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🎵 AcidBros Learning Guide

Your Journey from Beginner to Acid Master

Welcome to AcidBros—your gateway to creating authentic acid house and techno music, right in your web browser! This guide is designed for complete beginners. No prior experience with synthesizers or music software is needed. We'll take you step-by-step from your first sound to sharing your own creations with the world.

What is Acid Music?
Acid music is a genre born in Chicago in the 1980s. It's characterized by the distinctive "squelchy" and "bubbly" sound of the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer, paired with the punchy beats of the TR-909 drum machine. AcidBros brings these classic sounds to your browser!

📖 Table of Contents

  1. Chapter 1: Getting Started – Introduction and basic operation
  2. Chapter 2: Creating Rhythms – Using knobs and the sequencer
  3. Chapter 3: Shaping Sound – Filter, envelope, and LFO
  4. Chapter 4: Multi-Track Production – Using multiple channels
  5. Chapter 5: Saving and Sharing – Managing patches and exporting
  6. Chapter 6: Advanced Techniques – MIDI and audio integration

Chapter 1: Getting Started

🎯 What You'll Learn

  • How to open AcidBros and understand the interface
  • The role of each major section
  • Playing your first sound

Understanding the Interface

When you first open AcidBros, you'll see several sections on your screen. Don't worry—it might look complex at first, but each section has a clear purpose!

The Main Sections

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  TRANSPORT BAR (Top)                                    │
│  [FILE] [▶ RUN] [⏹ STOP] [🎲 RANDOMIZE] [SHARE] [⚙️]   │
│                                    [TEMPO KNOB] [SCOPE] │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  MODE SWITCH & PATTERN SELECTOR                         │
│  [Pattern/Song] [P1][P2][P3]...[P16] [COPY][PASTE]     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  TB-303 UNIT 1 (Bass Synthesizer)                       │
│  [KNOBS: Tune, Cutoff, Reso, etc.] [16-STEP GRID]      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  TB-303 UNIT 2 (Second Bass Synthesizer)                │
│  [KNOBS: Tune, Cutoff, Reso, etc.] [16-STEP GRID]      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  TR-909 (Drum Machine)                                  │
│  [BD][SD][CH][OH][CP] Tracks with knobs and grids      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Key Components Explained

Section What It Does
Transport Bar Controls playback, tempo, and global functions
Pattern Selector Switch between 16 different patterns
TB-303 Units Two independent bass synthesizers
TR-909 Drum machine with 5 drum sounds
Oscilloscope Visual feedback of your sound (the green waveform)

Step-by-Step: Your First Sound

Step 1: Start the Audio

  1. Open AcidBros in your browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended)
  2. Click anywhere on the page if prompted—this activates the audio system
  3. Look for the TEMPO knob in the top-right area—it shows the current BPM (beats per minute)

Step 2: Generate a Random Pattern

  1. Find the RANDOMIZE button in the transport bar (it looks like 🎲)
  2. Click RANDOMIZE once
  3. You'll see the sequencer grids fill with notes and drum hits

Step 3: Play Your Pattern

  1. Click the RUN button (▶) in the transport bar
  2. Listen—you should hear a bass line and drums playing!
  3. Watch the red LEDs on the sequencer move from left to right—this shows which step is playing

Step 4: Stop Playback

  1. Click the STOP button (⏹) to stop the music
  2. Try clicking RUN again to continue from where you stopped

📝 Exercise: Explore the Randomizer

Goal: Get familiar with the variety of sounds AcidBros can create.

  1. Make sure playback is stopped
  2. Click RANDOMIZE 5 times in a row
  3. After each click, press RUN to hear the result
  4. Notice how different each pattern sounds!
  5. When you find one you like, leave it playing and move to the next chapter

🔧 Troubleshooting

Problem Solution
No sound at all Click anywhere on the page first. Browsers require user interaction before playing audio.
Sound is stuttering Close other browser tabs. AcidBros needs some CPU power.
Interface looks wrong Try zooming to 100% (Ctrl/Cmd + 0). AcidBros works best at default zoom.
Mobile: Can't adjust knobs Drag your finger up and down (vertically), not in circles.

