The best TB-303 Clone // Avalon Bassline Overview

Yes, this is an expensive TB-303 Clone. But i think the way you sound design on this Acid Bass line beast is super unique! It takes Modulation to a weird area where one parameter affects another. The Abstract Instruments Bassline is easily my favorite for that reason.
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//Contact
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[@tragictheory]

Not only is your information and music dope, I love the composition of your frames in these vids. Just a damn good production man.

[@colinbrash]

Sooooo so so glad I pulled the trigger and bought an Avalon. I’ve played with a ton of clones but this is just so inspirational, so flexible with the different filters, and honestly sounds so much better than any clone I’ve played with.

[@MegaJchrist]

Love how this machine elaborates on the essence of the original. Looks like so much fun sculpting with the tracking and vcf/vca. Great in depth look at a synth.

[@kmontzka]

It's always great to feel hear enthusiasm digging into a great piece of gear. Another awesome Compact Creation!

[@DELO480]

These vids are always chill, informative and inspiring! It got me to set up and jam around with my TB!

[@technoviking9041]

The thing I love the most about Ricky's videos , is that every time he gives us even the most simple example of something some piece of kit does it turns into some straight stompers.

[@WayneLansdowne]

Awesome! Ricky's 1st video on the Avalon is the reason why I went down a rabbit hole and spent months tracking one down along with the additional filters. Well worth the effort and expense. I was never a big fan of the 303 clones and for me they just painful to use. The sequencer and additional features on the Avalon make it next level and so much fun to jam with. You just smile the whole time using it.

[@partsproject]

This reminds me of the importance of being able to produce a lot of variation from small tweaks to keep the groove evolving in a live setting. Some instruments really pull their weight.

[@epilektric]

Yeah, I think this is one area where it really excels. The evolution is important and the extra controls help to facilitate that. This is a great tool for live performances.

[@nicoau98]

the evolution of this groove is so organic. you transition to other places so seamlessly its cool

[@iamdozyofficial8516]

this is by far my favorite jam that youve done! so cool

[@uweschnitzler9551]

one of the best videos about the famous AVALON ; thanks Ricky !!

[@dozyfish]

14:55 "I mean, you just throw a kick on this..." I've listened to the last 5 minutes of this video about 10 times now. Great stuff :)

[@TobinDack]

Been wanting this for years now and you've sold me on it!!

[@franzlypa4982]

Hey Ricky, I've watched this video 10 or more times now but I still get a smile when I watch it. After a long search I have finally found an Avalon. I'm looking forward to it, unfortunately it is still stuck in customs in Frankfurt. Your videos are by the way always top to watch. 🙂

[@HEYMUN]

Ah! Where have I been, I just found your channel and you are brilliant! Love how you talk us through. I will be spending 2020 catching up on all your videos and goodness.

[@magemaroon5085]

I remember when people were calling this the best sounding 303 clone they've ever heard when it was under $1,000, now that it's near $2,000 it suddenly doesn't sound as good... I'm glad I bought mine when I did.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

@a w no longer the best FOR THE MONEY you might as well get a real 303 now

[@lazylazy871]

A real 303 is so annoing to program live. Good for studio shit

[@JH-lo9ut]

You put a big smile on my face with that thing. Thank you sir!

[@AvianBreak]

There seems to be disappointment that the device is hard to find and purchase, but I absolutely love how you are showcasing instruments you enjoy. Sharing the creation music can absolutely be enough! I encourage everyone to look for a few really cool things about gear you already own.

[@MetaHoudini]

Ricky my man! Can you see if you can get a hold of the Softpop from Bastl? It has a similar function where moving one slider affects all the other parts of the synth. The circuit architecture has an insane feedback design that is super wacky and unpredictable. After wanting one for about 2 years I finally got one for Christmas this year and I'm loving it. I'm planning to get a keystep so I can cv sequence the oscillator.

[@RickyTinez]

Whoa. I’ll keep my eye out for one!

[@ericobrocki5850]

The 303 actually does that filter cutoff adjustment as well. The xoxbox is an exact copy of the 303 and implements that same behavior. If you look through the original Roland 303 schematics, there's a little section about it at the end. I believe it was the Q11 transistor that handles that function. On the original 303, the Env Depth, Cutoff and resonance interacted with each other.

[@ericobrocki5850]

@Bb dd No prob! I spent a lot of time looking through the 303 schematics, the filter is unique in how it handles modulation. As someone else said, its a bipolar envelope.

[@skunchtv]

@@ericobrocki5850 i have a x0xb0x and its great

[@oki_music]

you have to open the TB up to acess it. TM3, you can change it with a screwdriver. not much use when jamming ofcourse.. but kinda cool anyway, to change and see how different things respond then.

