Donner B1 | Review + Tutorial | Everything you need to know

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This is our very honest review on the Donner B1 monophonic bass synthesizer. In this video we give you a tour of what it can do, but we also show its shortcomings and why it isn't a true 303 clone. But maybe that's not a bad thing?
You can find the DonnerSynths software under
www.donnerdeal.com/pages/down... (it's in the MIDI Keyboard section)
Gear used:
Donner B1 Syn Bass
Behringer TD-3
► Instagram / captainpikant
#303 #analogsynth #synthesizer #analog #donnermusic #donnerdeal
Table of contents:
0:00 Introduction
0:38 Build Quality
1:55 Connectivity
2:44 Sounds
6:44 The Sequencer
11:22 Performance
13:11 Room for Improvement
15:22 Bugs
16:40 Blinkiness
16:51 Price & Verdict
18:02 End Jam
Produced by Jean-Claude Dirckx and Sophie Hoppstädter

[@CaptainPikant]

Hello everyone! The manufacturer has just released a firmware update in which some of our suggestions were implemented: * Legato slides * The editing offset bug is fixed - modifying sequences is now much more pleasant * A safety to avoid losing unsaved changes: When trying to switch to a different pattern, the SAVE button blinks to remind you that there are unsaved changes

[@travellogger5080]

Nice. I want more products from those guys.

[@dafyddthomas5885]

Firmware 1.1.0 has just been released that gives us the light up notes to indicate what note is in a step. Just like in your simulation! Also a new Song mode allowing pattern chaining. Just missing the shortcut for easy octave up or done editing but hopefully we'll get that in a further update.

[@CaptainPikant]

@@dafyddthomas5885 we tried the new firmware a few days ago - I'm very happy they followed our suggestions! The machine is now much more comfortable to use. And yes, fingers crossed for the quick octave transposition :)

[@stuartcarter7053]

Song mode has now been added! What a result. Thank you for your review as it's clearly inspired the Devs to follow your suggestions. Also fair play to Donner for not just leaving it

[@JS-tb9sn]

what happens when you are a fair reviewer. you get the company to improve its product's usability and productivity. thank you captain!

[@AudioPilz]

Finally!!!

[@CaptainPikant]

Hi Florian, great to see you here! Did you know that some people keep insisting that we are the same person? And look at me, commenting with both accounts on my video ;)

[@brunocpimenta]

​@@CaptainPikant OH GOD YOU TWO GUYS ❤

[@dankefurnichts]

@@CaptainPikant 😂

[@kinetic-cybernetic]

This was a very fair and objective review. Thanks to it I decided to get the B1 and got EXACTLY what I was expecting, which I love: a decent 303 sound with a 2022 usability.

[@crimsonfancy]

Agreed that this review is very helpful and fair. And the cost vs value of this Donner B1 machine is also fair for what we get....doesn't break the bank so-to-say. Hope you've enjoyed your B1 and have found it helpful to your compositions. /cheers

[@pixelfrenzy]

Props for including the Charanjit Singh tune!

[@jevogroni4829]

hell yeah

[@SpikesStudio3]

Yep. First class.

[@kierenmoore3236]

That A/B segment is perfect, and something so many comparisons neglect to do … We have very short memories for audio samples, so it is the only way to truly compare … Thanks. :)

[@itskrp]

I think that's one of the best reviews I've ever watched.

[@supermonkeycollider]

Amazingly, all of your suggestions are in the most recent firmware - Donner must be fans 🎉😂

[@xwkshfrajerze1083]

Are the slides fixed?

[@albertpauw8234]

Good job! The Knight Rider theme is a nice bonus.

[@CaptainPikant]

Hey Albert, glad you liked it :)

[@natbvm1880]

Man I love the colors and production. Absolutely gorgeous content

[@robm2702]

genius review, was searching this product and blown away by the details you shared thank you

[@alessandrolunardelli2352]

I really appreciate your honest review. With all the variations in real time, it's possible to dive and skulpt the sound in a awesome way. Good job👍

[@andrewgainey8210]

I always love this video format, love your work! ^^

[@bicrome]

Your video quality is awesome as always :)

[@keithhampton9700]

I have a 303. I like how Raw the Donner sounds. Better distortion and added delay. 303 though is much smoother in transition. Almost got the Donner. Price point for the 303 was much higher. Should have gotten a TD 3 instead.