Chapter 2: Creating Rhythms

🎯 What You'll Learn

  • How to use the 16-step sequencer
  • Adding and removing drum hits
  • Creating bass patterns with the TB-303
  • Adjusting tempo

Understanding the 16-Step Sequencer

The sequencer is the heart of AcidBros. Think of it like a musical grid:

  • Each row represents an instrument (bass line or drum sound)
  • Each column represents a step (there are 16 steps in a pattern)
  • A step is like a tiny slice of time—when the step is active, the sound plays
Step:    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Kick:   [●][○][○][○][●][○][○][○][●][○][○][○][●][○][○][○]
Snare:  [○][○][○][○][●][○][○][○][○][○][○][○][●][○][○][○]

(● = sound plays, ○ = silent)

Step-by-Step: Creating a Drum Pattern

Step 1: Clear Everything

  1. Click the CLEAR button to start fresh
  2. All sequencer grids should now be empty (no lit steps)

Step 2: Create a Basic Kick Pattern

  1. Find the TR-909 section (usually at the bottom)
  2. Look for the row labeled BD (Bass Drum / Kick)
  3. Click on steps 1, 5, 9, and 13 to create a "four-on-the-floor" beat
  4. Press RUN to hear your kick drum pattern!

Step 3: Add a Snare

  1. Find the row labeled SD (Snare Drum)
  2. Click on steps 5 and 13 (beats 2 and 4)
  3. This creates a classic house/techno backbeat

Step 4: Add Hi-Hats

  1. Find the row labeled CH (Closed Hi-Hat)
  2. Click on every step: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
  3. This creates a steady hi-hat rhythm
  4. Now find OH (Open Hi-Hat) and click steps 3, 7, 11, 15
  5. Notice how open hats cut off the closed hats!

Step 5: Adjust the Tempo

  1. Find the TEMPO knob (shows a number like "125")
  2. Click and drag up to increase tempo (faster)
  3. Click and drag down to decrease tempo (slower)
  4. Try finding a tempo that feels right for your beat (120-130 BPM is typical for house music)

Step-by-Step: Creating a Bass Pattern

Step 1: Activate Bass Steps

  1. Find TB-303 Unit 1 (the first bass synthesizer)
  2. Click on steps 1, 5, 8, 9, 13 to add notes
  3. Each active step shows a note name (like "C")

Step 2: Change Note Pitches

  1. Click on the note name (e.g., "C") in any active step
  2. A piano keyboard pops up—this is the Piano Roll
  3. Click a different key to change that step's note
  4. Press the × to close the piano roll
  5. Listen to how the melody changes!

Step 3: Add Variety with Octaves

  1. Look below each note display for DN and UP buttons
  2. DN = lower octave (deeper bass)
  3. UP = higher octave (higher pitch)
  4. Try setting step 1 to the lowest octave (click DN) and step 9 to the highest (click UP)

📝 Exercise: Build a Complete Rhythm

Goal: Create a full pattern from scratch.

  1. Clear the pattern
  2. Create this exact drum pattern:
    • BD (Kick): Steps 1, 5, 9, 13
    • SD (Snare): Steps 5, 13
    • CH (Hi-Hat): Steps 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15
    • CP (Clap): Steps 5, 13
  3. Add a bass line on TB-303 Unit 1:
    • Activate steps: 1, 3, 5, 9, 11, 13
    • Set all notes to "C"
  4. Set tempo to 120 BPM
  5. Press RUN and enjoy your creation!

🔧 Troubleshooting

Problem Solution
Steps won't turn on Make sure you're clicking directly on the step button, not the surrounding area.
Piano roll won't open Click on the note letter (like "C"), not the step cell.
Tempo resets when I release Drag vertically, not horizontally. Release when you have the value you want.
Double-tapped and knob reset Double-tap resets knobs to default. This is intentional! Single-click to avoid.

