Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The x0xb0x is a beloved synthesizer that brings the iconic sounds of classic analog bass synthesis to your fingertips. Designed to faithfully replicate the legendary TB-303, this synth is revered for its ability to produce rich, resonant basslines and squelchy, acid-infused tones. With its authentic analog circuitry, the x0xb0x captures the essence of electronic music’s formative years, making it a must-have for both seasoned producers and synth enthusiasts.

Equipped with a user-friendly sequencer, this synthesizer allows you to create intricate patterns and grooves with ease. The x0xb0x also features MIDI and USB connectivity, ensuring seamless integration with modern setups. Its intuitive interface includes controls for tuning, waveform selection, and modulation, empowering you to sculpt your sound with precision. Whether you're crafting hypnotic acid lines or deep, pulsating basses, the x0xb0x delivers a sonic experience that is both nostalgic and compelling.

Perfect for live performances or studio sessions, the x0xb0x offers a durable and compact design, making it a versatile addition to any setup. Dive into the world of acid house and techno with this tried-and-true synthesizer that continues to inspire musicians across genres.

Key Features:

  • Authentic analog circuitry for classic bass and acid sounds
  • Integrated sequencer for pattern creation
  • MIDI and USB connectivity for modern integration
  • Intuitive controls for sound sculpting
  • Compact design suitable for live and studio use
Yo!

Yo!

Daft Punk Tron End Titles Pattern (x0xb0x/TB-303)

Video thumbnail for Daft Punk Tron End Titles Pattern (x0xb0x/TB-303) by Yo!

Daft Punk Tron End Titles Pattern (x0xb0x/TB-303)

Yo!

Yo!

Video thumbnail for The Definitive Roland TB-303 vs Adafruit x0xb0x shootout by phono1337

The Definitive Roland TB-303 vs Adafruit x0xb0x shootout

phono1337

phono1337

Video thumbnail for x0xb0x - Famous TB-303 Patterns by AntiProtonBoy

x0xb0x - Famous TB-303 Patterns

AntiProtonBoy

AntiProtonBoy

Video thumbnail for Roland tb-303 vs. x0xb0x Comparison by roxxx303

Roland tb-303 vs. x0xb0x Comparison

roxxx303

roxxx303

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic TB-303 sound replication

  • Offers enhancements like bass boost

  • Build-it-yourself kit educates on electronics

  • Sound quality varies with builder skill, offering customization

  • Available in durable aluminum case

  • Compatible with both base and MK2 versions

CONS

  • Resonance pot may be flakey, requiring replacement

  • Sound quality inconsistent, dependent on builder's skill

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about x0xb0x.

Setup and maintenance

  • Aluminum 'PCB' panels can be utilized for faceplates, which can be custom-designed using PCB CAD programs for precise fit and finish.

    Source
  • The Murata ceramic resonators differ in load capacitance from the ABRACON, potentially affecting clock performance.

    Source
  • The tact switches on the x0xb0x tend to wear out quickly and replacements are hard to find, impacting usability over time.

    Source

Other

  • Willzyx and Reverb are reliable sources for rare parts, with some components also available through LCSC and Digikey.

    Source
  • The main weak point internally is the sequencer to main board connector, which can vary in reliability depending on the builder's skill level.

    Source

User experience

  • Murata ceramic resonators were used successfully despite different specs, suggesting flexibility in component choice.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The x0xlarge CPU offers enhanced sequencing capabilities and compatibility with custom faceplates for n0nx0x OS.

    Source
  • The x0xb0x offers a superior sequencer compared to the original TB-303 or Behringer TD-3, allowing for non-destructive slides, accents, and rests during performances.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Alps SKQEAAA010 switches are recommended, with compatible caps available from Alibaba, requiring a minimum order adjustment.

    Source
  • The J113 transistor is recommended as a practical substitute for the harder-to-find 2SK30 JFET used in x0xb0x builds.

    Source
  • The Behringer TD3-MO is highlighted as a competing option with built-in patchpoints and mods, offering a different modding experience due to its cleanly laid out plastic enclosure.

    Source

Build quality

  • The knobs listed in the x0xb0x BOM do not fit the specified pots, requiring alternative knob options.

