How to program a TD-3 / TB-303 | The 303 sequencer EXPLAINED | Tutorial 😈🔥
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
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If you really want to understand how the Behringer TD-3 / TD-3-MO / Roland TB-303 sequencer works and how to use it efficiently, then look no further. We program a short example sequence and visualize what's going on inside of that 303 brain.
Gear used:
Behringer TD-3
Erica Synths Bassline DB-01
Cyclone Analogic TT-303 Bass Bot
Synthstrom Audible Deluge
► Instagram / captainpikant
#behringer #td3 #behringertd3 #roland #tb303 #303 #tutorial #sequencer #acid #acidtechno #tt303 #ericasynths #bassline #db01 #synthesizer #analogsynth #analogsynthesizer #captainpikant
Table of contents:
0:00 Introduction
1:09 Our example pattern
1:22 Selecting a pattern slot
3:17 Pitch
5:55 Timing
7:04 Becoming One With The Sequencer
8:20 Tap Timing
8:45 Correcting Mistakes
11:19 Song Mode
11:38 A Better 303 Sequencer
13:37 The Easy Way to Program a 303
14:36 End Jam
Produced by Jean-Claude Dirckx and Sophie Hoppstädter - Hudba
"I smile because you suffer" needs to be a T-shirt.
I can't tell you how happy I was to see Behringer added a "random" feature to spit out sequences at will.
@@Trig242 I don't hate the 303 sequencer, but then I'v had one since the 90's so I'm used to it's foibles. But, yeah.. The randomisation on the TD-3, TB-03 (which also has a variation mode too) certainly make things more spontaneous.
Best randomiser is on the TT-303 Mk1. that just spits out fire.
That's why Behringer placed a smiling circle in a box on top of TD-3.
When you make a device meant to substitute a bass guitar, but the original target demographic found it easier to just learn actual bass guitar, says a lot about the headache this sequencer can give you.
It only really functions like a "bass guitar" when you sync it with 606/808/909 trigger outs.
What gets me about it is that when it was released alongside the TR-606, a friend of mine bought them both for live work. He'd previously had other Roland drum machines and how on earth they ditched their acceptable approach for whatever this nonsense is, I'll never know.
Utterly brilliant video. Fresh, cool presentation.
Or how easy bass guitar is.
@@vladv5126 Well yes and no. Bass guitair is easy to get into but difficult to master. So that ain't exactly how it works.
If you hold down "clear" and "start/stop" at the same time the Behringer TD-3 will generate a random sequence for you.
This is the way
And if you hold clear + start/stop + pitch mode (3 buttons), it will randomly swap few note pitches in existing progression, without dramatically changing it, good function for jams
Duuuuuuuuudeeeeee
This is one of the best tutorials on the 303 sequencer that I've ever seen! I've had the 303 for years (with plenty of early software emulations, including ReBirth), and frankly never even questioned why it was so complex. But then again, back then we were making music on the Amiga's 4-tracker with hexadecimal parameters for volume and sample offset! Haha. This is, indeed, why the synth for bass guitarists never took off. And this is, most likely, the reason why it fell into the hands of house and techno producers, and then they did just punch in the semi-random patterns to see how it went. You didn't bother to correct your accidents. Accidents were always the way! The OGs didn't program sequences by first imagining what they wanted. They just went for it. And the rest is history!
Makes sense that just pressing buttons at random meant those techno and house guys found out all kinds of weird sounds by accident!
I second that, though I started on my Screamtracker 3 when I was 12. Good times!
How to program the TD-3:
1. Punch in the pitch mode
2. Now the timing mode
3. Why can't I enter the timing mode?
4. Open the manual
5. It doesn't help. Throw the manual at the wall in anger.
6. Delete the entire pattern and try again.
7. Carefully punch in the pitch mode and the timing mode
8. Press Start/stop
9. No sound coming out of the TD-3
10. Walk across the room to pick up the manual.
11. Follow the manual step-by-step.
12. Oops! You missed something. Can't exit the pitch mode.
13. Cry
14. Connect it to a laptop and use software to program it like a failure that you are.
I think that is a VERY accurate description of the first time I used this thing :)
A: the Behringer synthtribe app. DONE.
That is somewhat accurate for electron stuff…
@@micindir4213 lol yup
Legit cackled at #14. Lol Well played.
I like the 303 sequencer, wish more machines had it as on option alongside a normal sequencer.
Life is like a 303 sequencer you never know what you're gonna get.
Me 2 i love it .
As long as its squelchy...
🔥🔥♥️
I absolutely love the 303 sequencer!
I've had the TD-3 for over a year and while I love that juicy Acid sound, the cheatsheet and this video is a life saver. Before I was just pressing random buttons and hope for the best. Thanks Cap!
