Synthesiser
Bass Line 3 (ABL3)
by AudioRealism
A paid TB-303 emulation plug-in from AudioRealism with an integrated step sequencer, pattern randomiser and a wave analyser that transcribes 303 recordings into patterns.
Before you buy
- Pricing model
- Paid[1][2][9] AudioRealism also sells it in an ABL3 + ADM bundle. Its support page says its plug-ins run in trial mode with most features available, except that audio fades periodically, and advises trying before buying; it generally offers no refunds once a product is registered.
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows No Linux version listed.
- Logic Pro
- AU version listed for macOS
- Other formats
- VST2, VST3
We don't list prices: they change often. Check the manufacturer for current pricing. Requirements below are as the manufacturer states them.
Documented features
- Analogue-modelled TB-303 emulation that uses no samples. AudioRealism lists "3+" emulation models, from ABL2 to the latest ABL3, and three VCO models.[1]
- Version 3.3.3.0 added an experimental VCO model that AudioRealism says attempts to capture the subtle shifting of the 303 oscillator, and moved the emulation engine selector to the Setup page.[5]
- Low-pass filter that AudioRealism describes as "actually 24dB/oct with a 18dB response in audible range", resonating from 20 Hz to 22 kHz.[1]
- Setup-page emulation tweaks: VCA clicks, VCA noise, resonance trim, gate trim (defaulting to 50% "to match the TB-303 as closely as possible"), detune and an extra low cut.[3]
- Version 3.3.0 (July 2021) brought back the distortion and drive circuit from ABL2, added bass and treble controls, shuffle with MPC timing modes, switchable audio engines and optional defects such as broken accent or slide. These changes are reported by three independent news outlets; AudioRealism's own 3.3.0 post could not be retrieved.[6][7][8]
- Step sequencer with patterns of 1 to 64 steps and 128 patterns addressable by MIDI note. The Classic view enters steps with pitch, Gate, Down, Up, Accent and Slide buttons, like the original's front panel; the Pattern view edits steps in lanes.[3]
- Pattern tools: transpose, cyclic shift, Alter (reorders steps without changing them) and Random. The Randomizer view sets scale, root note, gate, slide and accent amounts and seeds, and its parameters can be changed in real time once applied.[3][1]
- Sync modes are Host Sync and MIDI Trigger; MIDI modes are Pattern (each key selects a pattern) and Note (velocity 100 or above for accents, overlapping notes for slides). The manual says it does not respond to pitch bend.[3]
- Wave analyser that transcribes recorded TB-303 audio into a pattern and can also act as a pattern-sequenced sampler.[1][3]
- Pattern import from ReBirth, Roland T-8, Roland TB-03 and Behringer TD-03. Since 3.3.3.0, most supported pattern formats, including wave files, can be dragged into the plug-in window.[1][5]
- Version 3.3.4.4 added MIDI pattern drag to the DAW (drag the "Acid" sticker), a computer-keyboard programming mode and microtuning through MTS-ESP (written "MTS-EPS" in the release note), replacing tuning-file loading.[4]
- Version 3.3.5.1 (1 April 2026) moved to the JUCE 8 framework and fixed MIDI pattern export to Ableton Live 12.[4]
- Licensed with a registration code. AudioRealism supports installation on multiple machines, allows one licence transfer per licence on request, and the manual describes de-authorising a licence that has been sold or used temporarily.[3][9]
- Version 3.3.0 installs as a separate plug-in, ABL3x, alongside the earlier ABL3. In a July 2021 KVR forum reply, AudioRealism's developer said the separation was intentional, to protect existing 32-bit installations and old projects.[10]
Specifications
| Current version | 3.3.5.2 installers; latest release note is 3.3.5.1, dated 1 April 2026[1][4] |
|---|---|
| Emulation options | 3 VCO models and switchable emulation engines, one with optional accent and slide defects[1][5][6][8] |
| Filter | Low-pass: 24 dB/oct with an 18 dB/oct response in the audible range (manufacturer description)[1] |
| Sequencer steps | 1 to 64[3] |
| Pattern memory | 128 patterns, selected by MIDI note[3] |
| Distortion | Distortion and drive (restored in 3.3.0, per press reports)[6][7] |
| Built-in effects | None listed beyond distortion and bass/treble controls[1][3][6] |
| Modulation | None listed beyond the 303 envelope, accent and step vibrato[3] |
| Hardware pattern import | Roland T-8 and TB-03, Behringer TD-03, ReBirth[1] |
| Audio-to-pattern | Wave analyser transcribes 303 recordings[1] |
| MIDI pattern export | Drag to DAW (3.3.4.4 and later); .mid file export[4][3] |
| Microtuning | MTS-ESP[4] |
Compatibility
| macOS | macOS 10.13 or higher; Intel or Apple Silicon[1] |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 7 or higher, 64-bit[1] |
| Plug-in formats |
AU is macOS only; Windows gets VST2 and VST3. No AAX version is listed. A 3.3.4.4 release note mentions a stand-alone version, which the product page does not list. |
Who's using it?
Producers who have said on the record, or been shown, that they use Bass Line 3 (ABL3). Each entry covers what the source shows and nothing more, and links to it so you can check. A name here isn't an endorsement, and it isn't proof the plug-in made the record.
Wehbba Used on a release
In a first-person production breakdown, Wehbba says he used AudioRealism ABL3 for the 303 parts of “Ticprei”, including the bassline, acid leads and stabs. The bassline sequence came from a Max for Live patch and was edited before processing.
- Production breakdown: How It Was Made: Wehbba – Ticprei (HIFN), Magnetic Magazine (AudioRealism ABL3 section).
Plaid Used on a release
In a 2019 Headphone Commute interview about “Polymer”, Plaid says that the main acid lines on “Los” were made with AudioRealism ABL3.
- Interview: Interview with Plaid, Headphone Commute (Question about the sounds on “Los”).
Where we discuss it
Comparisons
Sources
Every fact on this page links to one of these manufacturer sources. Nothing here comes from hands-on testing.
- AudioRealism Bass Line 3 (ABL3), AudioRealism. Accessed .
- AudioRealism – home page, AudioRealism. Accessed .
- ABL3 VST/AU Operation Manual (PDF), AudioRealism. Accessed .
- ABL3 news: 3.3.5.1 and 3.3.4.4 updates, AudioRealism. Accessed .
- AudioRealism Bass Line 3 (ABL3) 3.3.3.0 Update Released, AudioRealism. Accessed .
- AudioRealism Bass Line 3 gets a fat update (Robin Vincent, 28 July 2021), Gearnews. Accessed .
- AudioRealism Bass Line 3 (ABL3) finally adds distortion unit from previous iteration (Sam McNiece, 29 July 2021), Mixdown Magazine. Accessed .
- ABL3 TB-303 Plugin Gets Upgrade (29 July 2021), Sonicstate. Accessed .
- AudioRealism – Support, AudioRealism. Accessed .
- Audiorealism ABL3 – KVR Instruments Forum thread, page 6 (AudioRealism developer reply, 27 July 2021), KVR Audio. Accessed .