MATRIXSYNTH: KORG Introduces Little Bits - Magnetically Snappable Modular Synth


Monday, November 04, 2013

KORG Introduces Little Bits - Magnetically Snappable Modular Synth

Litttlebits * korg

Published on Nov 3, 2013 Sota TOSHIYOSHI·2 videos
Update: module list & more added below.

Update2: I thought the following was an interesting note from PatchPierre of PatchPierre.Net on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge: "Assuming all LittleBits can interact, the connections with the already existing bits look the most interesting to me. For example: theremin-like creations with http://littlebits.cc/bits/light-sensor. and projects with http://littlebits.cc/bits/bend-sensor and http://littlebits.cc/bits/pressure-sensor"

This was supposed to embargoed until November 8th, but it looks like the little bits are out of the box. Below are some shots via lhuga on Flickr and some initial details.   Some of you might remember Little Bits from previous posts (see the LittleBits channel for more). LittleBits was created by Ayah Bdeir. You can see her in this video. The first post went up back on August 12, 2008. I always wondered if more synth bits would be coming. Thanks to KORG it looks like they have.

The price for the kit appears to be 16,000 Yen which translates to roughly $162 US.

"The new Synth Kit includes an assortment of 12 electronic Bits modules that instantly snap together with magnets to create circuits like those used in KORG’s famous analog synthesizers. Modules included in the Synth Kit are power, oscillator (x2), filter, envelope, delay, keyboard, micro sequencer, mix, split, random, and synth speaker.

The Synth Kit also includes a project booklet outlining step-by-step instructions for 10 projects, as well as custom accessories that transform the Synth Kit into a ready to use performance station that can connect to recording or live sound equipment.

With the new littleBits Synth Kit in hand, users can build infinitely reconfigurable sound circuits; and since the littleBits system is expandable, multiple Synth Kits can be used at once to create a massively powerful instrument. In addition, users can combine it with other littleBits modules to create complex visual, light, and mechanical installations – no wiring, soldering or programming required.

Users can also follow the step-by-step instructions in the project booklet, and combine Bits modules with assorted materials like cardboard, tape and 3D printed plastic to create fun and novel interfaces, such as:

· Percussion Party: Snap seven modules together to build a circuit that lets you dance to the beat of your own drum. Set the rhythm, adjust the timbre and control the envelope to create soothing, rhythmic sounds or a wailing drum beat.

· Keytar: Combine nine modules with assorted household and craft materials to create a customized keytar. Decorate your instrument, add a strap and get ready to rock.

· Synth Spin Table: Eight modules work together to create a synth with some spin. Create turntables with paper plates and straws and play with your synth machine just like a DJ.

· Additional projects include Synthesizer with the Works, Tuning, Play a Song, Spooky Sounds, Metal Music, Synth Band and Perform Like a Pro. Instructions for sound-altering circuit designs are also included, such as pitch sweeps, white noise, key player, sequencer control, frequency modulation, random voltage, filtering noise and echo and delay."

Via http://jp.littlebits.com/synth/ translated into Googlish:

"Oscillator
× 2. It is a module that creates a sound that is Omoto. I can adjust the tune and pitch. I can also switching waveform of square / saw."

"Random
There is a random voltage mode to output noise mode to output white noise, a random signal voltage."

"Keyboard
You can play the melody on the switch of thirteen one octave. I can also switch the octave."

"Micro Sequencer
I created a melody consecutive. I will output in order to step-by-step voltage, which is determined by the position of the four knobs."

"Envelope
You can add a volume change in the sound, to create a sound that changes the volume slowly as sax sound and strong attack as piano. I can adjust the decay and attack."

Filter
I will give a significant change in the sound. I can adjust the peak and cutoff. I adopt the filter circuit of MS-20 late type.

"Delay
I realize the echo effect. I can adjust the feedback and time."

"Mix
It prints the added together into one two signals. I can also adjust the volume of each input."

"Split
I can branch into two signal flow."

"Synth Speaker
You can adjust volume. I is equipped with the output jack."

"Let's make the original synthesizer using a combination of modules.

A set of modules Bits twelve, Synth Kit allows you to assemble an analog modular synthesizer by connecting a small magnet to each module. In addition, It is the one that was developed based on a circuit that was used in the famous analog synthesizers Korg part of the module. The type of module of Synth Kit, there are (× 2), filter, envelope, delay, keyboard, micro-sequencer, mix, split, random, synth speaker power (power supply module), oscillator."


"Project booklet which recorded the fabrication procedure of work fun example of 10 kinds comes with Synth Kit. According to the booklet, you can also more fun, to work the interface rich in ideas by combining the material with the familiar, such as plastic that was output tape and cardboard, a 3D printer to Bits module. It is a tool, such as the following:

Percussion Party: Assemble the circuit using a combination of modules of seven, let's dance to the rhythm! Set the rhythm, by adjusting the tone, you can create an intense beat to beat from a loose eye to control the envelope. Let's make the shoulder synth your own by using the familiar material and modules of nine: shoulder keyboard! It with a decoration, if you attach a strap and stand on the stage at any time! Make a turntable with a synth in a combination of eight modules: synth spin table! Make a turntable with a straw and paper plate, let's play the synth as DJ! I have also included work example and performance, tuning, play song, Spooky sound, metal music, synth band, professional-looking in addition to this. In addition I have also included application of circuit design, such as delay pitch sweep, white noise, KEY PLAYER, sequencer control,-Frequency modulation, random-voltage, noise filtering, and echo."

"comments from littleBits / KORG.

is the founder and CEO of littleBits, Aya Buderu MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Media Lab graduate, TED is a (Technology Entertainment Design) Senior researcher (Ayah Bdeir) said the leader in "electronic musical instrument industry It has said. "are very pleased that we can be able to work with a Korg, thus announcing the littleBits Synth Kit. Subsequently, the ultimate goal of "Our littleBits, is to break down to the major parts unit technology, everyone is so Ayatsureru freely the power of electronics. This new kit, analog so far- It is easy to use most of the modular synthesizer, it also. can say that it is one of the most high quality, this kit is designed to make Yobiokose person of any age is hidden in in a 'rock star soul' I have.'"

The message from the Korg is as follows. "With this new littleBits Synth Kit, you can explore the synthesizer sounds and a whole new music fan, in a unique way. Developed a Synth Kit with littleBits, we Korg, this to all music fans not only Korg fan I look forward to the future.'ll be able to convey the fun.

Project booklet

I comes with the project booklet of 36 pages that describe the steps of the circuit assembly is kind to beginners.
I have also recorded the history of the synthesizer and commentary on sound scientific.
I record engineer of littleBits, a modular construction example by designer. Contents of 10 kinds Tuning, Play a Song, Spooky Sounds, Percussion Party, Metal Music, Synth Band, Synthesizer with the Works, Perform Like a Pro, Keytar, of Synth Spin Table.
I have recorded the circuit ideas guiding examples of modular construction. Contents of white noise, key player, sequencer control, frequency modulation, shape your sounds, random voltage, filtering noise, echo and delay.
Accessories

(For connection of the power module and battery) 9V battery, power cable
Package container that can be used to play for tray
Booklet of 30 pages or more"

3 flickr pics by lhuga (last pic is via jp.littlebits.com):


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