So glad it was helpful to you :)
sometimes - occasion will be written in history :D
This is a brilliant guide. Thank you so much for sharing. For those not aware, the Behringer TD-3 (and TD-3-MO) has a workaround for this awful workflow: You can use the SynthTribe program to edit the sequence using a normal DAW-like grid. When you make an edit, you can store the edited sequence without stopping play. This gives a type of "live" playing, even though it isn't exact. I put in this pattern from Captain Pikant in about 10 seconds using the software, editing it on the fly. It is easy to change to triplets, change timing, accents, and everything using mouse clicks without stopping play. It is my preferred way to program the TD-3.
Other things this gives you: Unlimited sequences. Edit sequences you aren't playing, then queue them. Import and export sequences. Merge sequences. Easily copy sequences to a new pattern, allowing for simplified song structure. All of this is done without stopping play. The downside is you do need a computer. You can also use MIDI on the TD-3, opening it up for external sequencing (though not quite as flexible).
Thank You!
Please forgive me for my ignorance, I'm not a synth guy. But wouldn't be easier to ditch the sequencer and use a computer to control your instruments? Or there's some advantage using dedicated sequencers?
@@PastelComGini, Good question. A big part of the 303 sound is the way it does slides, accents, triplets, and ties. It is the key to getting truly authentic 303 basslines. Doing that with an external sequencer ranges from impossible to very difficult depending on the specific 303 clone we are talking about. For the original Roland TB-303, the procedure shown is the only way to play it. On the Behringer clones they give you a way to program those special values with software. It isn’t perfect. It would be nice if Behringer made a VST to control all these parameters in an easy way. However, the Behringer at least makes it possible. In addition the TD-3-MO version lets you control the filter with MIDI CC values. This lets you move the filter faster than is physically possible with the knob. Combine that with sequence editing and you get slightly more out of it when you run it with a computer attached than you do standalone. That said, I use it standalone most of the time when actually performing. It sounds fantastic, and that’s what it is all about.
It’s been so long I haven’t used it ,I forgot about SynthTribe. Thanks for the memory jog,Lol.
@@PastelComGini I use my td3 on midi in with my MPC midi out. This things got some killer sounds
oh man, this was great! How can such a little synth cause so much pain...
I really think every decent 303 baseline in history was achieved only by pure accident!
The TB-303 could be randomized by taking out the batteries for a few minutes. Not sure how often this was actually used for tracks, but it was a very well known trick among producers.
i thought the same thing. that most of the classic 303 acid house bass lines were just “happy accidents” 😂 i’ve got a td-3 myself, and it certainly is….different lol.
@@djhaloeight yeah, they are unique for sure. I have the Roland Boutique TB-03 - I do like it... sometimes haha - it's definitely a love/hate relationship!
haha yes. nobody can tell me that the basslines of Phutures Acid tracks, Armandos land of confusion and downfall and mr. fingers acid attack werent just randomly mashing in some patterns. no way someone had those melodies in mind. but thats what made them so damn weird and druggy. then you have people like luke vibert or the guys from hardfloor that make some of the best basslines with these things. so i guess after 20 years you do learn how to program them properly :D
You're right with some of the first acid house tunes, the guys interviewed said they were accidents. However once people figured out how to program them it changed. Personally Richie Hawtin is the 303 master as he's used mostly that his entire almost 40 year career now.
I bought one just because of the sequencer, i love it when you got a 16th arp defined and you can make a follow up pattern just by shifting octaves and accents/accents here and there. No other sequencer behaves like that.
This really makes me feel better about struggling with the TD-3 sequencer. I’ve just been using it as a sound module with a midi keyboard for the last year. 🤦♂️
The Behringer Synthtribe app makes it a hell of a lot easier
@@jetbreak no one seems to understand, "there's an app for that". 🙏
Excellent tutorial!
The big irony here is that the 606 sequencer is a thing of straightforward and simple perfection.
As you said though 'cyclone has shown us...' Exactly. There are already 303alikes out there with 'better' sequencers. Behringer made an authentic one like people asked Roland for thirty years. I do think an easy mode would be nice, but only as an addition (like a key combo at power up to change to modern sequencer mode). The OG sequencer isn't hard, it's just clunky/not what people are used to doing, and people buying them from pawnshops 'back in the day' didn't have a manual.
the audio management on this video is so excellent
The design might not be conventional, but I think it's really good. The separation of notes and rhythm makes it very easy for me to enter what I have in my mind in the machine. You might disagree, but the first time I used one it felt like a revelation to me. Everyone is different! The triplets stuff and not being able to edit during play are horrible though, but there's more to life than efficiency ;)
True, as I realized at the end of the video you can't argue with the results ;)
I thought the same. It looked very intuitive to me. But of course the interface could be much better even if sticking to this separate pitch and timing lanes approach. I think I will buy one to experience it myself, hopefully I won't regret that ;)
This video cleared up a lot of the confusion I had related to how pitch programming tied in with timing programming on the built-in sequencer. Thank you so much for this!
