The classic Roland TB-303 distortion sound in a one knob effect plugin.
If you love the classic acid distortion sound shaped by Hardfloor, Josh Wink, Emanuel Top or DJ Misjah & DJ Tim, this distortion plugin is exactly what you need. The TB-303 Distortion is now available as a Pro version with significantly more power under the hood.
What's new in the Pro version?
The free version delivers a single, classic distortion algorithm with one-knob control. The Pro version fundamentally expands the concept:
Instead of one algorithm, there are now 8 switchable distortion types: Classic Hardfloor, Acid Fuzz, Tape Saturator, Diode Clipper, Wavefolder, Rectifier, Bitcrusher and Valve Screamer. Each type brings its own sonic character, from warm tape saturation and aggressive fuzz to experimental wavefolding and digital bitcrushing.
On top of that, an adjustable post highpass filter (30 to 500 Hz) lets you precisely cut low frequency mud. A completely new settings panel provides direct access to algorithm selection and filter control.
The visual highlight: the acid smiley morphs in real time with the dry/wet parameter. 14 frames at 60 FPS, from a friendly smile at 0% to a distorted grimace at 100%, directly controllable via mouse drag.
The Pro version features true stereo processing with two independent DSP instances per channel, stores all settings in a DAW compatible XML format and also runs as a standalone application.
More Under the Hood: Extended Signal Chain
What sets the Pro version apart from other distortion plugins lives deeper in the signal chain. Before the actual distortion, a Pre-Highpass Filter (20 to 1000 Hz) with adjustable slope from 6 to 24 dB per octave and resonance up to Q 10 removes sub-bass before it ever hits the distortion circuit, keeping the low end clean and tight.
The Acid Focus input narrows the bandwidth from above using a lowpass filter. This concentrates the distortion into a focused frequency range and creates that typical tight, aggressive acid character.
An Envelope Follower tracks the input level in real time and dynamically modulates the Pre-Highpass frequency. With a positive value the filter opens on the attack, with a negative value it closes. This gives the distortion a lively, breathing quality that reacts to your playing.
The Crossover Mix splits the signal into bass and highs. The sub-bass is routed cleanly around the distortion circuit while only the mids and highs go through the processing. The result is massive distortion up top without sacrificing punch and clarity in the low end.
Inspired by the internal feedback routing of the KA-303 Synthesizer, the plugin features an AC-coupled Feedback Loop. The feedback signal runs through a highpass at 150 Hz so bass frequencies are never fed back into the circuit. The signal stays stable and controlled even at high feedback levels. Soft-clipping prevents runaway resonance.
An automatic Gain Compensation circuit balances out the volume increase caused by distortion. The output level stays consistent no matter how far you push the Drive.
What is the plugin designed for?
The TB-303 Distortion Pro is a specialized distortion plugin for electronic music production. It is suited for TB-303 basslines that need more punch and character, for synth leads with tube warmth and bite, for drums with grit and analog saturation, and for experimental sound design with wavefolder and bitcrusher. Wherever acid vibes are needed.
Specifications
Formats: VST3, AU, Standalone. Windows 10/11. macOS (Intel, Apple Silicon, Universal Binary). 32 bit float, 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz. 2x oversampling.
License Information
This product includes a professional license system with the following features:
- Online activation with hardware fingerprinting
- Up to 3 device activations included
- Automatic license delivery via email
- Customer portal for license management
After purchase, you will receive your license serial number via email within minutes.