AudioRealism Bass Line 3
by AudioRealism · Synth · TB-303 bass synth emulation
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AudioRealism Bass Line 3 (ABL3) is a TB-303 emulation, rebuilt from scratch to model the original's analog circuit as closely as possible.
It includes a classic pattern editor, a real-time randomizer, a wave analyzer for transcribing patterns, and pattern import from ReBirth and modern 303 clones.
Best for: Bass, Keys & Synths, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM.
Keywords: hardware emulation, basses, sequencer, built-in analyzer, classic, randomize, analog, 80s, modern, resizable UI, sound design, subtractive, tempo-synced, vintage.
What it does
AudioRealism Bass Line 3 (ABL3) is a software TB-303: a sample-free analog-modeling emulation of Roland's bass line synth, with a built-in pattern sequencer. The developer tuned the knobs to match the original 303 "both in range and response."
- Emulation models: three or more engine models, from the older ABL2 sound to the latest ABL3, plus 3 VCO models with different characters.
- Filter: a modeled 24 dB/octave lowpass that behaves closer to 18 dB in the audible range, with resonance across 20 Hz to 22 kHz.
- Pattern sequencer: a classic edit view and a pattern edit view, with per-step accent, slide and octave, a pitch lane, drag-to-transpose and real-time preview while editing.
- Wave Analyzer: transcribes recorded 303 lines into patterns, detecting pitch, timing and accents; it can also build random patterns from any audio file.
- Randomizer: generates new patterns with randomized pitch, accent, slide and step lengths.
- Pattern import: reads patterns from ReBirth, Roland T-8 and TB-03, and Behringer TD-03.
- Sync and UI: hard sync to the host and a resizable interface; community-made skins and English and Spanish manuals are available.
Version 3.3.5.2 is also sold as a Rack Extension for Reason.
Source: AudioRealism product page
When to use it
Like D16 Phoscyon 2 and Arturia Acid V, the main 303 alternatives on the site, ABL3 covers the squelch, but it stays closest to a plain 303: one bass voice, a sequencer laid out like the original, and knobs tuned to the hardware's ranges. Its Wave Analyzer and pattern import from ReBirth, TB-03, TD-03 and T-8 make it a good bridge if you already own 303 clones or want to rebuild a line from a recording. Sound On Sound found it short on onboard drive, so plan on adding distortion from another plugin. For general bass work beyond acid, a full synth such as Serum 2 or Vital is far more flexible.
- Best for: acid lines, squelchy 303 basslines and quick random pattern ideas.
- Genres: acid house, acid techno, techno, house and other electronic styles.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a general-purpose bass synth; Serum 2 or Vital cover far more ground.
- Tip: play it from a keyboard to audition patterns and hit Random for new ideas; velocity above 100 triggers accent and legato playing triggers slide.
What producers say
Reviewers find the sound convincing and the sequencer fun; the gripes are about missing original sequencer tricks and limited onboard drive.
- Sound On Sound (2017) called it "an excellent TB303 in VST/AU format," found the sound "totally convincing" and the sequencer "more fun than the original," and praised the price.
- KVR users rate ABL3 4 out of 5 from 1 review (2023), praising the February 2022 sound update and the piano roll, and calling it ideal for acid techno; ABL2 has seven further KVR reviews.
- Criticisms: Sound On Sound missed triplets and pattern chaining, and found Wave Analyzer results mixed with poor source recordings; the KVR reviewer still prefers outboard distortion to the built-in drive.
Where to buy
- AudioRealism: $95 (Price from the KVR Audio product listing (shown there in USD))
Tutorials and reviews
- Bass Line 3 - A new benchmark in software 303 emulation
- How To Use The ABL3 303 Emulation Plug-in
- Testing the AudioRealism Bass Line 3 (ABL3) Roland TB 303 VST
- AudioRealism ABL3x version 3.3.0.2 comparison against Din Sync RE-303 and Roland TB-303
- Bass Line 3 by AudioRealism (No Talking)
Similar plugins
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