Propellerhead ReBirth RB-338 2.01

I'm using the 2.01 version, and for a long time now.
The RB-338 is very easy to edit and program, at least if you alredy had some contanct with this kind of instrument (bass synths and drum machines w/ patern based sequencers) or read the manual. But it's tedious and you need some patience.

ReBirth is designed to emulate some especific hardware instruments (2x TB-303 , TR-808, and TR-909), so thats what you get. But the package comes with some more: efects (delay, compression & distortion), Patern Controled Filter, sample capabilities (for the drums sounds, if you construct a MOD), countless number of songs...

It's probably the best emulator for the 303, so it's depend what you think about these instrument. I love it, even if it's overused nowadays. It's just an instrument with a especific sound, like the Theremin, the Mellotron or the Acustic Guitar. The delay and distortion sounds really great in conjunction with the 303. The TRs are good, very close to the originals. I still use a lot of 909 kick and 808 snare sounds in my music.

No crash (on PC!), no cracks, no clicks, no bugs, NO PROBLEMS at all.

All information I needed are at the Propellerheads website.

I use ReBirth for three years now. Well, I don't use that much these days, but if I need a 303 emulator, thats it. I think the patern-based sequence system isn't good for me, since I prefer to program in Cubase or even Reason. But hey, I can open ReBirth easyly in those programs, so...

I'm using the 2.01 version, and for a long time now.
The RB-338 is very easy to edit and program, at least if you alredy had some contanct with this kind of instrument (bass synths and drum machines w/ patern based sequencers) or read the manual. But it's tedious and you need some patience.

ReBirth is designed to emulate some especific hardware instruments (2x TB-303 , TR-808, and TR-909), so thats what you get. But the package comes with some more: efects (delay, compression & distortion), Patern Controled Filter, sample capabilities (for the drums sounds, if you construct a MOD), countless number of songs...

It's probably the best emulator for the 303, so it's depend what you think about these instrument. I love it, even if it's overused nowadays. It's just an instrument with a especific sound, like the Theremin, the Mellotron or the Acustic Guitar. The delay and distortion sounds really great in conjunction with the 303. The TRs are good, very close to the originals. I still use a lot of 909 kick and 808 snare sounds in my music.

No crash (on PC!), no cracks, no clicks, no bugs, NO PROBLEMS at all.

All information I needed are at the Propellerheads website.

I use ReBirth for three years now. Well, I don't use that much these days, but if I need a 303 emulator, thats it. I think the patern-based sequence system isn't good for me, since I prefer to program in Cubase or even Reason. But hey, I can open ReBirth easyly in those programs, so...

ReBirth is getting up there in software years; compared to what is currently available (Reason, Project5, Orion, etc.), ReBirth is very limited. Nevertheless, it's a great program and its very lack of features can actually be a major selling point. You can't do a whole lot with the program, so it is quite easy to work with and you can get a lot done.

ReBirth features emulations of 3 classic Roland instruments: two TB-303s, a TR-808 drum machine, and a TR-909 drum machine. The sound output can be routed through distortion, compression, delay, and a pattern controlled filter (only one instrument at a time can be routed to the PCF).
ReBirth has little in the way of expansion capabilities. You can ReWire it into Propellerhead's larger studio environment, Reason, or into a software sequencer like Sonar, Cubase, or Ableton Live (I prefer Live). You can also download additional "mods" from the Propellerhead website which feature unique interfaces and different samples for the drum machines. You can even make your own mods if you have the patience.
Sequencing in ReBirth alone is a pain--it's much easier to ReWire into Live and record loops of each instrument and then sequence them in Live.

ReBirth sounds great, even after all these years. I love the sound of the 303, especially with distortion, delay, and real-time knob twiddling. I've heard other synth patches designed to emulate the 303, but ReBirth actually gets it right. These 3 instruments are all you need to make traditional techno.
ReBirth does not offer synthesis, sampling or much by way of effects (just compression, the PCF, and delay), so the program emphatically will not meet the needs of anyone interested in experimental or non-techno music applications. This is a one-trick pony, but it's a great trick.

This is an older program that can run on even the most modest of PCs. I've never had any problems.

I once tried to make my own mod using the supplied ModPacker software but couldn't get it to work. I emailed Propellerhead and just got an email a week later saying to be "very careful" about file extensions. Never could get the ModPacker to work.

I would counsel anyone just starting out in techno to have a look at this program. It isn't intimidating and, it lets you get good results quickly. On the other hand, there are certainly better buys out there at this point. If I lost it, I would try to find a used copy.

Rebirth is very simple to use, but the song mode is a real pain, especially for those not familiar with the method. But in loop mode its simple to use!

The first thing that disapointed me about rebirth is the fact you can't export the sounds from loop mode as a loop, secondly there was no way of exporting midi which goes against the way i work, there are ways around it but its long winded. The compressor doesnt really do anything, the delay is simple enough, but the distortion sounds nice and filthy especially with the 909!
but in general rebirth is very basic and limited - but sounds great!

