Two new approaches to modular synthesizers via createdigitalmusic.com starting with littleBits’ Synth Kit:
The littleBits synth kit is an incredibly powerful, easy to use modular synthesizer.
The Synth Kit enables amateur and professional musicians to easily explore the iconic synthesizer instrument, allowing you to build your own sound machines (with signal generators, modifiers, modulators and controllers) and put on your own performances – all with little to no engineering or musical knowledge.
Developed to inspire innovation in hardware, littleBits lets users create circuits in seconds, with no soldering, no programming and no wiring required. littleBits has been recognized as “LEGO for the iPad generation” and has been heralded as the most extensive, modular and accessible electronics platform in the world. The brand’s Bits™ modules revolutionize the way people interact with technology by breaking down electronics into their very basic parts (lights, sounds, sensors, motors, programmable circuits), and making engineering fun and accessible to “non experts” of all ages including children , teachers, artists, designers, makers, hobbyists and tech-enthusiasts.
littleBits makes an open source library of electronic modules that snap together with magnets for prototyping, learning, and fun.
Check out littlebits.cc for more!
Patchblocks, from Belfast and which currently has 26 days left on kickstarter, offers:
a modular synthesiser and signal processing system where you decide what the hardware does. You want a filter module? Turn your Patchblock into one! You want a crazy sounding bassline synth with built-in arppegiator? Make it so! We provide you with an empty canvas, your imagination fills it.
Patchblocks also offers its own software programming environment:
All you need is a Patchblock, a Mac or Windows PC and our free software. The software allows you to program your hardware module the way you want. This is done in a so called “visual programming language”, in other words, you don’t have to go into 100% geek mode and write code to make it happen. Visual programming is easy, you choose from a variety of low level sound processing elements and combine their functions by connecting them with virtual cables – a bit like a modular synthesiser, but in software. Your library of software modules includes signal generators and processors (e.g. oscillators, filters, delays etc.), signal routing options and even modules for algorithmic composition. Our editor lets you emulate how your patch will sound and once you’re happy with it you can upload it to your Patchblock hardware simply by connecting it via USB. Once programmed you can unplug the Patchblock and jam away.
See more at patchblocks.com