The level of quality of your videos are just out of control. I can't believe that you don't have more subs than you do, but one day it HAS to pay off. It just has to. Incredible ⭐️
I have been joking about the 303 design meetings for years. I finally feel validated. Thank you!!
I created the ‘quick start’ guide a few years ago, so people can have fun within minutes of ripping their TD3’s out of the box - which seems to get a lot of views - but Captain, yours is a great tutorial for getting deeper into the TD3 / 303 and really helps people with programming something specific. I’ve owned 303’s for over 30 years, and learnt something from your tutorial 👍
Sir, while having a lot of time with TB-303 could you please say, how closely sounds TD-3 to a genuine 303?
@@nikostalk5730 Have a look at some of my videos- I did a couple of comparisons. The TD3 is really close. Not 100% bang on, but maybe 95%? They did an amazing job and actually in terms of how you program it and interact with it, it absolutely matches the 303 experience. The funky colours are fun (black looks really good) but the silver one just feels that much more authentic. There really is nothing ‘not to like’ about the TD3. If you get one, then you are going to have the same experience as an owner of the OG:..but hopefully without reliability issues which can come with 40 year old hardware! (Many of my TB-303 LEDs no longer work, the micro switches need replacing and half the memory banks no longer work!!)
Was thinking of selling my TD-3, but this video was very entertaining and helpful. I still don't entirely know what I'm doing but it's a step in the right direction! It's a shame Berhinger hasn't updated the synthtribe app to work on apple silicon.
This one gotta be the best episode so far Captain... at least my personal favorite. The Void part was simply out of this world.
The quality is freaking sky high and each little detail, like the smiley face hilarious zoom in and the very final part in witch the tb 303 sound is explained.... I cant explain how grateful I am for such content
THANK YOU!! This is the best tutorial video available, such a great tool!
this has been one of the most entertaining and thorough explanations of the td-3 ive seen, and your video quality is out of this world!
I knew it! I knew this was coming after watching the RD6 video! Loving this channel, the best explanation of these crazy sequencers out there
This the best 303/TD-3 beginners guide I've ever seen 👍 Thank you..
I LOVE THIS VIDEO!!!! This channel is an absolute goldmine for any synth enthusiast
Captain, my Captain!
So good to see another video from you. The Behringer software makes it a lot easier. Also, random function is useful for seeing in the software what the sound changes look like.
First video of yours I've watched, and the quality of your explanation and the production took me by surprise! Great video, I've subbed and am looking forward to watching more of your stuff :D
I got my 303 when I was like 14 or 15, can't remember since that was way before internet was a thing and it was possible to make great music with machines that did not have parameter locks and/or probability features. Anyways, using the 303-sequencer never was a problem - in fact I liked it and still do. It's straight forward and a 303 just works. No firmware update is needed, no drivers have to be installed, it even works great with batteries and headphones. But then, there are people who make loooong videos on this easy-to-grasp topic as if it was rocket science.
I love the 303 for its sound AND the wonderful sequencer, would not want to have it any other way 😊
Excellent video, as always. Thank you!
MANNN I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL...Your videos get better and better ,we need more uploads!!!
Thank You!!!!! This is the best, and easiest to follow guide for programming the TD-3!
Was dreaming of such type of explanation while trying to get it.
Bless ya
Can you imagine purchasing one of these units from a pawn shop dirt cheap in Detroit, late 80's, no manual, no internet, and having to figure it out? The pioneers of techno had their work cut out for them.
just ordered a 303 and while waiting for delivery i'm watching some videos to get familiar with the features. you got an awesome way of reviewing :)
Your tutorials are the best! Glad to see a personal fave outside the drum machine domain!
Agree 👍♥️
I have seen this video at least 20 times in the past few months, and I always smile watching it every time :)
This is pure gold. Well done!!
Amazing, thankyou for this walkthrough, especially the visuals.
You have helped me no end 👌
Mon Capitain, I have watched this video 6 times and believe I now have a rudimentary understanding of the sequencer. In doing so, it's persuaded me that I don't really want to work this way, so have gone back to my Deluge, which handily has just returned after its screen retro-fit! Thank you for your excellent efforts though, I'm not entirely done with it yet!
Honestly, this sequencer makes perfect sense and is very easy to use...
...if you're transcribing from sheet music. The rest of us, however, are screwed.
What sort of sequencer do you enjoy?
Even a "little rant" video is so good! This channel is stupidly high quality! I love it!
This video made me love my Korg Monologue and it's sequencer so much more. 😂
Monologue is the killer app. Easiest to program
The separation of pitch and time is imho a very musical way to notate music and much more flexible than the rigid gridlocked corset of steps with fixed lengths into which we have been squeezed for decades after music was rasterized by MIDI.
