Analog Bass Synthesizer and Sequencer, Donner B1 Controller with 128 Patterns, Saturation & Delay Effects, LED Display and MIDI IN/OUT

Product Information

Originally, PATTERN + CLEAR/REST would clear the pending pattern. Now you will need to use PLAY/STOP + CLEAR/REST to perform the same function. Where the B1 differs more dramatically from its inspiration is in the sequencing workflow. The original TB-303 used a small button-based sequencer with an awkward workflow that involved inputting pitch and timing – note triggers, rests, slides, accents and octave jumps – separately. This led many users of the original to rely on blind experimentation as much as careful composition when it came to programming patterns. OK, not exactly a synth in conventional terms but given that it's coming from Korg and is a sequel to its NTS-1 build-it-yourself synth, it's certainly worth a mention here, even if the centrepiece of the hardware isn’t a synth engine but a 4-channel oscilloscope… Donner’s take simplifies this significantly, coming with a two-octave pad keyboard, which allows the synth to be played chromatically. Sequencing is more straightforward too; steps are input one by one, allowing users to select a pitch and then input note length and assignslides or accents before moving on to the next step. In Firmware 1.0.1, we have introduced bunch of live random features for the Essential B1. In the latest Firmware 1.1.0, we have amended the way to access them.

Here's how it works. The first thing you do is hit the Record/Edit button and that gets you into Record/Edit mode. Then if you've got a pattern loaded in memory, it'll show up here. Like it does here. To set the GLOBAL TEMPO, make sure to turn on the GLOBAL TEMPO ( PAD G#3 light up). Then press the TEMPO TAP button constantly in the speed you want to set or press the TEMPO TAP button once and use ⬆️/⬇️ arrow keys to set the desired TEMPO. If you want to reload the original pattern, hold PATTERN button for about 2 seconds. HOW TO UPDATE THE FIRMWARE The synth has front panel and rear panel connections. On the front, you have an aux in, headphone, sync in and syc out. At first I thought “oh cool modular patch points”, but I was wrong. Use PLAY/STOP + CLEAR/REST to clear the pending pattern (so you can get a blank pattern to perform the random feature).The Donner B1 Analog Bass Sequencer is a modern analog synthesizer with a sleek design that delivers classic deep bass tones. It brings you all of the deep bass and acid synthesizer sounds of the classic synth in a more intuitive solution. B1 features a self-developed, straightforward logic that makes it perfect for beginners. PAD G#3: In SONG MODE, this PAD is used to turn ON/OFF the GLOBAL TEMPO. When GLOBAL TEMPO = ON, the ESSENTIAL B1 will ignore the TEMPO of each PATTERN and will run all the PATTERN as the GLOBAL TEMPO.

Recently a video went viral on YouTube by the famous composer and music tutor David Hilowitz (YouTube channel: David Hilowitz Music). His review of the Donner B1 bass synthesizer is one of the most detailed on the internet. " How did I JUST find out about this channel? ", as a comment under the video says. One positive thing to note is that devs actually care about this product and have released several firmware updates not just to fix bugs but to add new features. The most recent update gave a song mode – something that I’ll probably never use but it’s reassuring to know that Donner care enough to keep updating this after the sale. In this article, we'll explore the comprehensive feature upgrades of the Donner B1 synthesizer, designed to offer musicians a more immersive and intuitive playing experience. This in-depth review will cover the 8-mode arpeggiator, GATE LENGTH, ACCENT, RATCHET, SLIDE, and HOLD functionalities, Pad Mute/Unmute feature, Random Note Generator & Set Sequence End Step, SONG MODE, and firmware updates and issue fixes.You can add SLOT via pressing down the first unlighted PAD next to the last lighted PAD. Press down CLEAR/REST button will clear the last SLOT, hold CLEAR/REST button will clear all the SLOT. The slide implementation is not by default set to legato playing, it can be set by holding the lower F# on keyboard whilst turning on power though, but it should really be automatically on, it does remember the setting though, so after setting it isn’t an issue. Behringer’s clone certainly looks the part more, is more faithful in its sequencer design, and matches the CV outputs of the original. The B1, however, is easier to program and its additional playability and sequencing tools mean that it can do more than simply replicate straightforward acid bass riffs. Its delay is a great addition too. This knob up here, the accent knob which we hadn't talked about yet, is actually going to determine how pronounced that accent is. Obviously, you don't want it too high, but it's a way of introducing variation.

This cookie stores user-like settings for the chat system provider, which are required for our online chat service. Trusted Shops Here's the video review from David Hilowitz's channel, with a full transcript (only edited for reading fluency). To edit SLOT, first select the one you want to edit by pressing down the representative PAD. The blue LED will flash after selecting it and the DISPLAY will show the PATTERN number in selected SLOT. Press ⬆️/⬇️ arrow keys to scroll through 128 pattern memory. Random Note Generator now is accessed via PLAY/STOP + REC/EDIT instead of PATTERN + REC/EDIT while playing the sequence.The J-6 Chord Synthesizer is arguably a more curious proposition - it blends a Juno-60 synth engine (presumably the same one as you’ll find in the Boutique JU-60a) with a chord sequencer. 100 chord sets are included, with each enabling you to trigger chords and create progressions using the built-in keyboard. You can also dial in variations (arpeggios and guitar-style playing, for example). Of course, you could just use the J-6 as a synth though beyond choosing the sound itself, editing is limited to filter and envelope controls. Then, the signal flows into a filter with cutoff, resonance and depth controls. On the modulation side, you get a simple decay envelope. Also similar. Versatile Connectivity】You can connect the Essential B1 to your DAW using the USB Type-C, serving as a MIDI controller to speed up your music production process. Two full size 5-pin MIDI I/O and Sync I/O allow easier communication with other hardware devices.

Random Note Generator & Set Sequence End Step were added in V1.0.1 firmware update, but not so many users know.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

It has an arpeggiator. The original TB303 had a very distinctive architecture, one which Donner has clearly almost exactly recreated right here. The actual synth engine consists of just one oscillator which is controlled over here and a low-pass filter. So first let's look at that oscillator. There's a tone knob. I'm going to turn it all the way to the left so we get it all bassy. So that's the most bassy it can go and then I'm going to go all the way to the right distortion is of course a very subjective thing I like this quite a lot. I think it adds to the grimness of the sound. With the V1.0.1 firmware update, the Donner B1 gains the Random Note Generator and Set Sequence End Step functionalities. The Random Note Generator inspires spontaneous creativity by generating random notes, providing musicians with on-the-spot improvisational inspiration. Additionally, the Set Sequence End Step feature allows performers to adjust the sequence length as needed, fostering more flexible music composition with enriched structures and variations. There’s also an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) mode with a realtime spectrum analyser, along with a dual waveform generator. Each of the two oscillators can create sine, square, triangle, sawtooth, pulse and noise waveforms.