[@fjfrancois]

Man once again, what a pro channel, keep up with the good videos 🎉

[@thcdenton]

Owned an original 303 years ago and I got a TD-3-MO rn. This one's just different enough for me to G.A.S.

[@GODZINACOMA101]

Great review, think I might have to get this now!

[@sneakBeats1]

Great review dude, got a new subscriber here

[@electro-soma]

It's good to see that Donner have been listening to you. Another big firmware update today which fixes the slide issue. I picked one up for £89 with their Easter discount.

[@dafyddthomas5885]

Aswell as the slide stuff, they seem to have added a flashing warning that you need to save if you attempt to move off an edited pattern. Anyone know what else they've updated / added? A release note describing changes would be wonderful but no sign of that...

[@logantorres7083]

@@dafyddthomas5885 Yes, we did a bit more improvements besides the slide and editing issues. The complete release note can be found before performing the firmware update using our Donner Control software. After you click the "CHECK VERSION", there will be an option said "release note". There you will find all the changes:) Thanks for every suggestions you guys provided. This is currently the best B1 review video I have watched.

[@dafyddthomas5885]

@@logantorres7083 Thanks, there is indeed! here are the contents for ease of reading: V1.0.2 Release Notes 1. SAVE behavior improvements When switching from a pattern containing unsaved changes, the SAVE button will now flash 5 seconds for reminding. Press the UP/DOWN button again to switch pattern without saving. The UP&DOWN buttons will light up now to indicate the saving location that can amend when using SAVE 2. SLIDE behavior amendment The SLIDE will not re-trigger the ENV now for a true legato-slide effect 3. HOLD behavior amendment Now, the sequence will keep running while applying the HOLD function. As a result, when performing with multiple devices, the pattern will not be out of sync 4. Fixed the out of sync issue while using SLIDE 5. Fixed the problem which could not edit the first step when using REC/EDIT 6. Fixed multiple issues in ARP

[@electro-soma]

@@dafyddthomas5885 Here are Donner's release notes for both firmware updates. You can see the release notes when you update the software. They also post them in the B1 thread at Gearspace. Firmware Release Note Version1.0.1 1. Clear pending pattern: Press buttons PATTERN+CLEAR to clear the pending pattern in the play/record state. 2. Random note generator: * Press buttons PATTERN+RECORD to generate a random pattern. * There are 2 rules for the random pattern generator as showed below. - #1 , For a blank pattern, note, gatelength, ratchet, slide, accent and rest are randomly generated. - #2 , For an exist pattern, gatelength, ratchet, slide and accent are randomly generated. 3. Set sequencer end step: Press buttons PATTERN+1...16 step number to set the end step during playing the sequencer. 4. MIDI Program Change command not support: It is solved. 5. Led error in dictating in recording state: It is solved. The V1.0.2 Firmware is out! The boy can now slide properly The update can be performed via our DonnerControl, which can be downloaded in www.donnermusic.com/support/downloads/list Here is the release notes: 1. SAVE behavior improvements: ​When switching from a pattern containing unsaved changes, the SAVE button will now flash 5 seconds for reminding. Press the UP/DOWN button again to switch pattern without saving. ​The UP&DOWN buttons will light up now to indicate the saving location that can amend when using SAVE.​ 2. SLIDE behavior amendment: ​The SLIDE won’t re-trigger the ENV now for a true legato-slide effect. 3. HOLD behavior amendment: ​Now, the sequence will keep running while applying the HOLD function. As a result, when performing with multiple devices, the pattern won’t be out of sync. 4. Fixed the out of sync issue while using SLIDE. 5. Fixed the problem which couldn’t edit the first step when using REC/EDIT. 6. Fixed multiple issues in ARP. Have A Nice Weekend!

