Percussa Synthor System 8

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via this auction

"Synthor System
Engine, remote, stand, 6 Wireless Pro AudioCubes, usb hub/charger and cables. Super powerful and cool performance synth. The Engine has a lot of DNA in common with the SSP. Can be controlled completely by the cubes or used as a Deep midi driven synth. Kick Ass piece of industrial design, and unique concept for synthesis. Got this for a collaborative project that fell apart (distance does not make the work grow faster). This has been sitting on my dining room table, unloved for months (and months). Have a new os upgrade and processor heatsink Bert sent me that has yet to be installed. New project and different horizons beckon."

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New Percussa mSSP (Mini SSP) to Launch on Kickstarter, Friday Nov 23

New module based on the Super Signal Processor coming from Percussa.

"(Los Angeles, CA) This coming Friday November 23rd, our second kickstarter project, the Percussa micro Super Signal Processor (mSSP) Eurorack module, is going live at 8am Los Angeles time.

It's the result of interaction with the eurorack community since we launced the Percussa Engine and Synthor System 8 at the Winter NAMM 2017 show in Anaheim, CA.

The mSSP is the smaller, lower cost but equally powerful version of the successful Percussa SSP eurorack module which was funded on Kickstarter in September 2017 and which was delivered in June 2018.

The mSSP comes with the same quad-core ARM cortex A17 processor @ 1.8GHz as the SSP, one of the fastest ARM processors available, and high end AKM audio converters offering 8 in / 4 out @192kHz 32-bit.

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Percussa Super Signal Processor (SSP) Now on Kickstarter

Percussa's Super Signal Processor (SSP) eurorack module is now on Kickstarter here. If you haven't been following progress on the module, be sure to see the Percussa label for previous posts including demos with the prototype. The label does bring up everything featuring Percussa in reverse chronological order, so just scroll down to find them.

The following is the official press release:

"(August 4th, 2017, Los Angeles, CA) Today at 8am los angeles time our kickstarter project, the Percussa Super Signal Processor (SSP) Eurorack module, is going live.

It's the result of interaction with the eurorack community since we launced the Percussa Engine and Synthor System 8 at the Winter NAMM 2017 show in Anaheim, CA.

The SSP is very similar to the Percussa Engine, the synthesis platform we showed at the NAMM show, but comes with additional input and output connectors, featuring eurorack-compatible voltages, and will fit in a 60HP wide space in a eurorack system.

Among features of the SSP that are important to note, are a quad core ARM Cortex A17 processor @ 1.8GHz, one of the fastest ARM processors available, offering over 20,000 DMIPS of computing power (typical eurorack modules use cortex M4 or M7 processors which stay under 500 DMIPS), and high end ADC and DAC chips by AKM, supporting sample rates up to 192kHz and 32-bit resolution.



The SSP will feature 8 outputs and 16 inputs, and will support running multiple software DSP modules in parallel on multiple cores. The SSP comes with the same features of the Percussa Engine, featuring its rule-based patching system, preset storage and recall, and DSP modules such as:

Wavetable Oscillator with true 3D morphing (XYZ) and cloud features
Sampler with Layering features
LFO with multiple waveforms (sine, saw, square, triangle)
Variable Frequency Noise
DC generator
Enveloped Generator with Exponential A and DR
Waveshaper
Comb Filter
State Variable Filter
Step Sequencer
Important to note is that the Percussa SSP will support loading your own software DSP modules, which can be programmed in the C++ language. The SSP comes with the same wide-screen IPS display of 1600x480 pixels as the Percussa Engine and will feature an optimized user interface and workflow for eurorack users. The buttons and encoders will be located around the display for increased usability.

In terms of connectivity, the SSP will offer USB host and device ports for connecting a laptop for direct digital audio recording, or a USB MIDI class device for controlling the SSP. Storage wise the SSP will run of a microSD card, and a 16GB professional grade card is included in the main kickstarter pledges for the product. The SSP comes with 2GB of internal RAM which is especially useful for loading large WAV files.

One of the interesting features of the SSP is that it offers the same sampling features as the Percussa Engine, allowing you to record audio direct to SD card as WAV files, and then immediately use those WAV files as wavetables for the wavetable oscillator and sampler modules, without having to load them into software on a computer first. Everything can be done directly on the eurorack module.

In terms of pledges, the kickstarter offers normal production units, special pledges for early birds, customization options and special low serial number editions, as well as an interesting Godfather and Godmother pledge (only one of each), wich allows you to donate 5 Percussa SSP modules to 5 schools of your choice, giving students access to this powerful eurorack module.

