HOW TO MAKE A MODULAR TB-303...BETTER? SUGGESTED SYSTEMS 3

This video is sneaky. It's not really about 'How to make 303 in Eurorack', it's how two extra modules can enhance any voice/jamming system (or indeed 'groovebox') - meet the Mutable Instruments Warps and Soundmachines LS1 Lightstrip! LINK TO LONGER VIDEO & MORE BELOW!
🢂 An EXTENDED 24 minute version of this video, which carries on, explains a little more about the Stepper Acid, with more jams, is available to Patreon subscribers here: / patreon-preview-42202159 ...So why not sign up and also support the channel, yeah? 🢀
MODULARGRID LINK TO SYSTEM IN THIS VIDEO
► www.modulargri...
PATCH IN THIS VIDEO
► www.modulargri...
MODULES/KIT FEATURED
► LS-1 Lightstrip: www.sound-mach...
► Mutable Instruments Warps: mutable-instru...
► Stepper Acid: www.transistor...
► AcidLab M303: acidlab.de/
➤ Roland TR8S Drum Machine (Affiliate Link!!): www.thomann.de...
► Elektron Analog Heat MKI: www.elektron.s... (Note: I have MKI)
► Chase Bliss Mood (for reverb): www.chasebliss...
► Boss DD7 (for delay): www.boss.info/...
► CV/OCD (turning MIDI into analog clock): www.thonk.co.u...
FURTHER READING/MULTITUDINOUS WEEDS
► A mega Stepper Acid demo video I did is here: • Transistor Sounds Labs...
► Other Suggested Systems Videos: • How to make a TINY liv...
► 303 Filter Nerdery: timstinchcombe....
► 303 Unique Aspects (especially the accent circuit): www.firstpr.co...

[@Quantumspace23]

Focusing on two currently "less-sexy" modules in the LS1 and Warps is just AWESOME as it feels that most recent videos only focus on the HOT module of the moment instead of integrated tools and utilities that many of us already have. Thanks.

[@David888B]

Thanks, these "Suggested Systems" videos are the best, and they offer so much insight on how to get a lot out of the modules.

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks!! Yeah defo, this to me seems like the best way to talk about concepts - one at a time, digestible!

[@CinematicLaboratory]

Definitely sounds like a TB-3030 in this set. Amazing.

[@GlitchWolf]

For the first few minutes that synthline has such a Jerry was a Racecar Driver vibe going with it. ACE!!

[@TomMadisonSoundsLewis]

So much love for the M303...that thing is legit!

[@compactmachine]

A mult full of stackables. The world is your oyster.

[@davidbetts2980]

I'm buying this exact setup, sounds better than any clone even Avalon Bass line. And adding a empress echo system delay would be interesting. Thank you for this video 🙏.

[@cj1000xyu]

Nice "Little My" blank panel. :)

[@SDrever]

This looked like you were having an awesome time. Sounded fantastic, super fun to watch

[@bentheintern]

Awesome highlight of warps! A lot of videos on it don't show how useful it can be in a more simple melodic situation, I feel like I have a way better understanding of it just watching you jam with it

[@zbsfm]

Agreed with the others - as I said on Patreon this is my favorite series of yours!! Keep it up!

[@nkozi]

Came for the M303, stayed for the "ugh!"s

[@TheOneTheyCallJack]

As I think I said on Patreon, big up Nina and Zoe of TSL, especially for the genius of the Stepper Acid

[@blaythessteuer]

this is a wonderful video format. i’m not a 303 person but i still learned really cool stuff from this

[@SorchaSublime]

man, this was really well timed, i was just watching suggested systems 2 at work thinking how it had been a wee while.

[@Si_G]

This is absolutely everything.

[@NineHellHeaven]

You should have a look at the Flame CV recorder. 3 knobs of CV motion sequencing with decent memory. Once they are playing back the motion, the knobs can be either speed controls or offsets. Great module.

[@jazzbluesshred]

great vid man very inspiring to help get the most out of single oscillator module even if it isnt the 303

[@stylusnation]

This breathes new life into my M303, and I just happen to have a Warps handy. Ace! 🙌🏻

[@Starthief]

Warps is seriously one of the best things you can add to a small modular. Also not shown or mentioned in this video: it's a really good linear TZFM carrier. And it's definitely worth getting the full Warps instead of a clone because that big glowing knob is fantastic.

