303 Day: Michigan Synth Works today introduced the LRB-303, an open source version of the classic Roland TB-303 Computer Controlled Bassline Synthesizer.
It’s a full-size clone, controlled by the OS-303 Open Source TB-303 Processor. This chip is a drop-in replacement for the u650 processor used in the TB-303, TR-606, and TR-808. It runs an open-source version of the 303 firmware.
There are dozens of 303-inspired synths, including a free software 303 emulations from Roland, Behringer’s inexpensive TD-3, DinSync’s unofficial 303 reissue, and Future Retro’s 777 uber-303. The LRB-303, though, is open, DIY and hackable, making it at platform, as much as a synth.
Here’s a demo of the LRB-303 in action:
Pricing and Availability:
Michigan Synth Works says that the LRB-303 will be available March 5, 2026, with pricing for a complete build expected to be around $700.
via cdm
There’s also the Future Retro 777, the scam that’s the Avalon, and Behringer with two versions including the Modded Out Devil Fish.
How to say you commented without reading the article, without saying you commented without reading the article….
Article didn’t mention Avalon and TD-3-MO…. how to say you commented without reading the comment, without saying you commented without reading the comment… 😉
What’s the scam with the Avalon?
I’ve had one since 2016. Quite literally one of the best made pieces of equipment I own. Have two of the available filter cartridges. These were a bit harder to come by as I didn’t buy them at the same time. A truly inspiring 303 clone that brings enough extra flavour to the original without ever going over the top.
There is also Roland’s ACB boutique and the other Aira device. Both of which sound great. But only the boutique delivers anything close to a TB experience. The new FutureRetro sounds nothing like a 303 if we are going by the recent demo videos.
Some people complained about a lack of communication and long waiting times, sometimes waiting years before receiving their instrument, with no reply to emails.
Not that I support the og dwelling on negativity to get attention…
A lot of people have not yet received their Avalon. Check the modwiggler and elektronauts threads if you are interested in the drama. At this point, it’s completely fair to call it a scam.
No, it’s your thing.
So why would anyone buy this for $700 when Behringer 303 costs $109..?
Why would you waste money on a piece of plastic when you can do it with free software?
People have different needs and interests….
The B one doesn’t sound like the original, its build quality is very low, it looks really bad, and a lot don’t want to support B, especially after they ripped off Devil Fish’s work.
imho these look bad with the silver faceplate on the lovely colors, similarly B’s looks bad when the bottom of the case is a different color than the top of the case
all of these are kind of ripping off roland’s work so idgaf about that part
The silver faceplate looks like the original.
i know, and it looks good on the silver body imho, like the originals. the non silver body with the silver face plate not so much, its fashion and style and its quite subjective so there’s no right or wrong answer here but to me it looks horrible upon the lovely colorful bodies “whats good for yooou, is not good for meeee…” ¯\_(?)_/¯
Oh, I get what you’re saying now
I wonder about this too
The TD-3 is a bit of fun, but the sawtooth is narrow and nasally, whereas the square wave sounds absolutely nothing like the original. The distortion circuit is terrible as well. The LRB-303 actually looks like the OG, and Michigan Synth Works have basically proven they can nail that Roland sound with stuff like their MSW-810. The LRB-303 is going to appeal to people who want an original or an RE-303 but can’t be bothered with the expense or hassle. By the looks of things, MSW are using a mix of SMD and through-hole components, so they’re not aiming for an exact 1:1 replica like the RE-303, but rather something that looks and sounds pretty much spot-on. I reckon they’ll sell quite a few of these kits.
I always love a new 303 on the market, even if it is on the more expensive side.
Personally, have owned a few TD-3s from Behringer, they sound off from a real 303.
The great (to me) sounding budget (keyword budget) clone I have used is the Analogic Bass Bot TT303 (only used the version 2).
If you can’t afford this new upcoming clone here, that is what I would get…but be cautious, quality control is lacking; multiple users have received a faulty unit that failed quickly or had excess noise or other faults. I had to send my first one (silver) back. The 2nd one (red) has worked great…but be warned, the bottom texture will turn to a sticky goo mess over time, like the Arturia Microbrute’s knobs.
The TT-303 V2 does not sound like a TB-303 but it has its own thing, especially some unique sequencer features.
My first defective one did not, but my 2nd is the best sounding clone I have used…maybe I just got a lucky unit. I have never used any of the high end clones though. Maybe it does sound different, but if that is true, then maybe that just means it sounds better. 😉
If nailing the exact sound of the original is your goal the TT303 MK2 isn’t as accurate as for example a well-built RE-303.
It sounds different and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Many synths based on the TB-303 have their own character.
No reason for this, a 303 clone can be bought for as little as $150 new. This brings nothing to the table at $700 other than a waste of space on the internet.
Some people care more about getting the exact original sound, having reliable build quality and something that looks nice. I’m not sure this one hits all of that, especially since it’s smt but if it does, it’s an attractive price for a 303, way cheaper than the RE303.
The B version is more of a cheap knockoff, it looks and feels really low quality, can knock over a table just from the weight of the cables on its back, and it doesn’t really sound like the original. If all that doesn’t matter to you that’s fine, but for some people it does.