DJW Audio’s TB-303-style bass synth DW-303 is now available as a free download!
In this article, we cover how to get DW-303 for free and give you an overview of its features.
1. What Is DJW Audio DW-303?
DW-303 is an open-source TB-303-style bass synthesizer with a step sequencer, slide, and accent. The oscillator, filter, envelope, and VCA are modeled stage by stage from the original schematics and calibrated against measurements taken from the hardware. The sequencer works just like the original: you enter the pitches first, then program the rhythm with notes, ties, and rests.
Key Features
- Oscillator, filter, envelope, and VCA modeled from the original schematics
- 16-step sequencer for entering pitch, accent, and slide (accent, slide, and transpose can be set for each note)
- 64 patterns plus 7 tracks for chaining patterns into songs (4 pattern groups, each with A/B sections)
- Factory patterns included – just press Run/Stop to play them back at the panel tempo
- 12 controls: TUNING, CUT OFF FREQ, RESONANCE, ENV MOD, DECAY, ACCENT, VOLUME, TEMPO (40–300 BPM), WAVEFORM (saw/square), SYNC (Internal/MIDI/Host), QUALITY (Full/Economy), RUN/STOP
- With SYNC set to Host, it follows your DAW’s tempo and transport, and patterns are saved with your session
- The standalone version can be played from a MIDI keyboard (overlapping notes slide, velocity triggers accent) and also supports MIDI clock sync
- Open source (GPL-3.0-or-later, written in Rust) – no license key or activation required (version 0.1.0)
- macOS (Apple Silicon / Intel): VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP, LV2, Standalone
- Windows 10/11 x64: VST3, CLAP, Standalone (the installer is unsigned, so a SmartScreen warning may appear)
- Linux x86_64: VST3, CLAP, LV2, Standalone
2. How to Download and Install DW-303
On the official page, click “Download for macOS”, “Download for Windows”, or “Download for Linux”. You will be taken to a $0 checkout page – complete the checkout to download the plugin. No license key or activation is required.
Summary
That’s our roundup of the free DJW Audio DW-303 release. If you want an authentic acid bassline with a classic-style step sequencer at no cost, DW-303 is well worth grabbing on Mac, Windows, or Linux.
We also cover the latest deals and freebies on plugins and other music production gear beyond DW-303, so be sure to check them out – you might find a great bargain!