[@mylarmelodies]

Agree! And yeah I wish I'd shown that. I still don't quite get how to do TZFM on it - Just feed your other VCO into the first Level input?

[@Starthief]

@@mylarmelodies nope, into the regular "1" input -- with the internal oscillator enabled, that becomes a phase modulation input. (Okay, so it's TZPM not TZFM, close enough)

[@SecretMusicUK]

agreeds, but Warps definitely the Parasites firmware to expand its functionality tenfold :)

[@Starthief]

@@SecretMusicUK honestly, I prefer the original firmware for usability. I've turned out to generally dislike cramming more functions into a module that it wasn't designed for. I kind of wish someone would take the Parasite delay algo and develop it into a full, dedicated module though.

[@CablesForClouds]

That is prettyyy badass. Warps sounds great! I really been wanting one for awhile now. Dope video man... 🙂

[@corrosiveabuser]

Nice! I got a really good 303-emulation-patch out of just old Doepfer modules, an MPC60ii and a Kenton pro2, a few years back. A-110 vco, A-103 vcf, A-132-3 dual vca, A-171 vc slew [original version] - turn it on and off for slides, using Pro2 CH.A aux1 cc. A-140 - [general shape of VCA-upper] A-140 - [using second one for very short Accent shape via Pro2 CH.B aux cc, on a different MIDI channel to CH.A, - with just a little attack to get that Wulp] - send to VCA-lower, and a little to A-103 cv3 - via multipe. A-142 vc Decay - into - A-103 cv2 - [using Pro2 CH.A aux2 cc to adjust decay shape for ties, and slides] A-180 multples A-136 distortion [optional] Tedious to set up, but fun, - and it helped me deal with the loss, having sold my original 303 in the early 2000s. Personally, out of the new machines, - the MAM, Boutique and TD-3, - I like the MAM the most, - it has that perfect K. Akexi Shelby sound when clipped internally, and it has a high-quality sound to it even when pushed, that puts it above even the original IMO, - just wish it looked a little better, and the knobs were fixed to the panel... love to ALL, feel no hate

[@usualatoms4868]

You are a joy, a wonder and a great inspiration.

[@chedhead3278]

Cheers Alex, excellent, that put a smiley on my face. :)

[@joshkorody7376]

I love these videos, keep'm coming. I have the m303 and also got the behringer 303 but i'm keeping my M303 because like you are showing, you can do more with modular. Maybe you're already sorta doing this with warps but one main reason why i'm keeping my m303 is because you can FM it with that "VCO Mod" input instant alien techno riffs ugh! Plus can sequence it with other eurorack sequencers, i'm using the octone which is great cause you can do slides-accents, Metropolis is also great with it.

[@Johnws26]

Ill buy that M303 off ya

[@strayburn9595]

Ohhhh, that acid be FRESH! Thank you!

[@mikegeary8056]

Been thinking of getting an light strip. You made up my mind.

[@snorrevonflake]

M303 is discontinued. Stepper Acid surprisingly available again in 2024. Main thing i would love to do 303wise is to replace filters and that aint easy, just replace the filter but keep that interaction between slides/envelopes/vcas the same. For the moment i ended up just running my TD3 or cyclone through another filter via input module and envelope follower to modulate.

[@metalmoon2827]

Very nice. Inspired me to patch MS-10 square wave into MS-20 filters. SQ1 driven rhythm..

[@harryvincent]

YESS I requested this one!

[@harryvincent]

Literally working on a modular 303 style setup and my least used module i own is warps so this is so ideal

[@mylarmelodies]

It’s the “buchla modulation oscillator” from another dimension!

[@isaac.anthony]

LoL, you sold me on one of those lightstrips for sure. Already have warps...

[@isaac.anthony]

I'm going to use my Neutron oscillator to do the same thing, but I need to get a x0x style sequencer....

[@chasethevioletsun9996]

Fascinating, something I have contemplated. I love this "Suggested Systems" series. I'm personally putting together a "SuperSubharmonicon" along similar lines, would be very interested in your take on such a thing. I have learned quite a bit from your vids.