[@ericobrocki5850]

@@skunchtv yeah I bought a xoxbox kit last year from Wilzyx, I'm still building it. I plan to add mods to customize the hell outta it.

[@ericobrocki5850]

@@oki_music Yeah I think people hook a pot up to that as a mod. Not sure if it's worth doing though. Idk how it changes the sound.

[@masarukemono6251]

I am not an acid freak, but I love this great machine for these 3 years. I mainly use moog type filter cartilage. Sequence programming is very easy.

[@CiabaMusic]

Can't literally wait to get my avalon from the last batch and so randomly watching some old videos. This is one of the best round here and gave me some big smiles through it. But I can't help myself thinking to put some verb and delay on the thing. It sounds amazingly cool as is, but with some proper fxs this thing goes nuts!

[@vaspers]

I love my Abstrakt Instruments Avalon bassline -- exact replica of Roland TB-303 circuitry and components, plus extra optional 2nd layer of enhanced functionalities. At 12:15 the sounds get really cool, whole video is excellant.

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

303 (clone) and a beat can be a lot of fun. Got a 303 fiter on the KingKorg, not as deep for tweaking but it has the same character. The Avalon looks like its built like a tank.

[@badhombre2484]

lol @ "jammed for waaay too long" I know the feeling! great video as always ricky

[@alan3035]

Absolutely love this video. I bought one from reverb within 48 hours of listening. Please make another with the Avalon up louder if you get a chance!!! Btw. Are the sem filters impossible to get now. Mine is coming with the 24db but I really want the sem. It gets some nice fluke risotto type sounds from it. Thank you again for the great video. I've watched it at least 15 times in 4 days!!!

[@playgroundofsound7683]

It's in depth stuff like this I thank god the Internet for.

[@3rdspiralflu]

Dope!!!! Thanks for showing

[@andromedasmascot]

Ricky another wicked video, I totally agree I’ve had mine for a couple of years and only now am I starting to see its full potential. Do you know if they are going to be making any more of the filter cartridges? I missed out on them first time around and haven’t seen any since. Again thanks for the video always learning respect Pete

[@RickyTinez]

honestly no clue about the cartridges. and i've only ever cared about the SEM one. the others were ooookk. haha. thanks for watching Pete!

[@pk3776]

What an acid trip box👍🔊💓🇬🇧

[@djshiva]

Ha. The moment at 4:33. We both made that UNH noise. Dope little acid line.

[@housemachine509]

Really nice build and sound

[@amadeuspaulussen]

I absolutely love my Avalon! So much character, awesome build quality, authentic sound, many additional goodies. 🥰

[@PatientRichard]

Always good as usual Ricky, but still waiting for your octatrack parts tutorial! Have a great festive period. Peas.

[@messer21]

I wish the Avalon was still in production. Really want one

[@ohtobeforgiven]

Is this better than the Erica Synths Bassline DB-01 Desktop Bassline Synthesizer?

[@rdean150]

Things like this are why I'm obsessed with envelopes. Wish those Avalons were easier to get my hands on. Been wanting one of those forever but on the rare occasion I see one on Reverb it's never under $1k, and often a fair bit higher.

[@davebell3684]

I think you're right mate. I've got xoxs and a few other things like bass stations and none of them can move a single pattern around quite like your excellent machine.

[@mrdayvidjon]

Used to get that pivot point vibe w/ the 303 and a pro1 also my 202& pro1 did some wild mod but the Avalon w/ the sem just one machine very cool

[@syntheshwara]

I tried the exact same thing on iPad running this App called Zeeon and Rozeta Bass sequencer inside AUM and drums on Circuit. Amazing sounds and hours of jamming.

[@slamdunktouchdown]

StrAight up flow coma I’m getting this box now You killed it

[@saxmidiman]

it's never over

[@johnrichardson3297]

Ricky Tinez does Analogue Solutions Impulse Command; and FuseBox qualify?

[@T.H.W.O.T.H]

Aww. I had at least another 10 minutes head-bobbing in me when the video ended. 🎠

[@PaulVonZeppelin]

wait are you recording the audio from the avalon from the digitakt?? i thought that was impossible. Was there an update i missed or something? Great video though, sounds incredible!

[@caamanho909]

Really cool piece of gear

[@ElectronicazMusic]

Awesome jam.

[@__-yw1hb]

gettin the party started :) 8:55

[@desertcrystals6632]

Lets get a DJ Chariot EP tho!