Chapter 3: Shaping Sound

🎯 What You'll Learn

  • What each knob on the TB-303 does
  • How to create different bass sounds
  • The magic of Cutoff, Resonance, and Envelope
  • Using Accent and Slide for expression

The TB-303 Controls Explained

The TB-303 is a subtractive synthesizer. Don't let that term scare you—it simply means:

  1. Start with a rich sound (oscillator)
  2. Subtract frequencies using a filter
  3. Shape the volume over time with an envelope

The Knobs and What They Do

Knob What It Controls Range Sweet Spot
WAVEFORM Shape of the sound wave Saw / Square Try both!
TUNE Fine pitch adjustment -1200 to +1200 cents Leave at center
CUTOFF Brightness of sound 0-100% 30-60% for acid
RESO "Squelchiness" 0-15 5-12 for classic acid
ENV MOD How much the envelope affects cutoff 0-100% 40-80% for acid
DECAY How long the note rings 0-100% 20-50% usually
ACCENT Extra punch on accented notes 0-100% 50-80%
VOLUME Loudness 0-100% 60% default

Understanding Waveforms

The waveform switch toggles between two shapes:

  • Sawtooth (Saw) 🌊: Bright and buzzy—the classic acid sound
  • Square ⬛: Hollow and woody—good for deeper bass

Tip: Click the waveform switch while the pattern plays to hear the difference!

Step-by-Step: Crafting the Classic Acid Sound

Step 1: Set Up a Basic Pattern

  1. Click RANDOMIZE to get a starting pattern
  2. Press RUN to hear it

Step 2: Find the Filter (Cutoff & Resonance)

  1. Locate the CUTOFF knob on TB-303 Unit 1
  2. While music plays, slowly drag the knob up (brightens the sound)
  3. Then drag it down (darkens the sound)
  4. Notice how it sounds like the synth is "opening" and "closing"!

Step 3: Add Resonance

  1. Find the RESO knob (Resonance)
  2. Set it to around 8-10 by dragging up
  3. Now move the CUTOFF again—hear that "wah" sound? That's the 303 character!

Step 4: Add Envelope Modulation

  1. Find the ENV MOD knob
  2. Set it to around 60%
  3. Now each note makes the filter "sweep" automatically
  4. Try different values—higher = more dramatic sweep

Step 5: Adjust Decay

  1. The DECAY knob controls how quickly the note fades
  2. Short decay (20%) = punchy, staccato notes
  3. Long decay (80%) = sustained, flowing notes
  4. Find what fits your pattern!

Using Accent and Slide

Accent: Adding Punch

  1. Find the AC button below any active step
  2. Click it to activate accent (button turns red)
  3. That step will now play louder and brighter
  4. Use accents sparingly for maximum impact!

Slide: Creating Glides

  1. Find the SL button below any active step
  2. Click it to activate slide (button turns green)
  3. The note will now glide smoothly to the next note
  4. This creates the famous "rubber" effect of acid bass!

Pro Tip: Put accent on the first step and slide on the step before an accented step for classic acid phrases.

📝 Exercise: Create Three Different Tones

Goal: Understand how knobs interact to create different sounds.

Sound 1: "Bright and Screamy"

  • WAVEFORM: Sawtooth
  • CUTOFF: 80%
  • RESO: 12
  • ENV MOD: 70%
  • DECAY: 30%

Sound 2: "Deep and Dark"

  • WAVEFORM: Square
  • CUTOFF: 25%
  • RESO: 4
  • ENV MOD: 30%
  • DECAY: 60%

Sound 3: "Classic Acid"

  • WAVEFORM: Sawtooth
  • CUTOFF: 45%
  • RESO: 9
  • ENV MOD: 55%
  • DECAY: 40%
  • Add accents on steps 1 and 9
  • Add slides on steps 4, 8, and 12

Listen to each, then experiment with your own combinations!