[@Radio_Activity]

@@logantorres7083 Hi Logan - Will we see Captain's Pikant's recommendation for visual feedback of what note is on which step, implemented? That would be a big help. Also, real time recording would be great. I struggle with step sequencing bass notes. Thank you.

[@K.KILLORAN]

Got this for $80 during a sale recently. With the new firmware this thing sounds great and is cheaper than a vst

[@rowdyvoyeur]

Brilliant review, as always! Probably the best I've seen of Donner B1.

[@Ulvens]

Great stuff. Thank you.

[@bath_neon_classical]

you can use the usb to play any patterns you make on any istrument in reason

[@MrHazlehurst]

very well done video

[@jaykay5811]

Wow Ty so much. The B1 went on sale and was considering it but no legato and terrible noise at high db were things no one else mentioned and instant deal breakers for me

[@stevehagen8694]

nice job. thanks

[@dewijones2639]

I'd really love a review into microtonic as i think its the best software drum machine and i'd love your take on it

[@xkidmidnightx]

That Blade theme 🤘

[@klinkske]

Fantastic content. Up there with synthmania, bad gear and alex ball.

[@RSKT_music]

Great video as always! Would love to know what camera you use and your editing process, because your videos just look so good! Are you shooting in LOG? Looking forward to the next one :)

[@CaptainPikant]

Hi RSKT, we're using a Fuji XT-3 but honestly any camera with a sharp 4K image will do :)

[@RSKT_music]

@@CaptainPikant Thanks for the reply :) I'm never that happy with my footage, but I'll keep trying :)

[@Axl_Pose]

Knight Rider! Awesome!

[@CountDoucheula]

I only came here for info, but now you dropped that Pump Panel tune from Blade I *must* have one.

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

After having multiple Behringer 303 clones, this sounds much better.

[@YoungNino2017]

How so? I also have the TD-3 and TD-3 MO, and am always looking for ways to make 303 sounds that are slightly different than using the same 303 over and over. I really wish I could get the 303 sound with a more rounded sine wave ish lowend.

[@TheActualJae]

lol, the “Seperate Pattern” card killed me 😂

[@SpikesStudio3]

Me too. Was really subtle.🤣

[@dirtysolarremix]

i'm interested!🔊

[@DJForget]

Great video, would love to see one on the TD-3-MO, if you have anything to say on that one that is

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks! Most of what I'd have to say about the TD-3-MO I already said in the "303 Sequencer From Hell" video. Other than that all the mods are of course awesome if you want more sound options.

[@mathumphreys]

Dear Captain, I have been looking for some explanation of the drum loop in Howard Jones' "No One Is To Blame". It seems no one in KZbin has been able to cover this loop. Is this something that you could look in to?

[@GTChris]

I know you seem to be sticking to the more budget friendly options, but somehow I keep thinking that Erica Synth's Perkons, design and workflow would fit your vibe so well. Unfortunately it costs about as much as half the gear you've been using in your video's. Maybe Erica Synth could help you out a bit. 😇

[@adrianpena6566]

Hi! Have you already been able to reproduce drum sound like in Donner's advertising?

[@dubdoodle7191]

How do you feel about the Behringer TD03 having a more genuine sound of the original TB ? yes/ no ? They're dirt cheap on used mkt and am thinking about bending one

[@dubdoodle7191]

Does the latest firmware permit chaining patterns so your right hand can be freed up ?

[@sunnysky935]

That end jam is something! Do you have a full version of it somewhere?

[@CaptainPikant]

Thanks! No we don't but at one point we had a version where I did the whole voiceover from the intro of the show. But ultimately that didn't fit so we had to axe it :)

[@brianwilliams3621]

Thanks for the informative video. I recently bought a Donner B1. I also found it surprising that the notes are not displayed when writing or editing a sequence pattern. Today I downloaded the latest firmware update. Thankfully Donner have now fixed this issue. The notes as well as pattern step now light up. Still a pity the patterns can't be chained together, maybe that will be sorted out in future firmware updates.

