There’s no synth that can quite recreate the crazy quirks of a real Roland TB-303 as used all over the ‘original tweakin’ acid edit’. But if you haven’t got a TB-303 to hand, for the closest emulation you can get, grab yourself a virtual version like the ABL Bassline or the Phoscyon from d16. That said, the 303 is simple one-oscillator synth with a choice of saw or square waves. The more harmonically rich square wave is the one to go for here. The rest is in the programming, making use of the accent and slide parameters in just the right places.

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How to get the sound

We’re going to use ABL Bassline. Keep the decay on full and envelope mod on midway. Start low and head high. Then, just when there’s nowhere left to go, go crazy and do it all again, but much faster this time.

The only other factor shaping the tone of the 303 is the distortion/overdrive effect. You could use anything for this trick, from a Boss turbo-overdrive, to overloading the input on an analogue desk. For those working in virtual studios, try simple guitar overdrive to get that thick growl. Finish off with plenty of heavy compression.