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I purchased my 303 used for 300 bucks. This is a machine you must learn despite it's non threatening appearence, low cost, and whatever you think you may know about programming music. I've had this box for about three months and the more time i spend with it the more rewarding the results. I was about to return it after the first week but something told me to stick with it.
Primarily, I use the 303 as a drum module. I tune my kicks to my bass lines and/or samples which is what i used to do with my sampler until i had to sell it. You can adjust the pitch of any sound in the 303--a plus for me.
The synth sounds are left for debate as some of them are cliche or boring while others are inspiring or, at least, usable.
I don't know if this is a memory thing but when you have a lot going on(with patterns and parts) the hi hats get "sloppy". Now, actually, I love that this happens...makes my hi hats sound pete rockish. The only gripe is that when I track my beats out, the hi hats aren't sloppy when I mute the other parts out. (By them selves the hi hats are tsst tsst tsst tsst but when other parts are playing they sound like thssst thssst thssst thssst).
For 300 bucks, I understand why some people expect a toy. Those people WILL get bored as the 303 is a professional tool. It's character and power are latent and will not be unleashed by auditioning the sounds or twisting knobs. The 303 provides enough MIDI editing capabilities and sounds(though much more limited sonically) to warrant a higher price tag....arguably. And anyone willing to put a little time and effort into programming this box will be in for a beat...I mean treat.
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