🔧 Troubleshooting

Problem Solution
Sound too quiet Increase VOLUME knob. Check that steps are active.
Sound too harsh Reduce RESO and/or CUTOFF.
Slides don't work Slides only work between two active sequential notes. Make sure both steps have notes.
Can't hear accent difference Increase the ACCENT knob value. Try higher RESO too.
Accidentally reset a knob You double-tapped. Just re-adjust the knob to your desired value.

Chapter 4: Multi-Track Production

🎯 What You'll Learn

  • Using both TB-303 units together
  • Balancing multiple instruments
  • Creating patterns variations
  • Using Song Mode to arrange music

Understanding Multi-Track

AcidBros gives you:

  • 2 × TB-303 bass synthesizers (called Unit 1 and Unit 2)
  • 5 × TR-909 drum tracks (Kick, Snare, Closed Hat, Open Hat, Clap)

That's 7 independent tracks you can combine!

Why Two Bass Lines?

Having two TB-303 units allows you to:

  1. Create call and response patterns
  2. Layer a bass line with a lead line
  3. Use different waveforms simultaneously
  4. Create harmonies or countermelodies

Step-by-Step: Layering Two Bass Lines

Step 1: Create a Bass Line on Unit 1

  1. Click CLEAR to start fresh
  2. On TB-303 Unit 1, activate steps: 1, 5, 9, 13
  3. Set all notes to C (default)
  4. Set CUTOFF to 35%, RESO to 6
  5. Choose Square waveform for a deeper sound

Step 2: Create a Lead Line on Unit 2

  1. On TB-303 Unit 2, activate steps: 3, 6, 7, 11, 15
  2. Click each note and set them to: E, G, A, G, E
  3. Set CUTOFF to 70%, RESO to 10
  4. Choose Sawtooth waveform for a brighter sound
  5. Add slides on steps 7 and 15

Step 3: Balance the Volumes

  1. Find the VOLUME knob on each unit
  2. Set Unit 1 (bass) to about 70%
  3. Set Unit 2 (lead) to about 50% (leads usually sit behind bass)
  4. Press RUN and listen how they work together!

Step 4: Add Drums

  1. In the TR-909 section, create:
    • BD: Steps 1, 5, 9, 13
    • SD: Steps 5, 13
    • CH: All even steps (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16)
  2. Now you have a complete track!

Working with Patterns

Understanding Pattern Mode

AcidBros has 16 pattern slots (P1 through P16). Think of these as 16 different musical "pages" you can create.

Step 1: Copy Your Work

  1. Make sure Pattern Mode is selected (not Song Mode)
  2. You should be on P1 (pattern 1)
  3. Click the COPY button (📋)
  4. A toast message confirms "Pattern copied!"

Step 2: Create a Variation

  1. Click P2 to switch to pattern 2
  2. Click PASTE button (📄) to paste your pattern
  3. Now modify P2—maybe remove some notes or add accents
  4. You now have two versions!

Step 3: Compare Patterns

  1. While music plays, click P1—the pattern switches instantly
  2. Click P2—switches to your variation
  3. This is how DJs and producers build tracks!

Using Song Mode

Song Mode lets you arrange patterns in order to create a complete song.

Step 1: Create Multiple Patterns

  1. In Pattern Mode, create different patterns in P1, P2, P3, P4
    • P1: Main groove
    • P2: Variation with more hi-hats
    • P3: Breakdown (remove kick)
    • P4: Build-up (add extra notes)

Step 2: Switch to Song Mode

  1. Find the Mode Switch between the transport bar and pattern buttons
  2. Click to toggle from Pattern to Song
  3. The interface changes to show a timeline

Step 3: Build Your Song

  1. Click pattern buttons (P1, P2, etc.) to add them to the timeline
  2. Example arrangement:
    • Click P1 four times
    • Click P2 two times
    • Click P3 two times
    • Click P4 one time
    • Click P1 four times
  3. Press RUN—the song plays through your arrangement!

Step 4: Edit the Timeline

  • To remove a pattern from the timeline, click directly on it
  • Build your arrangement however you like!

📝 Exercise: Build a Mini-Song

Goal: Create a 30-second arrangement using 3 patterns.