[@mylarmelodies]

It could definitely be made, max4live it!

[@simoantere7283]

Little My!😻

[@yaveeeoneandonly4870]

Your killing it!!

[@MrSharps02]

warps is my secret weapon and ill have you know this vid is in violation of the nonproliferation treaty

[@ElectronicazMusic]

Tremendously inspiring.

[@andrewsimmons8051]

I love them. I have 1 Light Strip and 2 Light Planes in my system

[@sabamacx]

No matter which video, you always have the most sizzling drumtracks with sensational voicing. How the hell do you do it.

[@scalebrain643]

Roland analog style drum voices are infinitely classic, versatile, and typically sit well in the mix for most electronic based music. Personally I’ve gravitated towards the real analog circuitry, but the AIRA or other digital replication/recreations get the job done in similar fashion, and still bring the party. Better drum programming comes from listening to music with more/different rhythms. Most modern music tends to bring a “1-2” feel to my body, where older forms of electronic music tended to experiment more with time signature or just more dynamic patterns where the drums can essentially hold the whole track down. Long story short - listen to early Aphex Twin or Autechre era electronic music to see what I mean.

[@sabamacx]

@@scalebrain643 I mean, the programming is always fantastic. It's almost never 4/4. I wonder where the inspiration and programming comes from.

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks!! Always feel I have a lot more to learn about drum programming - I think that yes, unquestionably Aphex is the master of it, it boggles my mind what he achieves. So yes absolutely work your way through his back catalogue for inspiration, play some of the tunes at slower speed too (you can do that on youtube!) - Maybe start with the Richard D James album, then play Windowlicker, then Drukqs. There’s also a world of electro to work through, start with that Helena Hauff Dekmantel 100 podcast mix for a banging intro

[@mylarmelodies]

> soundcloud.com/dkmntl/dekmantel-podcast-100-helena-hauff < I should add, you might find it useful to get a little drum sequencer to play around with programming, it's so much more entertaining than using a mouse! Beatstep Pro is a great shout as it'll work with software, is plentiful second hand, and you can program velocity (which is important and I never do enough with!)

[@BlueSB017]

Frickin Awesome video!

[@Robert_Babicz]

that was a inspiring one

[@jan-ug6pr]

also a mother 32 + a dinsync VCF303 = an enhanced tb303

[@koolade76]

Was thinking of using 2 M303s using a Keystep as the sequencer and LS1 or control one from a Hapax use a single warps as the 2nd oscillator for both

[@lucapleasureable]

Love it man! Impossible to get the stepper acid nowadays :D

[@davidbetts2980]

I love this

[@hyprballads]

You should check out TB-3PO sequencer which comes in the Logarhythm fork of Ornaments & Crime Hemisphere.

[@chris_hall_music]

Inspiring vid man! That M303 needs a home in my rack pronto! Love what the Warps is doing. Is there anything else that's in the same ballpark as warps?

[@zbsfm]

warps is sort of its own thing, but you could look at wavefolders and ring mod!

[@chris_hall_music]

​@@zbsfm Thanks for the pointers, I've been looking at the Timbre from Bastl and their Waver module too. Also the Chopping Kinky from Befaco. They all just seem to get so harsh so quickly though, need to find something that adds harmonics more gradually. You're right about Warps being its own thing, true of all Mutable's modules really! ✌️

[@erikfourofour]

aaaaaand I bought a M303... I really need to learn to control myself.

[@makke1195]

So good.

[@colinbrash]

Everybody needs a 303... sequenced by a Stepper Acid, running into a Warps and back into the VCF In, controlling the cutoff with an LS1, all screwed into an Intellijel Palette.

[@mylarmelodies]

It’s admittedly not as catchy as the other version

[@jdavis.fw303]

😭😭Why must the M303 be so hard to attain in the U.S. 😭😭 This video is glorious!!!!

[@kunstbanause]

ACE indeed 🖤

[@cornerliston]

Is “Lilla My” the name of this setup? : )

[@goutemouassa7537]

Really cool system and vidéo ! it's a shame that these tricks with Warps won't work with the Doepfer A-111-6

[@davidbetts2980]

Is the elektron doing anything? I'm buying this exact set up and going to follow your link to do so. I'm not only buying the Eurorack, but the pedals as well. I have a Roland TR-8s already. But was wondering why the elektron is sat there. Will I need one to make this amazing sound?