    Source
  • The lack of ICP programming pins on the x0xb0x PCB complicates flashing the CPU chip, requiring direct connection to the chip for programming.

    Source
  • The resonance pot on the x0xb0x is prone to becoming scratchy, which can affect sound quality during performance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some builders prefer the x0xb0x for the hands-on experience of hunting components and assembling, despite easier alternatives like the Behringer TD-3.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For those interested in DIY synthesis but lacking Eurorack systems, the x0xb0x provides a standalone building experience, despite parts becoming harder to source.

    Source
  • Utilizing random mode is a quick method to test all pots as it plays random notes, ensuring functionality before purchase.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The x0xlarge CPU offers a versatile upgrade, allowing original firmware reloading through USB or MIDI, enhancing the functionality of the x0xb0x.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jonnay

I wrote the d0x on it.

I taught myself electronics on this machine.

And this machine is great. Okay, okay, okay, the resonance pot is a little flakey, but you can get a new one. But this is—analogishly speaking—a TB-303. Whenever the original transistors are not available, ones that are very close are used instead.

And you can tell. As in, you can't tell it apart from a TB-303.

I liked it so much, I got another one.

x0x #28

engineeermusic

Amazing Acid machine

I got the X0xbox with aluminum case and atomic mods off eBay. Sounds really good and the bass boost adds more to the bottom end. There are differences on how a X0xb0x sounds depending on who built it. I guess I got lucky to get a really good one. If you can't afford the original TB-303, the X0xb0x is an amazing alternative.

acid
acid

393

x0xb0x

I've got base and MK2 version in my studio and works same as my old retired TB-303

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Boys Noize uses x0xb0x

Boys Noize

Music Producer

Dog Blood

...
Verified via Photo

can be seen in this post from November 3, 2016

See how Moderat uses x0xb0x

Moderat

Music Producer

...
Verified via Musicradar

“This xox box is a self-made TB-303 bassline with special features like MIDI, DIN sync and USB and a more stable casing. It sounds very authentic, just like the original.

“Sometimes you really ask yourself how many bassline- clones you need in life. Somehow this simple bass sound is magic, with its typical ‘twittering’. I believe that this machine will never disappear.”

See how Todd Terje uses x0xb0x

Todd Terje

Music Producer

Terje, Todd & Prins Thomas

...
Verified via Photo

On his personal Instagram account, you can see a x0xb0x on the left. "Live setup for tomorrow at Spektrum with Röyksopp and Andre Bratten".

See how Shigeto uses x0xb0x

Shigeto

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from December 12, 2016

See how Soulwax uses x0xb0x

Soulwax

Guitarist, Bassist

Soulwax

...
Verified via MusicRadar

“It might sound like it is, but the kit list for this album was fairly limited in terms of synths - just a MacBeth M5N, a really nice, old semimodular machine; one of the new Prophets by Dave Smith; an Oberheim 2 Voice Pro; and a TTSH, which is a copy of the ARP 2600. There’s a guy in Sweden who makes them as a DIY kit, but you need to find a tech who can put it all together. It’s roadworthy, it’s got MIDI and it sounds fantastic.

“What else? A x0xb0x 303 emulator; the new M4000 Mellotron; an EMS Synthi AKS; and the Oberheim OB-Mx, the rack-mounted polysynth.”

See how Graham Massey uses x0xb0x

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via Photo

can be seen in this post from July 7, 2014

See how Karenn uses x0xb0x

Karenn

Music Producer

...
Verified via Resident Advisor

"If you don't change the machines and swap them—I mean, you've got like a xOxbOx over there, for example."

See how Orgue Electronique uses x0xb0x

Orgue Electronique

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Sternstudio

Orgue Electronique uses the x0xb0x synthesizer, as detailed on Sternstudio's website. Known for its convincing emulation of the legendary 303, Orgue Electronique appreciates its sound quality and finds its sequencer a valuable addition to his setup.

See how kid606 uses x0xb0x

kid606

Music Producer

Onibaba

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen behind the Poly Evolver in this facebook post

See how Addison Groove uses x0xb0x

Addison Groove

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Addison Groove and his x0xb0x Jam - Gear Guide" by 180 Fact, Addison Groove is seen using the x0xb0x synthesizer to play bass lines.