And the genius of this sequencer begins to shine when we come up slides.
I like it!
Ah, this video is what I’ve been looking for. When I first got the device two years ago, I tried to learn how to program it from a written manual absolutely impossible. So it’s sat on the side for the last two years doing nothing. I finally decided but it must be time a conquer this device, and your video is exactly what is needed. Brilliant. Thank you.
This is probably my favourite video on youtube, thank you
I have one of these things and barely use it because of the complexity but I just love that acid bass sound.
Great video!
I got used to this sequencer, but agree. Absolutely love this video! :D I've been giggling the whole time.
Finally! This needs to be the official guide for the ages.
Thanks for the tutorial! Great!
This is the best video on YT, kudos on so many levels
very good tutorial, thanks
Another great video, tanks! :)
Very informational. Thanks. Just bought a tb3
The best video on this topic! 🎉
I was here, and sub'ed at 21.8k users. What a great channel! This is going to be grande. Best of luck, and thank you.
I was given onenof these for my birthday and having watched quute a few tutorials, yours is the most entertaining! You're absolutely right about the BONKERS design decisions about not giving the user much feedback from the machine. And never press the triplet (or self-destruct) button!
Still love the sound though!
Unbelievably good video
Wow. This video is life changing.
Best TD-3 Tutorial. Thank you
Great video. I was going to buy one of these but I don't think I have the patience to deal with it. Best explanation I've seen. Subscribed.
EXCELLENT VIDEO THANK YOU!!!
superb!
That tt303 bug, for a while i thought i was being thick and doing something wrong!! Was waiting for you to mention it, great news they will look at this, otherwise the seq is a joy to use!
That drum pattern at the end was lovely
I've make a lot of time to understand this sequencer, but when you dompt it, after you love it! Really...
Best tutorial ever!
Quality content!
Educational, hilarious, and therapeutic all at once. Helluva video.
I love the 303.. together with an 808 it is legend
Excellent video
Very happy sticking to software on this one
Another way of working with the sequencer, is to enter the timing first. Ignore pitch (each note will default at C) instead, focus on the rythmic element and change up the timing until you like it.
Then, enter the pitch values for each remaining note.
It is a bit of a different experience and you may like it better.
this video is too good - thank you!!!!
Thank you for this Video ❣️
the easy mode sequence you did at the end there, ruled🙂
Impeccable videography
I think thats the charm of 303 sequencer. It never turns out the way you intend it. But usually, ended up becoming happy accidents.
Perfectly explained! Your videos are little masterpieces and make watching tutorials more fun than watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster.
The TT-303 sequencer is the gold standard in 303 style sequencers. Easy editability, pattern morphing, arpeggiator and manual slides/accent/octave, all within the same button layout as the original. Here's hoping someone will eventually hack the TD-3/TD-3MO with something similar because they are being held back by the current state of the sequencer.
Dude, TT-303 is a kid's toy, like Rebirth, go away, we all ended up to produce in a hard way, not a 3 note piano.
After reading, re-reading, re-re-reading and following the directions in Behringer's own manual for the TD-3, I was stuck at 5:44 not hearing any notes played back after writing even the simplest patterns. Thanks for posting your how to video Captain, maybe I can finally figure out this box and make it work!
excellent video.
I made one of the first 303 How To Program videos, can't hold a candle to this one (but it was 15 years ago!) but this made me chuckle. It's a nutty device. I wonder if the team that made the 303 sequencer went on to do the 202. Now *that's* one I never understood, I just cv/gate play it. 😅
Ah! The Good Captain!❤😊😊
Thanks. Best tutorial. Now I can start making music. 😊
muy bueno el video genio saludos desde Tijuana yo compre la Behringher TD-3 y tengo la Roland boutique TB-03 y amo el sonido Acid
Sick subbed
The Video Editing is very nice!
the way he gets angry with the calmest voice ever its so funny. great content man!
Excellent
Thank you, the TD-3 has been a nightmare to program and this has helped.
Very Helpfull, Thank you Pikant.
303 is a nightmare sequencer but a strong live Gear.
thank you so much
Brilliant video and tutorial for this amazing machine that makes the most beautiful sound in the universe....Acid 303s 😁😁
You bordering dangerously on the 'Bad Gear' threshold of demonstrating that it is actually possible to work the damn thing!! Joking aside though, you have put so much effort into these videos!! The real cut outs for rests & notes etc is seriously going way beyond the extra mile, superb my friend, how could I not subscribe?
100k subs and onto more ;)
I was here before 1k subs and now you’ve grown so much
Randomly playing videos form your chanel. From my kitchen i hear your voice say 'more angry than usually" or something like that. I think to myself "he is having a TD-3 time". Well, i wasn't wrong :)
perfect video ! thanks KpTN
This video almost makes it seem even more difficult, somehow, amazing.
It was funny and informative at once :)