Another monophonic analog TB-303 clone! The FB 383 is a re-packaged version of the MB 33 with a special front-panel design as part of an exclusive deal with Turnkey music shop UK. Just like the MB 33, the FB 383 offers all the same basic sounds and controls as the original TB-303 in a 1-unit rack module. It has just 8 basic knobs for the same basic 303-like control: tune, filter cutoff, resonance, envmod, accent and decay. Unlike the 303 however, the oscillator can be varied from sawtooth to square from a knob on the front! Also featured is an external audio input to the filter for processing other elements.

The FB-383 makes a decent 303 sound however it lacks too many functions that should be there. Controls do no send or receive MIDI and there is no memory for storage of your own sounds. However, at its low price tag, you get what you pay for and for a quick and easy 303 the FreeBass comes in handy!

TuneFreak

February 2, 2011 @ 5:50 am

Well.... this synth isn't great tb303 clone comparing to x0xb0x or acidlabe bassline, but it can do amazing things with only few wires and switches.
here is an example of bass boost and extended resonance. I have few mods to come ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MH1HBSjRDk
thanks
Tunefreak

Jasper

August 27, 2010 @ 6:08 am

Little livetrack with the tr505 and MAM MB33 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN_L1Ttr2Ak

Flymow

May 5, 2010 @ 7:08 am

Try pressing the "Retune" button with an external noise source going through the external input. 9/10 times it won't do anything, but sometimes it gives really weird and quite insane tuning options!

Flymow

May 5, 2010 @ 7:02 am

There are some absolutely awesome "circuit bending" mods for this - I have one sat in my rack at home. Sure, it sounds great as it is and does a passable 303 impression, but circuit mods add VCF I/O switch (really handy as you don't have to reach round the back all the time to unplug the 1/4" jack socket), VCO overdrive, resonance boost, FM circuit, CV in, Fiter Lock (stops the ADSR shape of the filter being applied to an external input), front panel power switch and BLUE front panel LED's (WOOHOO!!!)

Without a doubt the absolute best £115 you will ever spend and makes the original TB303 sound absolute pants by comparison. I totally recommend this to anyony who has a Freebass. Honestly, go do it and no, I don't get commision, just a very happy musician.

Link is at:

http://www.circuitbenders.co.uk/synthmod/FREEBASS.html

Enjoy :oD

James

April 22, 2010 @ 5:44 am

I bought one of these from ebay for £90, and I will never let this badboy go. Granted it's not quite as cool as owning the real deal, however the sound is pretty damn close. I used to swear by Audiorealism's ABL2 soft synth version, but after finding the 383, there is no comparison. Love it!

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