The sounds on rebirth are great! especially the 303, its hard to tell it from the real thing! 909 and 808 also sound good with a bit of filthy distortion. Only niggle is when i export a song as .wav it comes out quiet sometimes.

its never glitched or crashed on me and use little proccessor power, its stable as a concrete slab.

never had to use it!

overall rebirth is a funny beast, it really does sound great, but at the same time it is very limited, its sealed away in its own little box seperate of all other software. if rebirth was re-released as a set of VST plugins with some new features (like more wave forms for the 303)it would be a amazing plugin for techno heads, but alas like reason its VSTless, it also could do with the reason style playlist aswell to make producing on it easier. it would also be great if it tied in with reason better, i.e coming up as a actual rack in the software instead of using the re-wire type thing.

rebirth is pretty old, and has been left behind by modern software, but its still a stable workhorse which sounds great and a classic in my opinion - but i would love to see a new version!

it has its snags but it makes up for them in sound and charactor!

Depends if you are mathematically inclined, and if you can understand music notation. Overall though it is a pretty easy GUI/software to use.

Too many to list. I create my grooves in ReBirth, and then tweak the loop in Steinberg's Wav Lab Pro, and then construct and remix my tracks in Sonic Foundry's Acid Pro. These three softwares will create anything you have an imagination for.

Depends on the Mod. Some Mods are fantastic, while some leave a lot to be desired. TG Virus' Mods, Massen's Mods, Peff's Mods, Trancer, Voltage 2, and the like, are all quality Mods.

It's software...depends on how your PC is. I recommend at least 128MB RAM, and a 500MHz processor.

Fantastic...first rate. They have succeeded in the software industry largely because of their R&D, attention to detail and quality, and Tech Support.

For all what the ReBirth 338 can do for you, it an astounding deal. Not too many people can afford a TB-303, or TR-909, etc., let alone track one down. For under $200 Canadian, you can outfit your studio with a world of musical possibilities, for what evetually turns out as pennies a day. Can't say enough great things!

Well, considering the barebones nature of this application (Rebirth really doesn't do much, really; two drum machines and two monophonic synths), the interface is very simple and inviting. Within minutes, anyone should be able to click and drag their way to some sort of dancefloor cliche.

Individual 16-beat patterns are very easy to generate, much like the hardware the software aspires to, plus you have cut and paste options and key commands galore to make it even faster and easier.

Arranging the patterns in song mode is a little frustrating. Here's where I wish they would do away with the fake LED interface in favor of a song map or time line, like software sequencers, something that would give the user the long view. For this reason, I really don't work in song mode (minor quibble, more on this later).

Other than that, it is so easy to use that a manual is superfluous.

Not to hammer the same nail, but simplicity is one of it's main features and it's primary appeal for me. I use it to throw down ideas as quickly as possible. Once I havea pattern I like, I dissect it instrument by instrument, record AIFF files of each instrument, and pour those files into Logic (not without abusing them a little first.)

The effects are easy to use, and woefully limited in application. You have a filter, distortion, delay and compression. Compressor can be applied to one module or to the whole mix. The filter and distortion can only be assigned to one module. Frankly, a little complexity (rewarded with greater flexibility) here would be nice.

There's no linking Rebirth to a MIDI controller, which is unfortunate. There's no polyphony, and no exporting MIDI sequences for use in other applications or devices. This is also unfortunate. With a few additional features and added flexibility, Rebirth could be the cornerstone of my kit. Instead, it's a very slick toy.

Sequencing is simple and tedious. If you're looking to write out a whole song, there are easier tools for that.

I should add, the top feature of this is that you can build your own mods. You can build drum kits replacing the factory sounds with your own aiff files.

The factory sounds are satisfactory, and if unadulterated, will get you producing techno worthy of a car commercial. They sound like polite versions of 808s, 909s, and 303s that we are all too familiar with. For any real punchiness, you'll have to go outside Rebirth and beat up on the resulting sound files in your favorite sound editor. The drum sounds beg to be f***ed with.

Once I built a mod for it, I've left the factory sounds behind. I realize that without the faux-vintage sounds Rebirth is little more than a sample player with a klunky 16-beat sequencer. But I still find it very useful.

I have no use for the 303 simulators, but that's more of a personal choice. I don't think I'd have much use for a real 303.

The onboard effects are bit strange. The low pass/band pass filter is very good. I wish there was a second one in place of the compressor, which doesn't really do anything for me. The distortion has some uses, and the delay is simple and inoffensive.

It hasn't crashed on me once. It makes minimal demands on the computer's processing and RAM, and it doesn't flake out. I've been running on three Macs of differing vintages (an early G3, a G4 and a 2-year old Powerbook) without any conflicts or catastrophes.