[@TheSameDonkey]

Ace indeed! I really love my acid, but I always feel like a fraud whenever I dabble in making it.

[@chiefthomson]

haha, just at the beginning of the week I was considering a Behringer 303 clone, didn't go for it eventually, but dedicated more time to Phoscyon VST plugin which I owned for years but rarely used... I know, not quite the same concept, but hey, it does Acid ;)

[@gapster77]

What would you suggest in place of Warps, as it’s now so hard to get hold of (sad days)? I was really impressed with this, loved it 7 mins in when you let it loose. I am really into 303s at the mo’, and this build is a wet dream! I’d love to make this my first excursion into Eurorack. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@mylarmelodies]

SSF Ultrafold? It’s the wavefolder mode which is doing the most here I think and that’s one of the best I’ve tried!! You should be able to find some clones Id have thought, though I haven’t done any digging!

[@gapster77]

After Later’s Audio Fuse I love this build, and watch this vid every now and again. I’ve not got into rack yet, but if/when I do I’m going to build this unit! Or this will be the basis of it 👌🏻

[@donkeyavenger]

Like I need more modules...that m303 is tempting. I got a rare waves hydronium since they are easier to come by stateside but it just doesn't do it for me

[@ionianechoes]

Hi! Did you try out using the LS1 Lightstrip + quantizer with the M303's CV and Gate instead of the filter cutoff in order to create acid sequences on the fly? I have a M303 and i'm wondering how these would pair up...

[@quiddam]

oh men, these are so awesome. bring em back! I'd like to hear a loquelic iteritas 303 :D What would you use as your ultimate 62 hp techno mono?

[@mylarmelodies]

Quadrantid Swarm! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4DNmpWDgMaDfs0 (and reverb and delay)

[@sierrasamusic]

really cool track (again)

[@fififinance7469]

What would you recommend as a more filming type foundation? Have a new YT channel and working with lighting is a challenge. Would be great to get your feedback👍🏽

[@dpotta]

Big-up the Little My

[@dpotta]

totally agree on the tr8 fwiw. especially with its pricey and unpopular 606 update. a little live gem that really kicks ass through - the pre-lockdown type when there were venues - big p.a.

[@martintaylor9205]

Loved this but I actually looked for M303 and are hard to find not seen any on EBay and don’t make them anymore so back to the drawing board but great as always Alex

[@_Dav1K]

Check out the x0x-heart; kinda shocked to see a M303 used. Many regard the x0x-heart as the superior module.

[@Johnws26]

I just bought a M303 new from Klaus at Acidlab a month ago. Easy as pie

[@kayvon_is_likes]

Acidlab Bombass is slept on for two osc 303 sounds with sync, ring mod, filter FM and sub oscillator. The ring mod sounds especially good. I initially bought it for how snappy its envelope is for external inputs but the form factor is what keeps me holding onto it. I'm still interested in the M303 as you can't bypass the filter (VCA in) on the Bombass. Can anyone comment on how much the VCF in changes the sound of external sources vs the VCA in on the M303?

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

What would be good affordable modular drum and bass modules for a small setup and what eurorack sequencer would you recommend? I have a BIA for drums and couple VCOs and Varigate 4+ sequencer.

[@acdnrg]

This is very much what I´m going to build. One question though: Are there any 303-ish filters that offer CV control over resonance? Most 303 branded modules seem to have CV over Cutoff only and filter that have CV on resonance are probably missing the magic touch. What do?

[@mylarmelodies]

How bout www.signalsounds.com/studio-electronics-3003-eurorack-filter-module-tb-303

[@acdnrg]

@@mylarmelodies Thank you for not abandoning a year old thread! There aren´t too many demos available on the boomstar and there are different impressions: Name and product description point to 303, reviews give mixed messages, I might give it a try despite the lack intertubes proof. Another option I look at is the ajh diode ladder filter. That said, sequencing and envelopes, especially their reaction to multiple consecutive triggers, play a big role too afaik, so I´ll see how far wmd javelin and/or multimode env go will get me. Might involve a bit of slewed CV feedback too. The lightstrip is intriguing, but I´d aim for 3 or 4 (cutoff, q, some env parameters), maybe a tetrapad to get maximum playability with record and playback. As always, I´m not sure whether I should praise or curse you for inspiring me ^^ (it was the same with modular to begin with). Have a great day!