[@CaptainPikant]

Hi Brian, the patterns can be chained together now as well, there's a song mode :)

[@brianwilliams3621]

@@CaptainPikant Hi, is the 'song mode' in the new firmware update. I only downloaded it today to update the sequencer pattern note display and haven't had a closer look.

[@CaptainPikant]

@@brianwilliams3621 yes it is, you have to double tap PATTERN to access it. I'm working on an update of our B1 Cheat Sheet right now :)

[@brianwilliams3621]

@@CaptainPikant thanks for that one. I shall give it s go. Being able to make longer sequence patterns of more than 16 steps will be a big improvement.

[@brianwilliams3621]

Do you have to press anything else? I tried double pressing pattern and no chain.

[@SlaserX]

I love the 303, but I can never find good charts for tunes. I wish I could get the 10 Ragas chart, but I just can't find it

[@leewightman8619]

Tbh I think the dinner slide sounds better some times I feel the slides sound like mistakes but the Donner sounds more deliberate...I'm a Roland t8 user myself but was thinking of either getting a Donner but think I'm gonna go for the behringer devil fish clone

[@andyw5527]

how can play notes sequenced in other device in donner b1 - it works only when i set internal midi clock on donner, but when i set trig or din, then are played only patterns inside b1, but when i set internal clock, there are played notes from external sequencer... this seems be strange... i empty pattern to not play pattern, but still no sound when internal clock is set...

[@keeb13r]

I've been trying to use another synth to sequence notes to be played by the B1 (for a 32 step sequence), but I keep running into issues, maybe because I'm a newbie to MIDI. For any saved pattern on the B1, pressing any key on the other synth triggers the pattern with no regards to transposing. If I'm in Rec/Edit mode, the notes are correctly triggered but with no rests. Is there some setup on the B1 or some MIDI configuration I need to do if I just want the exact notes output by the other synth to play on the B1, particularly outside the B1's limitations of a 16-step pattern?

[@andyw5527]

did you find solution ? i only find it works when i set clock to internal, then are played notes which comes from midi din. i assume you have set transition midi channel on source device same as input midi Chanel on b1

[@johnromero4784]

Thanks for the video. I only learned how to reset the synth from this video. I bought the B1 when it came out and when using a midi keyboard with the arpeggiator on it would randomly switch octaves. reset fixed it i think. Now if I could only fix that scratchy volume knob. uggh. Took it apart and blew into it and wiped it with a toothbrush. Helped maybe a little. any Ideas? Edit: The reset didn't fix the issue. I think it only does it when setting on the arpeggiator is 5 or higher.

[@CaptainPikant]

Maybe try compressed air and contact cleaner on the volume pot?

[@fortheloveofnoise9298]

that reset did not work for me, the app crashed while updating and now the donner says "dfu" on it and nothing i do will update or reset it

[@robertsteinberger5667]

How does it compare to the behringer?

[@koalemos1679]

Is there no way to disable envelope retrigger in the software? That slide issue is a BIG bummer. I really like this thing.😢

[@caspay21]

Yeah, I mean this is 100% a no go for me with that. That’s maybe 95% of owning anything 303esque honestly

[@CaptainPikant]

Sadly I don't think so. I've tried every option I could find, even the various bootup key combinations.

[@koalemos1679]

@@CaptainPikant Dang, they really dropped the ball. The slides and squelches basically ARE the 303 sound to me. Guess my TD3 doesn’t have a sibling yet. Maybe I’ll get a T8.

[@cresshead]

has a lot of potential in there, a few updates and it'll be a great option.

[@CaptainPikant]

Absolutely agree!

[@JansKanaal]

Donner should really fix that (non-)legato issue, to make it truly shine.

[@timburlingame5893]

@@JansKanaal that's the only reason it's probably a no-go for me. I already have a TD-3 so I'll live if I don't end up getting the Donner.

