pingw33n OpenRB-338 brings a free software recreation of ReBirth RB-338 to modern operating systems.
With pingw33n OpenRB-338, an open-source recreation of Propellerhead Software's 1997 application ReBirth RB-338 has been presented for modern computers. The standalone tool reproduces the original architecture, combining two TB-303 bass generators with a TR-808 and a TR-909.
Features and Sound Engine
The audio engine is built on ReBirth 2.01. According to the developer, audio rendering is bit-accurate compared to the original, verified across more than 1,200 songs. Included features comprise:
- Mixer, distortion, delay, PCF filter, and compressor
- Pattern and song modes alongside shuffle, loop, and recording
- User interface based on scalable vector graphics
- Control of synthesizers and pattern selection via computer keyboard
- Loop export in WAV, FLAC, or Ogg Vorbis formats
- Command-line utility named orb for headless rendering and management
The application opens project files from versions 1.x and 2.x (RBS 4.0 to 4.2) and saves files in the RBS 4.2 format. ReBirth mods (.rbm) containing alternate drum samples are supported, with the standard drum kit pre-integrated. Additional mods require re-encryption using the orb mod recrypt command, which needs a key component from the RB20FUL.DAT file of the 2001 ReBirth reissue CD. Modifications affect drum sounds only, leaving panel graphics unchanged.
Current Limits and Availability
MIDI input, MIDI sync, and ReWire are not yet implemented. Undo functions and pattern editing tools such as copy, paste, clear, and randomize are also currently missing.
The software is available free of charge under the GNU General Public License v3.0. It operates strictly standalone without plug-in formats on macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel as DMG), Windows (x64 and ARM64 as installer or ZIP), and Linux (x86_64 and ARM64 as AppImage). Binaries are unsigned and require manual system approval upon initial launch. The initiative is independent and not affiliated with Propellerhead Software or Reason Studios.
Source: Amazona
