Audio Realism reveal ABL2 (TB-303 clone) Rack Extension

Finally, I've wanted a TB-303 module in my reason rack for years. Audio Reaslism have answered that prayer by transforming their popular ABL2 303 clone into a Rack Extension for the up and coming Reason 6.5 update.

That's all well and good, but I think that the classic TB303 style sequencer is what gives the VST version of ABL2 its charm. With that iconic sequencer missing from the Rack Extension version I'm still on the fence whether or not it's going to make its way into my reason rack. If the sequencer was included with CV note out and maybe a copy pattern to grid option (like the existing Matrix Pattern Sequencer has) then the ABL2 would make it into my rack without question.

Hopefully the pricing of this rack extension will reflect the missing features. The VST version is currently priced at €95 (Approx. £77) which to me is a hell of a lot of money for what essentially is a two oscillator (one voice) monosynth with extremely limited functionality. It's hard to estimate how much Audio Realism will charge for the Rack Extension version of ABL2 seeing as the iOS version (Technobox) is priced at just £2.99 and the full VST version is roughly around £77. I suppose a reasonable price for the Rack Extension would be about £15-20 but we'll have to wait to know the actual price of the thing for sure.

There's no word yet on what routing options that will be available around the back of the Rack. It would be interesting to find some of the more advanced modular possibilities that are present in Audio Realism's ABL pro synth but to be honest I'm not expecting anything major. Maybe a few ins for controlling the basics (like filter control). However, Audio Realism did mention on their Facebook page that they had been controlling it with the Matrix Pattern Sequencer so it's safe to say that it will have the basic Gate/CV sequencer inputs.

All in all it looks the part, and of course the synth engine will be the same as the VST version (Which to me is the best softwear 303 clone that I've come across). It all comes down to the price and what features live around the back of the rack.

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Ableton live, TouchOSC + FB383

One of my favourite hardware synths that I own has to be the FB383. I've posted about it a few times here on Voltage-Controlled and I've used it in quite a few of the sample packs.

The FB383 is a clone of the famous Roland TB-303 Bassline synthesiser. I picked it up a few years ago from a second-hand place for just £20. It was listed as 'Hi-Fi accessories' so I'm guessing that the people from the shop had no idea what it was that they were selling.

The unit has been sitting on my shelf for a few months now feeling neglected, so I thought that it was about time I took it down for a good jam session.

Because the 383 has no internal sequencer (like the original TB303 does) I've chosen to trigger it using the ABL2 vst plugin via Ableton Live. The drum loops are taken from one of the Voltage-Controlled sample packs that are available to download for free on this site.

I used the TouchOSC app on the iPad to trigger the clips in Ableton. I love how customizable TouchOSC is, creating your own personalised midi controller is a godsend when using music Production software.

I have to admit, the video that I've uploaded has poor sound. This is because It was recorded using the camera on my iPhone. The speakers connected to my laptop weren't turned up very loud so there's a bit of obvious background noise and the mic on my iphone failed to pick up some of the very low frequencies. Other than that the video quality's quite good. After all, I wasn't planning on documenting the sound of the unit and it was recorded just as a random bit of fun. Enjoy.

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Free DIY Techno/Minimal

This sample pack contains a selection of high quality samples ideal for use in your DIY Techno/Minimal productions.
Loops/Samples are all in Cm and at 120bpm

All of the samples are completely free to use in whatever way you wish.

303 lines: 12

Percussion: 23

Siren FX: 8

Download HERE (.RAR)

DIY Techno/Minimal sample pack demo by Dan303

If you enjoyed this pack be sure to suggest it to your friends.

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