See how Solvent uses x0xb0x

Solvent

Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

lso in this shot are my modified x0xb0x and a very weird, super-rare German digital drum machine by Dr Bohm, which kind of sounds like a crap Linn Drum. In a good way

See how Strip Steve uses x0xb0x

Strip Steve

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

«This is a clone of the famous TB-303, the acid machine. It’s about a quarter of the real 303 price and to me the best sounding clone there is on the market. You can buy the separate components and build it yourself, but it can be tricky to tune certain parameters so I chose to buy it already made by a guy that looked like he knew what he was doing. He named it ‘The Beast’ and engraved it on, so that’s obviously why I chose to name the acid track I made for the BNR compilation like that… I must have done half a dozen unreleased tracks with the x0xb0x synced with my 707 alone, but nowadays I try to include it in more surprising ways than just retro acid house tools…»

Album Usage

The x0xb0x has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use x0xb0x, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
2
Roland TB-303
Roland TB-303 Synthesizers
2
Roland SH-101
Roland SH-101 Synthesizers
2
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
2
The Human Comparator TTSH
The Human Comparator TTSH Modular Synthesizers
2
AIAIAI TMA-2 Modular Headphones
AIAIAI TMA-2 Modular Headphones Headphones & In-Ear Monitors
1
Korg DW-8000
Korg DW-8000 Synthesizers
1
Casio CZ-1
Casio CZ-1 Synthesizers
1
Yamaha CS-5
Yamaha CS-5 Synthesizers
1

Community setups

Show yours
waxcide

waxcide

Gear IQ 320

More Synthesizers

Sequential Prophet-6

$3,302.83 - $3,499.99

# 1

Rank

Kevin Parker Thom Yorke Trent Reznor
168 artists using
Moog Grandmother

$999.00 - $1,084.00

# 4

Rank

Dominic Fike Deadmau5 Martin Garrix
52 artists using
Korg Minilogue

$411.00 - $699.99

# 10

Rank

Aphex Twin King Krule Misha Mansoor
132 artists using
Moog Subsequent 37

$1,477.84 - $1,899.00

# 14

Rank

Skrillex Neil Halstead Charlie Puth
68 artists using
Arturia MicroBrute

$301.01 - $652.00

# 15

Rank

John Dwyer Adrian Utley Noisia
64 artists using
Korg MicroKORG

$385.00 - $530.00

# 16

Rank

Kevin Parker Frank Iero Joe Duplantier
324 artists using
Yamaha Reface DX

$279.00 - $449.99

# 19

Rank

Mac DeMarco Aphex Twin Taylor Swift
34 artists using
Korg MS-20 Mini

$496.32 - $899.99

# 20

Rank

Kevin Parker Mike Shinoda Deadmau5
93 artists using
Roland AIRA SYSTEM-1

$277.66 - $1,763.18

# 21

Rank

Nick Reinhart Porter Robinson Liam Howlett
53 artists using
Yamaha Reface CS

$79.99 - $495.44

# 22

Rank

Mac DeMarco Fred again.. Justin Vernon
48 artists using
Moog Matriarch

$1,709.10 - $1,944.00

# 24

Rank

Thom Yorke Fred again.. Kurt Vile
39 artists using
Roland AIRA TB-3

$309.99 - $915.00

# 27

Rank

David Guetta Richie Hawtin Jean Michel Jarre
52 artists using
Moog Minimoog Model D

$3,999.00 - $4,999.00

# 28

Rank

Kevin Parker Paul McCartney Mac DeMarco
332 artists using
Roland Boutique JU-06

$479.99 - $1,099.00

# 31

Rank

Mike Shinoda Damon Albarn Matthew Healy
35 artists using
Behringer Model D

$166.00 - $299.00

# 32

Rank

Mac DeMarco Clay Parton Merzbow
28 artists using
Novation Mininova

$385.00 - $529.99

# 34

Rank

Suga (Agust D) Bonobo Jean Michel Jarre
39 artists using
See also: Synthesizers

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    simfonik
    simfonik

    Gear IQ 2532