[@marccruickshank7109]

Nice to see the tr8 in action in one of your videos! Is it running through the analog heat?

[@mylarmelodies]

Yep! Whole thing through about 60% 'Clean Boost' on the AH.

[@jonosound]

Hi, i have x0x heart.. taking the signal out then back doesn’t seem to work as it does with the m303, just causes feedback. Any experience or tips to get around this? Ta! X

[@mylarmelodies]

I’m not sure the X0X heart has that feature, it’s quite specific to the M303 - but if you have a second VCO as well as Warps then you should be able to feed the result of that into the X0X?

[@JB-ng7be]

boy I wish the stepper had a few more channels though

[@mylarmelodies]

I would vote for a quantiser! Just send the output to multiple destinations and tune and gate them differently (and/or add sample and hold to sustain them)

[@Skootavision]

Curious as to what the ALM means on the TR8. Hadn't noticed it before. This reminds me of that myth of how the Americans spent millions on developing a pen that would write in space, whereas the Russians used a pencil. I love this but I've been achieving the same sort of things with a TD3 plugged into a modular, either for processing/manipulation, or just using the sequencer (which unlike most it seems, I love, but I'm old). That ribbon thing is the first tactile controller for eurorack that I've really been sold on - that is super cool

[@mylarmelodies]

Thanks! That sticker is a perfect Aira-green ALM sticker I had which I put over the Roland logo!

[@Skootavision]

@@mylarmelodies Ahh busy circuits... for a terrible moment I thought it was a 'lives matter' thing [facepalm]. I need to skin mine - scratched the hell out of it!

[@davidbetts2980]

I'm finally ready to buy this, followed the link to modular grid. Signed up etc but absolutely no idea how to buy it lol. Could you please help me by sending a link or helping my figure out where or how to buy this complete set? Thank you mate 🙏

[@mylarmelodies]

Hi David! This would be difficult to buy off the shelf due to availability of parts (eg Warps is no longer in production, the guy from Acidlab doesn't answer emails!) but could be found second hand with perseverance. You should try to get in touch with a store and they can definitely help you find alternatives if you explained that you wanted something like this system. Not sure where you're based but there's a big list of Eurorack retailers here: modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=134297

[@mylarmelodies]

If you're in the UK there's Signal Sounds and Elevator Sound who are your boutiquey modular folks, defo give them a ring/email!

[@davidbetts2980]

@@mylarmelodies Thank you for the fast response, really appreciate it, I'm gutted it's no longer available as it's the best 303 sound I've heard. I'm from Nottinghamshire, UK.

[@mylarmelodies]

@@davidbetts2980 Ah - you should be able to find an M303 second hand with enough perseverance (that's what I had to do as they never answered my emails!), likewise Warps (or clones) as it's now out of production. LS1's are still available - as is the case though if it's your first modular I'd get a bigger case than this!

[@davidbetts2980]

@@mylarmelodies I really appreciate you my friend, your so helpful. I'm brand new to this hobby and got a list of about x4 synthesiser. Looking between 1k to 2k ones as feel I want quality over quantity. But the whole Eurorack thing is really overwhelming so I may go with ready made synthesisers. That's why your 303 stepper acid Eurorack was perfect. Maybe you could do an upto date version for a 303 Eurorack 🙏. You should get some commission in my opinion. I'm keeping an eye out for a Avalon bassline but 2.5k would be the max I'd wanna pay. Some are 4k now. I want that Richie Hawtin or Boston 168 sound. I'm thinking of buying the Arturia Matrix brute or moog subsequent 37 now I can't get your 303 Eurorack. And I want the Erica Synths Perkons HD-01. Any other recommendations for a 303 clone? I had a Behringer td-3 but broke it lol. I want something more like a avalon sound.

[@timgrogan974]

very cool!