[@peyrardjohann]

Whohaa great ! And it does not scream as a 303 at the same time which is pretty good

[@rosaclovis]

Hey Richky! In the passed month I literally watched all yours videos(including that ones that are not in your channel LOL), and I'd like to ask you for a help! Maybe 2 or 3 videos for newbies like me! I've just got the Arturia BeatStep Pro(as I think that it makes more sense now to jam around with Ableton+VSTi's before any step in a dawless setup). But I'm also crazy about the Novation Circuit!! I'd to hear yours thoughts about "buying a Circuit in 2020", Novation software update and etc... Also, first steps jamming with hardware+Ableton, maybe a second hand Native Instruments Machine? Anyway, thank your for sharing all this knowledge! Peace and power from Sao Paulo/Dublin!

[@xinjoy6236]

is there an alternative to the avalalon, in term of easy to use / ergonomic ?

[@dylvasey]

And with that, Acid House was back!

[@0ooTheMAXXoo0]

VCF depth should have that effect in any synth. Basically this clone has many more filter functions than a real 303 or many of the clones.

[@machmar]

Reported because you force me to spend money I don't have

[@RickyTinez]

😂🤣

[@Madyetmellow]

I would love to report him for the exact same thing, but I am now too poor to afford the report button on KZbin 😢

[@xc3n]

@CalvinSomething been trying to buy one for yeaaaaars x_X

[@diesinjapanese4754]

TAKE MY IMAGINARY MONEY DAMMIT

[@Richard_P_James]

Great machine!

[@yahjason]

can you do a video where you send the midi of the Avalon to a moog subsequent 37 for that phat bass?

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

Don't laugh but the Akai Timbre Wolf does something similar. Some of the knobs are labeled idiotically. The Channel and Main Volume knobs attenuate the signal depending on how wide open you put them. Playing it soft sounds completely different than just maxing out the volumes. It's just a shame you gotta milk so many knobs at once to get a fun sound.

[@snoolee7950]

HAHAHA hahahah

[@d.b.cooper5775]

Very interesting, very unique.

[@losangulos]

Cant wait for the behringer version

[@dialaname]

Can anyone pinpoint what that huge thing with the wood sides up on the keyboard rack behind Ricky is at 0:12??

[@WayneLansdowne]

Pretty sure that's an Oberheim Xpander: www.vintagesynth.com/oberheim/xpander.php

[@spookypen]

Something about this box just doesn't vibe with me. It's like it is in the 303 uncanny valley or something, if I was Kurt Russel in an antarctic base camp I might have to shoot it. Groove and vid are quality as always though.

[@hermansimms8410]

lol. I dont think kurt Russell would be able to tell the difference. The Avalon is the best 303 clone I've heard

[@Psychlist1972]

I wonder if you would have gotten a different impression if he used the Roland filter instead of the Oberheim.

[@distillednoise]

Maybe because it's a thousand dollars just for one bass sound?

[@distillednoise]

@Blake Ronan ok man! i respect your opinion. It's just a matter of taste I guess. I know the 303 made history. But honestly, if I spend all this money, I'd go for a more versatile machine, not a (super famous, good sounding, perfect, whatever) machine that can only make an acid bass sound. But again this is my problem. It's the same reason i would never buy a 808 or a 909. So...Peace.

[@distillednoise]

@Blake Ronan by the way i really like this machine, i am not saying i don't! :)

[@calibomber209]

have u tried behringers line of synths? are they worth it for the low?

[@InternetThe]

Definitely my dude! The TD3 sounds way better and crispier than the Avalon IMO and it's a bargain.

[@NikoNoxious]

X0xb0x owner here - the atomic mod for the X0X adds filter modulation knobs relating to VCO and VCA that - to my knowledge, adds similar but different functionality to that seen here. I think it operates off of an internal pot within the original 303 schematics which actually does a similar bipolar envelope mod like the avalon.

[@EightsEverywhere]

I've wanted one for awhile it sucks they stopped making them when they have been so popular

[@LukezyM]

Looks like they haven’t been so popular if they stopped making then.

[@markchristopher2signal2]

My first clone was the Roland Aira TB3. The bass has this thick tone, I love it for bass. It was traded for the TB03 boutique clone. I still have that for 4 years now and I love it, it can scream but the accent is ....... I got the TD3 by Behringer and I couldn't believe how lite and plasticky it is.. I'm not sure it will last long..I feel the buttons are going to go out.. BUT!!! the TD3 has a nice squelchy sound and the accent is soooo much better.. Together with TB03 and TD3, super Acid L.A Style Beat. Watch out

[@UnsoundMethodUK]

