![]() ![]() There were more of these than I expected, but all very firmly in Bassline territory.Īlthough a MIDI implementation chart isn't included in the four‑page manual, the FreeBass's spec is pretty easy to work out. ![]() Instead, I simply assaulted it with as many acid/techno patterns as I could and conjured up lots of different sounds. ![]() There was no point in looking for second oscillator or, indeed, any feature that was not present on the original TB303. It's a strange business reviewing a synth whose sole purpose in life is to reproduce the characteristics - even the limitations - of another. Played in this manner, the Freebass took on an instant air of authenticity. Of course, I never had the opportunity to play my own TB303s via a keyboard (all programming being done in step time), so I switched on my Korg Prophecy and let the Prophecy's arpeggiator run frantically for a while as I twiddled knobs on the Freebass. Before getting deeper into the Freebass, I was struck by the fact that if you play legato, an irritating preset portamento is introduced to the sound. Open That Boxįirst impressions are important. One flick with a tiny screwdriver to select the channel I wanted, and I was ready to go. The rear of the unit features a MIDI In socket (no Thru), the inevitable external power supply connector, standard quarter‑inch jacks for the audio out and the external input to the filter, and four DIP switches which are used to set the MIDI channel. ![]() With its silver and orange front panel, it definitely has a retro look - it would not be out of place alongside disco oil lamps and flared trousers! The knobs are all reassuringly smooth and chunky, with functions chosen to mimic the TB303. The Freebass is the smallest rack‑mounted synth I have ever come across, being just 2.5 inches deep and occupying a single rack space. OK - it's not free, exactly, but, being priced at just under the £200 mark, it must rate a listen if Basslines are your thing. So, without further ado, let me introduce the FB383 Analog Synthesizer, or Freebass. As to whether it's right or not - let's just say that numerous other companies depend on it, not least Freeform Analogue Technologies, who believe that there's room for yet another 303 clone in an already crowded market. Of course, the decision not to start making the 303 again is based on sound business strategy and years of experience. The enquiry concerns the legendary TB303, Roland's little silver plastic Bassline. In it, an exasperated Roland salesperson declares: "You're the tenth person I've told today: there just isn't any demand for it!" and then slams down the phone. I have a strange, recurring dream which is set in a plush office somewhere in Japan. Is there no end to the appetite for TB303 clones? Paul Nagle checks out one of the cheapest yet, and concludes that FAT is good for you after all. People keep on making 'em, people keep on buying 'em. ![]()
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