[@ahmedachi6229]

I've seen other people creating this slide or legato by extending the note before so it keeps playing and changes/slides into the next note. Have you tried this?

[@CaptainPikant]

Hi Ahmed, creating the slide wasn't the problem, it was the resetting amp and filter envelopes. But it has since been corrected in a firmware update :)

[@dafyddthomas5885]

Excellent video as ever. Am having trouble updating the firmware on mine. Came with v1.0.0 but when attempting to upgrade to v1.0.1 via their software I get an error message "Upgrade firmware fail ! DONNER B1 firmware SKU not match" Anyone else had this?

[@dafyddthomas5885]

Update to this. I've now updated the firmware successfully. The failing method was using Donner Midi Control Centre, but donner email support pointed me at the Donner Control software download from under the synthesizers section of support bit of their pages and this one worked. Looking forward to future updates hopefully adding the room for improvement tweaks suggested.

[@alex.web.techno]

@@dafyddthomas5885 TY, I had the same problem

[@JanKowalski-vh1rg]

Maybe recreate a 303 pattern from "Sorry for party rocking" by LMFAO? This song is pretty new (only 10 years lol) but one of main lead is screaming distortored 303.

[@wboumans]

X0xb0x had live edit. If I remembered correctly, atleast accent slide.

[@joelkulesha8284]

I've been eyeballing this guy since I saw jorb's video on it. It sounds great, but I wonder if its really a good fit for me since I have an ms-20 that can get nice and acid-y... Hmmmmmm

[@Jptr8]

Transpose fires immediately or waits until the end of the pattern?

[@CaptainPikant]

Immediately, that's why the timing during the end jam was important ;)

[@MODENESS]

is it working with ipad?

[@boriscat1999]

I kind of gave up on the built-in sequencers and bought a keyboard that I liked.

[@gru_day]

Just bought one and the internal tempo is not right (to fast or slow... idk). Trying to sync it with pocket operator and no success here (both ways). It is very nice but things just wont work as they shuld. Have u had this kind of problem?

[@CaptainPikant]

We didn't have any problems syncing it via MIDI, but we haven't tried it with a pocket operator yet.

[@Gainn]

Doesn't turning legato on in the software companion fix the slide issue? I've heard slides from this that sound (almost) right.

[@CaptainPikant]

Didn't make a difference for me. In some patterns you can barely hear it, but it becomes really obvious when there are accents on the slides.

[@CaptainPikant]

And I think the setting you mention ("Multi Trigger") just affects the keyboard playing, not the sequencer. You can hear it when I play "Seven Nation Army" on the keyboard.

[@Gainn]

@@CaptainPikant does note length have any effect?

[@CaptainPikant]

​@@Gainn Nope. That was my exact train of thought though as well :)

[@gru_day]

New firmware nail almost all cons in this vid. Sold my TD-3 for those performance features and ease of use. Still, would be nice to save pattern groups to recall different pattern chains on the fly (maybe next update?). Internal tempo in my unit is drifting tho - when synced to Volca or Modal Craft 2.0 its all good. It looks nice (shiny top surface not so much tho - after few days of use) and sounds huge! There is some hiss in back but idk if it's the unit or cables/interface. Bought it for a fair price of 110$ so no real reason for me to complain. Donner is so close to make it new 303 standard.

[@AveragePicker]

I don't get any hiss on mine. ....when I bought mine their website was messing up and it let me enter a promo discount code 3 times. :D

[@gru_day]

@@AveragePicker The hiss, in my unit, is loudest when gate is open. Just bought a second one for 65$... but 3 promos at once - lucky u :)

[@user-ht6qt6zv1c]

Any recent firmware to address suggested improvements ?

[@CaptainPikant]

Actually yes, take a look at the pinned comment at the top :)

[@dimwell_]

What is the outro pattern? Sounds familiar but I can't place it.

[@CaptainPikant]

It's the theme from the 80s TV show Knight Rider :)

[@joemonroe1106]

Just ordered a new one of these on sale for $85.