Hey Ricky, Have you updated the Avalon OS firmware to OS v1.07a yet? I've not watched the video, watching later, so not sure if you mention it at all. Keep up the good work! v1.07a Update (Sept 8 2019) New Features - Extended Note Range to C5 (Note #95) - Modulation Envelope can be triggered on all note events - Can now filter (enable/disable) Accent & Slide MIDI Input - MIDI Accent Input threshold change to Velocity 100+ instead of 65+ - MIDI Program change is now only received on the Avalon's MIDI channel Bug Fixes - Pattern Chaining in Banks 5-7 fixed - USB-MIDI Filter control now working, was not working in v1.06c - Bank transistions between Banks 5-7 could cause sequener to stop (very rare)

[@RickyTinez]

Oh I’m glad you reminded me about this. The midi implementation was killing me. Every not over USB or Midi would have accent applied even if velocity was 1.. suuuper annoying. Hopefully this fixes it

[@Honeysmack]

at 12:00 I fell in love with you.... Brian Castro is a genius.

[@gherat]

You can buy a pre built re303, which is a 1 on 1 clone of the tb303, for $1100,-

[@djpumpkinpatch]

So awesome, I’ve been looking to pick one up but some people report issues with dirty pots and no support from Abstrakt... I know this wins on features but do you have any experience with the RE-303?

[@RickyTinez]

I don’t :/ wish I did. And yea support is non existent

[@leftmono1016]

Michael Saltsman - I wonder how different the Behringer TD3 is from the RE303? The RE seems like a lot of hassle for a direct clone and I’m a big fan of diy usually. I’ve got the TT303 which I really like for the enhanced sequencer options. But I quite fancy the TD to run alongside because if you’re into 303s the TD is a no brainer for the price.

[@djpumpkinpatch]

Left Mono I have a TB-03 and just got a TT-303 mk2. I think the TT sounds better, but liking the sequencer operation more on the TB, even in classic mode. The mutate function on the TT is cool and loop edit is fun too, but I’m not sure what else sets this one apart. I’m not finding an easy way to set or change the pattern length, which is easy to do on most clones and @rickytinez showed off in this video, and I find it difficult to undo modifiers or note changes with the sequencer running. I haven’t spent much time with it though, what is your favorite thing about the TT?

[@johnrichardson3297]

I remember a video on cleaning your synthesizers somewhere...?

[@tommyg5095]

@@johnrichardson3297 Are you sure???

[@hughchapman5319]

very cool

[@mowbyone]

And now only 1 year later,the TD-3 by behringer kicks it's ass.

[@mowbyone]

@Terrence Stone The Price and it's sound , Unbeatable.

[@swaroopa1965]

still sticking to my po 32 and korg volca bass...

[@schwellhaimbassriot2660]

ah yeah, that's a dope one. i'm a happy owner of a borg modded tb, but the avalon is just some steps further for azied. it's worth the hi price

[@tricelbor]

had you tried the td3 mo?

[@greygrey7096]

This ist sick

[@Dzumeister]

what's with the gameboy cartridge?

[@modularmountain3910]

Like most things on your channel it’s super interesting but the price tag makes me think I will never even think about owning one.

[@badx001]

Awesome Desert Island Synth. Definitely a keeper. Nice video as well.

[@arielsantos7162]

Where can I buy one?

[@kierenmoore3236]

Doesn’t squelch anything like an og 303, here 🧐🤔 … is that just tame settings and/or this particular filter card?!

[@JustinUrban1]

Wish I could find one of these

[@jamieally]

Why is the audio so quite for the Avilon?

[@RickyTinez]

gets louder at the end. was a mixing issue i made a mistake on while recording :)

[@nickestvorace]

Would love to have one but they seems to have a lot of problems if I refer to the user group on Facebook. Plus it's really expensive (if you compare to the Behringer TD-3) and also they are produced very rarely. PS : put a Proco Rat and an RE-201 type echo on that beast !

[@cheater00]

bro the env depth thing is just a bipolar envelope. it doesn't cost $600 more to manufacture, it's just a decision over which voltage rails to hook up part of the circuit to, and a few elements change. you can mod every synth to do that, and with a switch, so that it's optional. with a unipolar env, when it's not triggered it's at 0V, center on the depth knob is 0 influence, left goes negative, right goes positive. with a bipolar env, when it's not triggered it's at -5V or whatever. depth all the way left means 0 influence, and going right increases it to max. when env is at -5V and depth is fully right, the filter cutoff is pushed way down because it's in the end -5V * (a lot). If you turn the depth knob left, the filter will return towards what's on the cutoff knob, so as you then depth left the filter will open up. Have fun!