More information about the Percussa SSP can be found here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/percussa/percussa-super-signal-processor-eurorack-module"

Inside the Percussa Engine Wavetable Oscillator with 3D Morphing

Published on Jul 16, 2017 PERCUSSA

"Quick demo of the 3D Morphing/modulation capabilities of the Percussa Engine Synthesizer's Wavetable Oscillator. In the video you can see multiple wavetable oscillators (orange) modulated by multiple LFOs (green). The LFOs modulate the X, Y and Z of the wavetable oscillators. X, Y and Z are used to 'navigate' the 3D space of waves, automatically generated from any WAV file, by cutting it up using the 'nr of waves' knob. The Percussa Engine synth is part of Synthor System 8, a digital wireless modular synth, and the basis for an eurorack module currently in development at Percussa. More info at http://www.percussa.com/"

Modulation and Sound Layering Experiments with Synthor System 8

Published on Jun 25, 2017 PERCUSSA

"A combination of layering samples using wavetable oscillators, and modulation using variable frequency noise as well as frequency and index modulation.

In Synthor System 8 patching is done by placing AudioCubes next to each other, smart cubes which represent synthesis modules and sense location and distance. The distance is linked to modulation depth of the signals.

The encoders and buttons on Percussa REMOTE are used to change the parameters of the synth modules.

Learn more at http://www.percussa.com/"

Sampling with synthor system 8 modular synthesizer

Published on Jun 16, 2017 PERCUSSA

"Changing frequency and number of the waveform which we recorded on ENGINE"

Sample a wooden frog for use in Percussa Synthor System 8 WaveOscillator

Published on Jun 16, 2017 PERCUSSA

"In this video, we're recording the sound of a wooden frog in the sound synthesis system ENGINE, after which we crop the sound and use it in our wavetable oscillator"

NAMM 2017: Percussa Synthor System 8 Modular Synthesizer

Published on Jan 18, 2017 Synth Anatomy

Remember to see the Perucussa label below for more.

NAMM 2017: Percussa Synthor System 8

Published on Jan 18, 2017 sonicstate

"Percussa, creators of the AudioCube controllers launch a powerful new Digital modular synth and integrated wireless controller."

Details on the new Synthor System 8 posted here.

Percussa to introduce Percussa Synthor System 8 at winter NAMM 2017

Details on Percussa's new synth system are in.

Update: new pic with text added left.

"Los Angeles, CA (USA) January 16, 2017 - Percussa is proud to announce the launch of its Synthor System 8, a new powerful hardware digital modular synthesis system, at winter NAMM 2017, January 19-22 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Synthor System 8 is a turn key modern modular synthesis system, allowing musicians to create exciting new sounds by patching synthesis modules, changing synthesis parameters and modulation signals wirelessly, and defines a new category of synthesizers combining the old proven synthesis techniques with the latest innovations in musical interfaces.

Synthor System 8 consists of a new digital hardware synthesis module (Percussa ENGINE), a new control surface and wireless base station (Percussa REMOTE), and 8 Wireless modular controllers (latest generation Percussa AUDIOCUBES). Aluminium rack ears are included to mount ENGINE above the remote control surface for optimal usability.

Percussa ENGINE integrates seamlessly without any configuration or setup necessary with Percussa REMOTE, the main control surface for the ENGINE and wireless base station for the Percussa AUDIOCUBES, through its onboard SYNTHOR sound synthesis software, easily upgradable via SD memory cards for additional sound synthesis modules and new features.

ENGINE comes with a quad core cortex A17 @ 1.8GHz Processor running Linux Kernel v4, features 64-bit parallel DSP processing and a 1600x480 pixel wide format full colour LVDS Display with high visibility. ENGINE also features MIDI In, Thru and Out Ports, SD Card Slot, USB Host Ports (HID Support) and a USB Device Port (Stereo Digital Out, USB Audio Class).

ENGINE outputs sound via a 6 Channel AKM AK4456 DAC supporting up to 192 kHz / 32 bit (S/N: 115 dB) and offers sampling capabilities via its 2 Channel AKM AK5552 ADC supporting up to 192 kHz / 32 bit (S/N: 115 dB).

ENGINE, REMOTE and AUDIOCUBES are made from high end CNC milled wear resistant industrial plastics and aluminium, and feature high quality industrial temp switches, metal encoders and aluminium knobs.

Synthor System 8 can be upgraded with additional Percussa AUDIOCUBES later on, supporting up to 16 wireless devices in total in one wireless network. The wireless technology used in Percussa’s products was developed specifically for musicians and has proven its reliability and excellent performance in many professional musician’s setups around the world.

Come see Percussa’s Synthor System 8, ENGINE, REMOTE and wireless AUDIOCUBES at the Percussa Booth #4823, Hall C."

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AudioCubes, SYNTHOR and REMOTE Patch Demos

Wind Blowing patch using AudioCubes, SYNTHOR and REMOTE

Published on Oct 8, 2016 PERCUSSA

"In this video we loaded the 'wind blowing' patch which is available on our website. It's a simple patch where we use the distance between LFO and envelope (ADSR) to change the modulation depth. We use REMOTE to change parameters of the ADSR envelope."