[@cbubbb]

You are too good for product reviews Captain!! 😪

[@sub-jec-tiv]

It’s baffling why they didn’t include true slide. Don’t understand.

[@Rompler_Rocco]

It's like "Roland circuit meets Open A.I." 🤔

[@Hix066]

Does anyone at all have a link to the manual for the B1? I bought one and have lost the printed manual. I cannot for the the life of me find a pdf version. Even Donner themselves are missing it on the website

[@CaptainPikant]

Couldn't find it either, the links for the manual somehow lead to the software download instead. Maybe you could ask Donner?

[@Hix066]

@@CaptainPikant I've tried that, seems unless you're buying something they are hard of hearing.... Will update here if I do get one.

[@dafyddthomas5885]

the manual and software are on the donnermusic site not on the sales site. I'd be more exact but youtube keeps removing my comment !

[@Hix066]

@@dafyddthomas5885 seems it did so for the link I posted too...

[@hardtruth4459]

Miami vice - End jam?

[@CaptainPikant]

Close, it's the theme from "Knight Rider" ;)

[@3k3k3]

Knight Industries Two Thousand

[@user-hx9gu5nh9p]

The Behringer TD-3 is much better. It misses the onboard delay but for the rest, it sounds better, it has THE MUST HAVE legato, and you can get it as low as 90-100 Euro in some less commonly purchased colors. I got 2 of them.

[@aikido8450]

But the slide is horror,distortion too.

[@mercennium]

That Pump Panel 303 rhythm sounded very similar to the original distortion and that's super nice. As for the sliding issue, quite honestly I couldn't care less about the slides because it seems more like just an accessory feature to make it sound a lil more niche; I actually quite like when the slide isn't legato. Maybe mak a button to turn on and off a legato The Donner makes for a cheap and easy 303 replicator that's simplistically accessible but still lacks quite a bit. Once they polish it up a bit more and lessen the price a bit it'd be so perfect. I agree with all your other statements about very needed glow ups. It's giving amateur

[@Xakutor]

The wobbly knobs are a deal breaker for me. Not a big deal for other people, good for them. HUGE deal for me. Wobble drives me completely crazy.

[@difficulthail516]

mine stopped making any noise< how do i fix this pls

[@CaptainPikant]

Have you tried the reset we described in the video? If that doesn't work you should probably contact Donner's support.

[@Theaphextwin972]

I got one brand new for £99

[@lifetakesflight]

This is available for less than $100 right now

[@YoungNino2017]

Where?

[@chukfunk]

Got it for $91

[@YoungNino2017]

While shopping for one I bought a second TD-3 MO that I found on craigslist instead

[@elekktrikk_home_video]

Sounds 5:29 like the disappointing nubass

[@thebugacademy]

night rider

[@dominicirla7011]

Challenge: Transcribe the drums from [xi] ~ Ascension to Heaven

[@wackerburg]

18:11 #KnightIndustriesTwoThousand for the win

[@samxday]

Now £99!!!

[@FoundationStepper]

schönes video, wie immer thumbs up! doch der B1 klingt grausam

[@jevogroni4829]

seems useful, powerful, but quirky and disappointing at the same time. could be killer in its own right, but can't necessarily do what you might want. or be annoying how you do it

[@geirkehlet1974]

To bad the sound dies out. Thats a bummer. My moog Minitaur or Basstation is keeping the tone infinite if i want. Good for bass synth playing.

[@dankefurnichts]

the product "designer" must hate people real hard .... 😳

[@Mike-xq8bv]

Voice why😂

[@spuntrader4838]

Why would they not put legato in? Basicly a useless device. why even exist.

[@CaptainPikant]

Take a look at the pinned comment :)

[@wendigo2442]

It sounds so mid

[@RR-ok4wz]

Do you think the slide issue can be fixed via a software update?

[@CaptainPikant]

Donner said they will try to correct it, so hopefully yes :)

[@helio1055]

Blood Rave 🔥

[@broilerfresser9707]

Gekauft!