While the Roland TR-808 may be the most iconic drum machine ever created, the TB-303 is perhaps the most instantly recognisable for that acid bassline. Despite being a commercial flop on its release in the early ‘80s (it was originally intended to recreate the sound of an electric bass guitar) it was discontinued after just three years of production in 1984. However, it went on to play a pivotal role in the formation of acid house just a few years later, and become a truly classic bit of kit.

Given that it’s 303 day — 3rd March, geddit? —  we’ve gathered up a selection of the best 303 samples, all for free (almost)! You can download them all below for significantly cheaper than the real thing. 

Music Blip

This TB303 pack comes with 61 loops in total, equalling over 400mb of analog loops all recorded at 114bpm.

Sample Science

This collection of 100 24-bit 44.1 kHz wav 303 style loops from Sample Science are all recorded dry at 120bpm. Tempo and key labelled, they are said to be heavily inspired by Plastikman’s early releases.

Freesound

This Freesoundit pack contains 23 loops designed “for 303 lovers”. Enjoy.

Looperman

Looperman has 146 free samples tagged 303 at the time of writing, kindly uploaded by their users.

Music Radar

For 303 day last year (2022), Music Radar offered 252 free 303-style acid samples — just 51 samples short of the magic number. The free samples are split into five categories: basslines, basslines FX, high arps, one note sweeps and one note sweeps FX.

Vintage Synth Samples ($1)

A bonus inclusion: for just $1 from the Vintage Synth Samples Bandcamp page, this pack contains 23 high-quality 303 samples.