[@fickfehler3866]

Synth fanatics are not well informed on synth mfg. and BOM costs. Alot of these boutique synths are makin a killing cause they're all coming from China. The mfg's are not even designing the PCB's, they're simply choosing which PCB options they want and negotiating a production cost. Dave Smith being the biggest con brand cause of his name recognition

[@cheater00]

@@fickfehler3866 no bro, there's manufacture in china alright, but it's not like ordering from a macdonalds, you got that waaaay wrong

[@fortheloveofnoise]

@@fickfehler3866 That's why I only support boutique builders who build it themselves. One of my favorites who is very affordable is Sismo.

[@fickfehler3866]

@@cheater00 Companies who try to save prod. costs by goin to China get screwed on the intellectual prop. How do you think Huawei did it ? They stole from Nortel ! Anything mfg'd in China is for sale to anyone. No R & D required !

[@fickfehler3866]

@@fortheloveofnoise good on you. Craft Synths make the Rolands & Korgs sweat a bit !

[@JDMNOOB]

Please make a sound pack on splice

[@ohstirfry]

I use a roland TB-03 boutique. And as soon as I can behringer TD-3. I like and choose these because of the limitations they have. This is cool clone but I want to have more restrictive 303.

[@MikeEstlick]

808 State Flow Coma 3 note bass line there!

[@vladimirussachevsky1315]

Very cool, but almost impossible to find any for sale and cost upwards of $1800...Im surprised you don’t know this. For the price I would much rather shell out more and buy a real 303.

[@synthmaven]

or get a TD3

[@17thvillain9]

RE 303 from dinsync!!

[@georgemckenzie2525]

Ahh that's dope

[@evanpincus2203]

What on earth is that thing on the top of the stand behind you?

[@WayneLansdowne]

Pretty sure that's an Oberheim Xpander: www.vintagesynth.com/oberheim/xpander.php

[@Pulecocz]

Check out Sonic Potions LXR + Bastl Instruments 60 knobs - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqbKYml5Z9R2bq8 While it has little to do with 303, it imho uses similar 'magic'.

[@atranimecs]

Sure its got a lot of extra functionaklity/in-n-outs but still for that price point it better include built-in delay, overdrive, and full midi knob motion record....

[@AtomkeySinclair]

What really differentiates a bassline synth from any normal analog synth with a sequencer anyway? My Roland SE-02 does great bass lines. I'm sure there is something fantastic that is particular to these marketed/targeted by-name synths, but without first hand experience I really don't get it. Someone educate me please. And hey Ricky - great content as always, thanks man.

[@RickyTinez]

I want to say (wild guess) that this AVALON and the other 303s almost limit you in staying in a specific sound. But that sound, always sounds good! (Subjective) and it’s simple circuitry

[@congarou]

I think that the 303 (and all the clones and inspirations) are a lovely mixture not only of the actual sound engine (osc+vcf+vca, which is already amazing) but of the whole synth architecture with its envelopes and sequencer that works together which then led to the happy mistakes and wonderful sounds those machines are able to make. Great video as always Ricky!

[@leftmono1016]

Atomkey Sinclair - the ‘303’ sound is really a combination of the synth itself and the sequencer. Program in a pattern, add slides, accents, octaves and away you go. The sequencer is pretty unique, a lot of folk don’t like it but others of us absolutely love it.

[@SpaceDisco1]

The main reason for me for liking these 303 clones is the sequencer. You put in the notes first and in a SECOND step the actual timing. If you put a pause the note just doesn‘t play. Actually programming a specific basslines is quite complicated but jamming with it and finding random but cool basslines is amazingly easy with these. So basically it‘s an inspiration generator that sounds great as well.

[@AtomkeySinclair]

​ Ricky Tinez et al: Thanks for the replies folks. I get the feeling-of-the-feeling about an instrument and how it can be specific to an approach. Especially so if it is something you have become accustomed to. I can certainly appreciate methodology that produces the desired result combined with the experience that comes with the device or platform's baked in purpose. And great sound is great sound man.

[@NeilGuise]

Are these still in production? I looked into this a while back and the company seemed to have vanished.

[@RickyTinez]

i don't really know the story on what happened. I know he still exists.. that's about it. After that i've heard the wildest rumors haha

[@recurvmusic]

His warehouse flooded or something horrible. Another production run is in development. He's also launching a new product.

[@thomaspogadl]

Top!

[@Juan-jw5tf]

Looks like Elektron takes a 303 and redesign in their own, looks amazing but the price is really high, for clones for that kind of prices defo will choose the Mini Buschla hand-maked.

[@fr33mind29]

i dream about days when i could afford this thing

[@ogasi1798]

dont

[@thewolfin]

let

[@fr33mind29]

me go?

[@Dillyrhythm]

isnit for sale?