I've not gigged with it, but the MIDI sync works very well with my outboard gear.

I had one question about the ModPacker application that was quickly answered via email. Their website is loaded with free mods that are worth exploring. (I feel strongly that these mods make Rebirth quite a bargain.)

I think Rebirth is a bargain, if one is willing to accept it's limitations. The fact that you can plug your own drum sounds into it makes this one of those things that gets better the more you're willing to work on it. Out of the box, it's a passable imitation of 80's vintage beatboxes, and the resulting music will be rife with cliches if you're not careful. With a little effort, you can make it something individual, strange, and have a little fun in the meantime.

If you are specifically looking for 303, 808, and 909 sounds, I would consider a dedicated peice of hardware from the usual suspects.

I use Rebirth alongside Logic, Soundedit, Soundhack and a few other applications. My primary interest is tearing up sounds from field recordings and other unlikely sources and then reorganizing them. Rebirth works well in that framework.

One thing I wish for is even more flexibility in making mods and replacing sounds. That would definitely raise the freak appeal.

i find it a little hard to get used to, but it performs the same way my good old analog synth did, a wonder of programming

I find it so much more expessive of the music i want to play than the standard midi scorewriters.

It could use a littlw work on the patch maps but still it's a very good product as it stands

as long as the pc is stable i trust the program, it has not given me reason not to.

I have not dealt with the company

cool program, cant go without it, has abilities i have been looking for in a pc application for years

This is by far the most fastest and easy way of making (TECHNO) It's like playing with a toy but with much more in mind. If you know anything about laying down a beat then there is no need to mess with the manual on this.

Very usefull with MIDI and always great for saveing your finished product in wave or a song format.It has 2 TB303s and are pretty much like the real deal without the big price tag!!! If you want to expand on this you will need to download the mods from the Propellerhead website or make your own mod and upload it for everyone else to try out. Also try hooking up a PhatBoy to it and control it some more.

TB303 it's there just crank it up or run it through some outside fx!!! 909 and an 808 what more could you ask for. I'm sure if they could they would have put in some more but for the price you pay you'll be very pleased!!!

This hasnt crashed on me yet. I would gig with it but I wouldnt want to take my computer out with me. Just sample all your stuff and seq. it all together I'm sure you will keep everyone moving all night.

Have not yet contaced them.

If I was to ever loose this I could always go and buy another one and prob. would for $139.00 who wouldnt? So go out and get one for yourself and start up some beats of your own!!!

2.01. The basic mod that comes with rebirth 338 2.01 is excellent. Has me thinking about Eazy E and N.W.A in the studio smoking illegal things. I guess I could make alot of tunes without the addition of mods, but there available so. I have a RM1x and Rebirth sounds 10 times better than the RM1x when it comes to 808 and 909 emulation(though the MC-303 is better than rebirth)
The biggest benefit is step/grid recording while the pattern is playing, makes a big difference.
Manual well, its on-line only but not too bad, it gave a good step by step direction on syncing to outboard sequencers.

Polyphony is irrevelant for this module.No keyboard action...BOO would love to play the 303 in real time with my controller.
Delay effects are cool sounds very old school tape delay.Distortion is OK as is the filter section.
The ability for mod use is incrediable. Every two weeks http://www.propellerhead.se has some new mods.
The Midi sync works pretty well. I have The RM1x as my master and Rebirth plays along with the RM1x fairly well(the RM1x plays slightly ahead but i adjust the offset in the RM1X to play behind 010-015).
Its cool cause I can write the bass line and keyboard swells on the RM1x and write the rebirth part in Grid/step mode while both Rebirth and the RM1X are playing,,,way cool!!!!!11
Just using Rebirth without midi is fine also, the 16 step grid mode should be burned into just about everyones skull by now.

808 and 909 sounds are better than my RM1x and DR-660, but do not match up to the MC-303 and MC-505 emulantion of the 808 and 909.
The TB-303 sound of rebirth lacks some analog POW!!!!.
On board effects are cool, nice delay, but would love some type of reverb. Also, the effects are assigned to each module, not each sound in each module.
This is great for techno type things and some like jungle you might hear on some Public access television. The mods are a must for most electro type music though.

Its pretty good, has not crashed on me yet. Synths with some latency but the latency seems consistent, so you can ajust either the unit or our outboard sync gear.
Use it for a gig without a backup? I have done it and it worked well, no crashs no syncing problems.If you have a PII 333 or higher with 64 ram I see no problem,except for the event of a surge hick-up.

I paid $150 I think, I would buy it again.
I finally have intergrated into my midi set up and I love it even more. Love the quasi- 808 909 sounds and the mods.
Hate the no effect for indivual sounds.
Overall a great product. At home I save a loop and export to audio (usually a four bar phrase) then I take it into sound forge to add some low end and normalized and pro-compression. Then I import the wave into Acid.
A fab product.