£419
30 years on, the sound of Roland’s iconic TB-303 bass synth remains as popular as it’s ever been. So popular, in fact, that Roland brought the TB-303 back to life earlier this year with the release of the AIRA range. The TB-3 is disqualified from contention for our list as a result of its virtual analogue sound engine, which means we have to look elsewhere for an alternative.
Despite its appearance, the BassBot TT-303 isn’t an officially licensed clone of the TB-303. What we have here is essentially a very well implemented unofficial x0xb0x-style clone of the original, built into a case so close to the TB’s that it’s easily mistaken for the real thing at a quick glance. More importantly, the sound is just as authentic: this is a very very realistic clone of the classic 303 sound.
The TT-303 won’t win any prizes for versatility, but then again neither did the TB-303. You won’t get a synth which can lend its hand to a wide range of sounds, but what you will get is the classic 303 sound plus a feature set updated for the 21st century: MIDI input, a more user-friendly sequencer, a built-in arpeggiator and even intelligent pattern generation.
02.24 AM
No love for the Vermona mono lancet? Wicked dual osc mono synth with one of the best square waves around imo
11.09 AM
My two cents…. I’ve heard some pretty terrible things about Cyclone Analogic TT-303… and I would personally take a x0xb0x over it any day.
Also… Korg Monotron? Top ten best analog monosynth? I guess SH-101 and MC-202 were too close to the 303 or what? I agree that the Mono Lancet should be in there, perhaps instead of Monotron. Well, actually there are a bunch of better candidates.
11.15 AM
Borg – new synths only in this one, so 101 and 202 don’t qualify.
As always with our Ten Of The Best features these are our favourite options at a range of price points, listed from cheapest to most expensive.
We like the Mono Lancet too but as far as modules go the Dark Energy and Pulse 2 get the nod here.
11.40 AM
got the bass bot since a while and must say the sound is quite good, creamy and very 303 authentic, the filter is good as well. probably better to test it for yourself than judging on it by “hearing terrible things”. the rest of the list seems to fit as well.
09.18 PM
Monotron is my favorite synth of all time. I have plenty of synthesizers (also some which are mentioned in this post).
05.25 AM
Future Retro’s XS should be on there too IMO
06.14 PM
Analogue Solutions Leipzig S is a killer monosynth !
06.28 PM
Can definitely recommend ANYTHING from Studio Electronics.
SE-1 is a great and cheaper alternative to the minimoog + has an SEM filter in there!
10.22 PM
Mono lancet should be there imo
01.40 AM
Really surprised the Moog Minitaur didn’t make the list…
02.01 AM
For something e little different, check out an Eowave Domino. It has an interesting character
08.01 PM
vermona mono lancet, eowave domino, mfb micro/nanozwerg (price is ridiculous) just to name some very strong contenders for this list.
11.14 PM
Analogue Solutions Telemark ? Happy the Dark Energy got in their tho
06.47 PM
I am surprised not to see the EMS’s Synthi A, or VCS3 on the list. When it comes down to sonic flexibility, those two remain peerless.
04.06 PM
No DSI Pro 2???
08.09 AM
BASS STATION II …All the way! it’s amazing.
06.18 PM
The MicroBrute is made of very solid metal not plastic. And the MiniBrute also has only one oscillator.
09.43 PM
lol cool article
09.47 PM
05.44 PM
x0xbox its better than cyclone!
10.05 AM
Waldorf Pulse 2 is the best sounding synth from all of those however it would be beneficial having more knobs. Pulse 2 is proper analog modular synth with the patch memory.
10.56 PM
If you think the analogue revival started with the MonoTron you must have just jumped on the bandwagon recently.
06.53 PM
Hypersynth Xenophone should be on the list, I would say in place of the Mopho which is bland and undistinguished. Or if you want a DSI, put the Evolver up there, the best monosynth for under a grand. I would put both; remove the Minimoog which is always admirable but overpriced and does not have a place on this list of affordable monosynths.