  1. Pattern P1: Full groove (all drums + both bass lines)
  2. Pattern P2: Breakdown (remove kick drum, only 303 Unit 1)
  3. Pattern P3: Build-up (all drums, both 303s with lots of slides)
  4. In Song Mode, arrange: P1, P1, P2, P3, P1, P1
  5. Press play and listen to your mini-song!

🔧 Troubleshooting

Problem Solution
Can't hear Unit 2 Check its VOLUME knob. Make sure it has active steps.
Song Mode timeline is empty Click pattern buttons (P1-P16) to add them to timeline.
Patterns sound the same Each pattern is independent—changes in P1 don't affect P2.
Timeline won't let me add patterns Make sure you're in Song Mode, not Pattern Mode.
Pattern buttons don't respond In Song Mode, clicking patterns adds them to timeline (doesn't switch patterns).

Chapter 5: Saving and Sharing

🎯 What You'll Learn

  • Saving your work to the browser
  • Loading previously saved patterns
  • Sharing patterns via URL
  • Importing patterns from others

Understanding File Storage

AcidBros saves everything directly in your browser using localStorage. This means:

  • ✅ Your patterns are saved automatically
  • ✅ They persist even if you close the browser
  • ⚠️ Clearing browser data will delete your patterns
  • ⚠️ Patterns are specific to one browser/device

Using the File Manager

Step 1: Open File Manager

  1. Click the FILE button (📁) in the transport bar
  2. A popup window appears showing your saved files
  3. The first time, you might see just one file

Step 2: Save Your Work

Files are auto-saved every 5 seconds! But you can also:

  1. Click New to create a new, blank file
  2. Each file is timestamped with the date and time

Step 3: Rename a File

  1. In the File Manager, find the file you want to rename
  2. Click the Rename button next to it
  3. Type a new name (like "My First Acid Track")
  4. Press Enter to confirm

Step 4: Load a Previous File

  1. Open the File Manager
  2. Click on any file name in the list
  3. That file's patterns will load immediately
  4. The currently active file is highlighted

Step 5: Duplicate and Delete

  • Duplicate: Creates a copy of any file
  • Delete: Removes a single file
  • Delete All: Removes ALL files (use carefully!)

Sharing Patterns via URL

The Share URL feature creates a web link containing your current pattern.

Step 1: Share Your Pattern

  1. Create a pattern you want to share
  2. Click the SHARE URL button in the transport bar
  3. A toast notification says "Share URL copied!"
  4. The URL is now in your clipboard!

Step 2: Share the Link

  1. Open a messaging app, email, or social media
  2. Paste (Ctrl/Cmd + V) the URL
  3. Send it to a friend!

Step 3: What Gets Shared?

Mode What's Included
Pattern Mode Current pattern + all knob settings
Song Mode Song arrangement + all knob settings

Importing Patterns from Others

Method 1: Click the URL

  1. When someone sends you an AcidBros URL
  2. Simply click the link
  3. AcidBros opens with their pattern loaded!

Method 2: Paste into a Pattern Slot

  1. Copy the shared URL
  2. Open AcidBros and select a pattern slot (e.g., P5)
  3. Click the PASTE button (📄)
  4. The pattern from the URL imports into that slot!

Backup and Restore

Exporting All Files

  1. Open the File Manager
  2. Click Export
  3. A JSON file downloads containing ALL your saved work
  4. Keep this file safe as a backup!

Importing a Backup

  1. Open the File Manager
  2. Click Import
  3. Select your backup JSON file
  4. All your files are restored!

📝 Exercise: Share and Import

Goal: Practice the full sharing workflow.

  1. Create a pattern you're proud of
  2. Click SHARE to copy the link
  3. Open a new browser tab
  4. Paste the URL and press Enter
  5. Verify your pattern loaded correctly in the new tab!

Bonus: Send the link to a friend and ask them to import it!