[@gmreynoldsjr]

I have a question: I really like the idea of one device that allows me to play it like an instrument and improvise entire techno songs. However, I don’t like the idea of losing the ability to engineer tracks individually in the mixing stage. Surely I’m not the first person to run into this problem. What are some solutions?

[@mylarmelodies]

Mix externally perhaps - tap all your elements to your soundcard and use a MIDI controller to do the mixing. You’ll be hearing software but it’ll feel analogue. That way you preserve all parts and fader rides while being able to jam in real time.

[@gmreynoldsjr]

@@mylarmelodies So like, instead of feeding the outputs of your sound modules to an internal mixer or VCA or whatever, just run them out to soundcard?

[@jiproijackers7595]

Ugh yeah! Now I need an LS one but it's place has already been filled up by a switched mult. Arrrgh!

[@ogulkoker]

How did you sync Roland to your modular?

[@vuuvovuuv]

i feel like people sleep on the TR-8 now that the TR-8s and various other roland machines are out there but.... it's still really good

[@mylarmelodies]

You can also get them for like £250 with the mod applied (second hand)...it's a steal for what it is.

[@lennartverhoeff]

@@mylarmelodies I own the whole original AIRA bingo (some bought new, some second hand) and they're some of the most fun and immediate machines out there especially when all hooked up the MX-1. Jams for days.

[@plumcrazyfx]

I have the TR-8S that is cool but the TR-8 is the one I keep connected to the daily system. Simple and great to use for getting the drum ideas down.

[@wckr1826]

In anyone else's M303 very quiet?

[@davidrobertson4301]

Maybe I'm shallow and lazy I would more likely get one of those recreation of the 303 .... Cheaper and easier with lots of pretty colours to choose from

[@crazyFrankyy]

Please make video with jomox alpha base !

[@666DemonCleaner]

Major soulwax vibes

[@isnie]

09:03 sounds like a legowelt track

[@JaseLovesDub]

Aces.

[@annother3350]

Why only 8 seconds of memory for recording modulations?! In this day of dirt cheap ram?!!?

[@mylarmelodies]

You’d have to ask the dude who made it, but in my understanding of such things - limitations are usually there with good reason/it’s not as trivial as you may think!

[@annother3350]

@@mylarmelodies Perhaps. But I've got a £200 Skulpt synth that can record loads of knob twiddling within the sequencer memory. -- it just seems a little pathetic these days when a good quality device has such a strict limitation

[@FelipeTellez]

ACE!!!!!!! UGH!!!!!!!

[@kaiserclicker8479]

[@iNuchalHead]

Sixty four pixels in the... acid house?

[@moleculeman27]

Deliberate use of a warped version of everybody needs a 303?

[@user-dh1go4sq9q]

303+

[@NOLNV1]

My! she's as sharp and acerbic as you like out of any 303!

[@graysynther2169]

Ace!

[@maxmatson1578]

2 oscillator 303 heresy? Not so, if you have the "futureretro 777"🎹🎧💫😵👌😎👍

[@stylusnation]

A complete and total beast; love mine 🖤🎛🔊

[@maxmatson1578]

@@stylusnation That's been a dream synthesizer of mine for a long time. Hella envious!👍👍

[@stylusnation]

@@maxmatson1578 not too many floating around, I think Jared only made maybe 650; definitely underrated and super worthwhile. Hope you are able to get your hands on one! 😁🎛🙌🏻

[@maxmatson1578]

@@stylusnation in my wildest dreams! Hopefully someday?🎹🎧💫😵👌😎🙏✌

[@simonsherbourne]

Shit yes.

[@Henrynerdcore]

God fucking damn

[@gammaphonic]

“Suggested systems”. Or, “I can’t decide what to do with my Intellijel Pallet”.

[@crateminds]

R A D

[@JB-ng7be]

[@SL_303]

Pikku Myy!!! :)

[@wesleyleigh4063]

This video is just much like showing off a several million dollar koenisegg. like why spend thousands when you can spend tens on a behringer td-3? also Warps is open source so you can most definitely use it for free on vcv rack.

[@mylarmelodies]

Why even bother to make music at all? Just listen to music other people have made

[@wonkothesane2288]

Who disliked this? Are you crazy?