Photo of Roland TB3 and more gear in a studio

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Roland TB3

$599.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (17)

3 Critic Reviews

4 Reviews

Find out who is using Roland TB3

6 community setups

13 wishlisted

49 saved

Page last updated Jun 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 5, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (25)

$599.00 1 available New

$420.00 11 available Used

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Average Price: $510

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Roland TB3 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Dive into the realm of unmistakable analog bliss with the Roland TB3, where the past and future collide. This synth isn't just a nod to the iconic TB-303; it's a reimagined beast equipped with Roland's Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology. Experience precision and ease with its touch-sensitive performance pad, making it significantly more user-friendly than its predecessor. Whether you're crafting acid house basslines or exploring new sonic territories, the TB3 serves as your digital canvas, painting sounds with a vintage brush but with modern ease.

Key Features:

Equipped with Roland's Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology for authentic sound emulation.
Touch-sensitive performance pad for expressive playing and programming.
Overdrive and delay effects for expansive sound shaping.
Easy-to-use sequencer with pattern support for real-time creativity.
Durable, compact design for reliability and portability.

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	TB-3 AIRA Touch Bassline Synthesizer
Finish	Black
Year	2014 - 2025
Categories	Desktop Synths, Digital Synthesizers
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Polyphony	1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Roland TB-3 a polyphonic synthesizer?: No, the Roland TB-3 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can only play one note at a time, which is ideal for basslines and melodic sequences.
How does the Roland TB-3 connect to other devices?: The Roland TB-3 connects via MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI, allowing integration with various MIDI-compatible devices and DAWs.
What is the primary use of the Roland TB-3?: The Roland TB-3 is primarily used for creating basslines and sequences, leveraging its touch-based interface and digital sound engine to emulate classic acid bass sounds.
Does the Roland TB-3 have a touch interface?: Yes, the Roland TB-3 features a touch interface, providing an intuitive way to manipulate patterns and parameters for real-time performance and sound design.
Can the Roland TB-3 be used with a DAW?: Yes, the Roland TB-3 can be used with a DAW via USB MIDI, allowing for easy integration into digital music production environments.

Videos

Add video

RolandChannel

AIRA Start - TB-3 (a short tutorial)

RolandChannel

Roland AIRA Performance: TR-8, VT-3, TB-3, System-1

DJ TechTools

WHY it is the Best Synth EVER

AudioPilz

Demo de Roland TB-3

Hispasonic

Roland TB-3 Introduction German 303 Acid Synthesizer

RECORDING.de

Roland Aira TR-8 & TB-3

SynthMania

ROLAND TB-3 Touch Bassline

session

Roland Aira TB3 All Presets - More Than Just a TB303!

Studio Toolz

Roland tb3 - Why you must have one (no Talking)

KUSH

Reviews

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PROS

Outstanding sequencer, intuitive and easy to use
Offers a punchy sound superior to its predecessors
Includes a wide range of sounds beyond basic waveforms
Features highly customizable effects engines and LFO
Allows programming and saving of own sounds
Provides hands-on control with reprogrammable X-Y pad, effect knob, and aftertouch
Scatter function is well-implemented and user-friendly
Compatible with external sequencers and MIDI setups
Enhanced pattern programming visibility and ease
More value for money with additional patches and effects

CONS

Presets can sound static with repeated notes
X-Y pad's functionality not preferred by all, some desire traditional dials/buttons

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland TB3.

Comparisons

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The TD-3 is noted to feel cheaper in build quality, with scratchy pots after extensive use, though it maintains a strong analog sound.
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The SE-02 and DB-01 are recommended for those seeking versatile synths beyond bass lines, potentially paired with an Acidbox 3 for more effects.
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The Erica Synths Bassline is a suggested alternative, offering superior sound quality at a higher price point.
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The Bass Station 2 is recommended over the TB-3 for a more modern, versatile monophonic synth experience with a non-acidic filter option.
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Users note that the TD-3 may offer better sound quality compared to the TB-3.
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User experience

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Some users find the Crave to produce jazzy bass, while the Pro-1 feels too sharp, lacking the desired deep, heavy techno bass sound.
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Owners note the TB-3 accurately fits into a mix but lacks the satisfying feel of analog clones like XOX or Behringer TD-3.
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The TB-3 is praised for its ease of programming, especially its sequencer, which is more user-friendly compared to the Behringer TD-3.
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Features and functionality

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The TB-3's architecture supports deeper synthesis than apparent, with unofficial editors available to unlock more potential.
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The TB-3 lacks decay and envelope modulation knobs, but users repurpose volume and effect knobs for additional control.
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The TB-3 includes a sequencer superior to the original TB-303, enhancing live performance use.
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The TB-3 utilizes Roland’s ACB digital modeling, providing a versatile sound palette that remains indistinguishable from analog in recordings.
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Some users find the presets lacking, but appreciate the range of bass sounds and effects available.
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Use cases and applications

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In a mix, the difference between the TB-3's digital sound and TD-3's analog sound is negligible, making the TB-3 a viable choice for studio work.
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The TB-3 is favored for live performances due to its touch interface and ease of use.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners can unlock additional features of the TB-3 using third-party software, enhancing its capabilities beyond factory settings.
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Value and pricing

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The TB-3's price has surged due to its positive portrayal in a "Bad Gear" episode, with some listings now exceeding $1000.
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Setup and maintenance

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A built-in compressor is missing, requiring external compression to manage dynamics during live performances.
Source

Critic Reviews

Roland TB3 Touch Bassline

soundonsound.com

Roland's TB3 Touch Bassline impresses with its convincing emulation of the classic TB303 sound, enriched by additional features like effects and a broader sound range. Its touchpad interface and missing traditional controls may deter purists, but the overall package is enticing, especially given its affordability and USB audio/MIDI interface capability. While the lack of MIDI glide functionality is a concern, the TB3 offers a blend of nostalgia and innovation that justifies its value.

positive

Full Review

Roland Aira TB-3 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Roland TB-3 is a compelling update to the classic bassline concept, offering authentic TB-303 emulations and a host of new synth tones. It delivers excellent value with its portability, robust build, and intuitive touchpad interface. While the lack of sound edit saving is a drawback, its real-time touchpad recording and USB audio/MIDI interface make it a versatile tool for studio and stage.

positive

Full Review

Roland AIRA TB-3 Touch Bassline - Attack Magazine

attackmagazine.com

The Roland AIRA TB-3 is a modern twist on the iconic TB-303, offering flexibility and user-friendliness that surpass its predecessor. While it delivers classic 303 sounds, its digital nature and ACB modelling provide an expanded palette, making it more than a mere clone. The intuitive touchscreen-based sequencer is a significant improvement over the original's cumbersome design, although the lack of multi-touch support can be a minor frustration during fast play. Despite a few drawbacks, the TB-3 succeeds as a versatile and approachable update to a classic, appealing to both nostalgic and new users alike.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 17 Ratings

5 star

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1 star

mike_byrd

773

over 5 years ago

Awesome, Sounds Authentic and simple to program

This Acid machine really delivers and sounds exactly as the Roland Tb 303 , but the Aira TB3 has more patchs under the hood and an effects engine as well all welcome plus's . The ability to see exactly what your inputting when programming the TB3 is priceless and allows you the ease off being able to create any pattern your heart desires saving frustration. The TB3 is a 303 plus more and is a steal when it comes to value for money, for what it has on offer theres nothing to fault.

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Electronica Dance music

From Gear Setup

samjunkpunk

about 10 years ago

Baseline Monster

Was realy fascinated when i read about it the first time. After I got it i use it every day. Never use it over the onboard audio interface - only over MIDI.