🔧 Troubleshooting

Problem Solution
Share URL doesn't work Make sure you're copying the full URL including the # and everything after.
Paste doesn't import pattern Importing from a URL requires clipboard permission. Check your browser settings → Site Settings → Clipboard → Allow for AcidBros. Without this permission, only internal pattern copy/paste will work.
Browser asks for clipboard permission Click "Allow" when prompted. This is required for the URL import feature to read shared links from your clipboard.
Files disappeared You may have cleared browser data. Restore from your backup JSON if you have one.
Can't import backup Make sure the file is a valid JSON from AcidBros Export.
URL is too long This is normal. AcidBros uses compact encoding, but patterns can still be lengthy.

Chapter 6: Advanced Techniques

🎯 What You'll Learn

  • Connecting MIDI controllers
  • Mapping keyboard keys to controls
  • Using the delay effect
  • Live performance techniques
  • Installing AcidBros as an app

MIDI Controller Integration

MIDI controllers let you use physical knobs, faders, and buttons to control AcidBros.

What You Need

  • A USB MIDI controller (keyboard, pad controller, or knob controller)
  • A modern browser that supports Web MIDI (Chrome, Edge, or other Chromium-based browsers)

Step 1: Connect Your Controller

  1. Plug in your MIDI controller before opening AcidBros
  2. Open AcidBros in a modern browser
  3. If prompted, allow MIDI access

Step 2: Open the Settings Panel

  1. Click the Settings button (⚙️) in the transport bar
  2. Click the MIDI tab
  3. You should see your controller listed under "MIDI Devices"
  4. A green dot means it's connected!

Step 3: Map a Control

  1. In the Settings panel, find "MIDI Mappings"
  2. Click Learn next to the control you want to map
  3. Move the knob/fader or press the button on your MIDI controller
  4. The mapping is created instantly!

Alternative method:

  1. Close Settings
  2. Click the knob you want to control in the main interface
  3. While it's highlighted, move your MIDI controller
  4. The mapping is saved!

Step 4: Test Your Mapping

  1. Close the Settings panel
  2. Move your physical controller
  3. Watch the corresponding knob move on screen!

Keyboard Mapping

You can also map your PC or Bluetooth keyboard to controls. Keyboard mapping is most useful for transport controls (Play/Stop) and pattern selection (P1-P16), as these are simple on/off triggers.

Note: Keyboard keys work as simple triggers (on/off), so they're not suitable for continuous controls like knobs (Cutoff, Resonance, etc.). For knob control, a MIDI controller with physical knobs or faders is recommended.

Step 1: Map a Keyboard Key

  1. Open Settings (⚙️)
  2. Click the MIDI tab
  3. Click Learn next to any control
  4. Press a key on your keyboard (e.g., "1")
  5. Now pressing that key activates that control!

Recommended Keyboard Mappings

Key Best Used For
Spacebar Play/Stop
1-9, 0 Patterns P1-P10
Q, W, E, R Patterns P11-P14
Z, X Waveform toggle (Unit 1, Unit 2)

Mastering the Delay Effect

Each TB-303 has a built-in tempo-synced delay.

Understanding Delay Controls

Knob What It Does
TIME Delay time as % of beat (50% = eighth note, 100% = quarter note)
FEEDBACK How many echoes (0% = one echo, 100% = infinite)

Step-by-Step: Using Delay Creatively

  1. Set your pattern playing
  2. On TB-303 Unit 1, find the DELAY section
  3. Set TIME to 50% (eighth-note delays)
  4. Set FEEDBACK to 30%
  5. Listen to the echoes!

