favorite settings and voice step sequencer patterns safe too via the USB data backup function."