Acid Line
An acid line is the twisting, squelchy bassline created with the Roland TB 303, used to give tracks a sharp and hypnotic acid sound.
An acid line is the squelchy and bubbling bassline created with the Roland TB 303. The sound comes from turning the filter and resonance knobs on the 303, which makes the notes twist and rise in a way that feels sharp and hypnotic.
Acid lines are a key part of acid techno and acid house. They add movement, tension, and a raw edge that cuts through the mix. Even today, producers use real 303s or modern versions of them to get the same classic sound.
The acid line is instantly recognizable on the dancefloor and remains one of the most iconic sounds in electronic music.
Example Usage
“The acid line kicked in and the whole room reacted to that classic 303 sound.”