Creative Delay Tips

  • 1-2% Time: Creates a doubling effect—thickens the sound without obvious echo (great for adding width!)
  • 75% Time: Dotted eighth notes (used in "The Edge" style guitar)
  • 100% Time: Quarter notes (straight echoes)
  • 150% Time: Dotted quarter notes (more spaced out)
  • High Feedback (60%+): Creates washy, ambient textures
  • Low Feedback (20%): Subtle thickening

Live Performance Techniques

Collapsible Sequencers

  1. Click on the header of any TB-303 or TR-909 section
  2. The sequencer grid collapses, showing only knobs
  3. This is perfect for live tweaking—focus on the sound!
  4. Click again to expand

Swing/Shuffle for Groove

  1. Click the Shuffle button
  2. A ribbon controller appears
  3. Drag to adjust swing (0% = straight, 50% = default, 100% = heavy shuffle)
  4. Swing makes your rhythm feel more "human" and groovy

Real-Time Knob Tweaking

The heart of acid music is live filter manipulation:

  1. Start your pattern playing
  2. Grab the CUTOFF knob
  3. Slowly sweep it up and down
  4. Add occasional RESONANCE peaks
  5. This is the classic acid performance style!

Installing as a PWA (App)

AcidBros works offline as a Progressive Web App.

Step 1: Install on Desktop (Chrome)

  1. Look for the install icon (➕) in Chrome's address bar
  2. Click it and select "Install"
  3. AcidBros now has its own window and desktop shortcut!

Step 2: Install on Mobile

  1. Open AcidBros in Chrome/Safari
  2. On Android: Tap the menu → "Add to Home Screen"
  3. On iOS: Tap the share button → "Add to Home Screen"
  4. AcidBros appears as an app icon!

Benefits of PWA Installation

  • Works offline (no internet needed)
  • Opens faster
  • Feels like a native app
  • No browser UI taking up space

📝 Exercise: Create a Live Set

Goal: Prepare for a live performance.

  1. Create 4 different patterns that work well together
  2. Map these controls to keyboard keys:
    • P1-P4 → Keys 1, 2, 3, 4
    • Play/Stop → Spacebar
    • Waveform toggles → Z, X keys
  3. Practice switching between patterns while tweaking the on-screen knobs with your mouse
  4. Record yourself (screen capture) for 2 minutes
  5. Congratulations—you just did your first acid live set!

🔧 Troubleshooting

Problem Solution
MIDI controller not detected Refresh the page. Check Settings → MIDI tab. Try unplugging and replugging.
Chrome won't ask for MIDI permission Make sure you're using HTTPS (the live site), not HTTP.
Keyboard keys trigger browser shortcuts Some keys like Spacebar may scroll the page. Map different keys.
PWA won't install Make sure you're on the live site (acidsound.github.io), not localhost.
Delay sounds weird when stopped This is normal—delay fades out when you stop playback.

🎓 Congratulations!

You've completed the AcidBros Learning Guide! Here's what you've mastered:

✅ Chapter 1: Opening AcidBros and playing your first sound
✅ Chapter 2: Creating rhythms with the sequencer
✅ Chapter 3: Shaping sound with filters and envelopes
✅ Chapter 4: Multi-track production and song arrangement
✅ Chapter 5: Saving, loading, and sharing your music
✅ Chapter 6: MIDI, keyboard mapping, and live performance

What's Next?

  1. Practice daily: Spend 15 minutes a day experimenting
  2. Study the classics: Listen to artists like Phuture, DJ Pierre, and Hardfloor
  3. Share your work: Use the Share URL feature and post to social media
  4. Join the community: Find acid house groups and share tips
  5. Experiment fearlessly: The best sounds come from happy accidents!

Quick Reference Card

Essential Controls

Control Location Action
Play Transport Start sequencer
Stop Transport Stop sequencer
Randomize Transport Generate random pattern
Clear Transport Reset all patterns
Share Transport Copy pattern URL
Tempo Top-right Adjust BPM (60-200)

TB-303 Sound Design

Sound Type Cutoff Reso Env Mod Waveform
Classic Acid 40% 8 60% Saw
Deep Bass 25% 4 30% Square
Screaming Lead 70% 12 80% Saw
Mellow 35% 3 40% Square

Common Patterns

Genre Kick Snare Hi-Hat
House (4/4) 1,5,9,13 5,13 All 16
Techno 1,4,7,10,13 5,13 Even steps
Breakbeat 1,8,11 5,13 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15

Happy acid making! 🎹✨

Made with ❤️ for the acid community