Wireless Patching using SYNTHOR and AudioCubes

Published on Oct 8, 2016

"Basic video that explains how synth modules can be patched using AudioCubes."

Patch and change modulation depth simulaneously

Published on Oct 8, 2016

"In this video we show how you can patch synth modules and at the same time change the modulation depth by changing distance."

Also added to AudioCubes by PERCUSSA Knobcon Demos & SYNTHOR Tutorials

AudioCubes by PERCUSSA Knobcon Demos & SYNTHOR Tutorials

Published on Oct 7, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

Playlist:
1. Wavetable Oscillator Patch (Knobcon demo) - "In this video we loaded the "Wavetable Oscillator" Patch, one of the patches which we've shown at Knobcon. The LFO (green cubes) are modulating the number of indexes of the wavetable oscillator as well as its frequency. In the depth editor of the software we also specified that the LFOs can modulate each other, as we show in this video."

2. Step Sequencer Patch - Knobcon Demo - "In this video we loaded the "step sequencer" patch (knobcon demo) which is available on our website. It's a simple patch where we use the distance to change the notes of the step sequencer. The signal of the step sequencer is modulating the amplitude and frequency of the LFO."

3. FM Synthesis Patch (Knobcon demo) - "FM synthesis patch using 1 output, 2 oscillators, and 1 envelope generator"

4. Wind Blowing Patch (Knobcon demo) - "In this video we loaded the 'wind blowing' patch which is available on our website. We have 4 modules: output, filter, noise generator and DC generator. In the video we explain how we're patching the different modules as well as how we can use REMOTE to change the cutoff of the filter."

5. Visualization features in SYNTHOR - "In this video, we give an overview of the most important visualization features in SYNTHOR."

6. How to name a patch in SYNTHOR - "In this video, we explain how you can rename and save your patch in SYNTHOR using REMOTE."

7. How to connect REMOTE and AudioCubes - "While SYNTHOR is running on the computer we connect REMOTE through USB. The REMOTE acts as a base station for the wireless AudioCubes. Each time a cube is switched on it automatically joins the wireless network and a synth module is assigned to it."

8. Easily switch presets in SYNTHOR using REMOTE - "Easily switch presets in SYNTHOR with a tap of a button on REMOTE. Synth modules are automatically assigned to each AudioCube when switching or loading presets."

9. Wind Blowing patch using AudioCubes, SYNTHOR and REMOTE - "In this video we loaded the 'wind blowing' patch which is available on our website. It's a simple patch where we use the distance between LFO and envelope (ADSR) to change the modulation depth. We use REMOTE to change parameters of the ADSR envelope."

10. Wireless Patching using SYNTHOR and AudioCubes - "Basic video that explains how synth modules can be patched using AudioCubes."

11. Patch and change modulation depth simulaneously - "In this video we show how you can patch synth modules and at the same time change the modulation depth by changing distance."

Percussa Intros Synthor Modular Synthesis System (Knobcon 2016)

Published on Oct 3, 2016 Synthtopia

https://www.percussa.com

"At Knobcon 2016, Synthtopia talked with Percussa's Bert Schiettecatte, who gave us an overview of their new Synthor Modular Synthesis System.

The Synthor system is built around the idea of tangible computing - where physical objects are used to represent and control virtual objects within software applications.

With Synthor, the Percussa AudioCubes act as wireless controllers that let you create synth patches, while the Remote lets you control things like patch selection and settings for virtual modules.

This video is part of Synthtopia's Knobcon 2016 coverage:

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/tag..."

Additive Synthesis using AudioCubes, SYNTHOR and REMOTE

Published on Sep 4, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"In this video, we loaded the "additive synthesis" patch (1 output, 2 LFOs). Both LFOs are sent to the output module and the parameters are changed using REMOTE. Learn more at www.percussa.com"

Percussa to Present Digital Modular Synthesis System at Knobcon with New REMOTE Hardware Controller

FM synthesis using AudioCubes, REMOTE and SYNTHOR

Published on Aug 29, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"In this video we loaded the FM synthesis patch in SYNTHOR consisting of 1 output and 2 LFOs. Using REMOTE we can change the different parameters of each of the modules, such as the wave form or fine parameters of the LFO."

Percussa will be introducing REMOTE, a new hardware controller for their Synthor modular system at Knobcon this year. Many of you will be familiar with Synthor from previous posts here on the site. The following is in via Percussa.

"Los Angeles, CA (USA) August 29, 2016 - Percussa is proud to announce the official debut of its SYNTHOR digital modular synthesis systems, at Knobcon 2016, September 9-11 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

With the launch of Percussa’s digital modular synthesis systems a new generation of digital modular synthesizers has been born. Using the hands-on wireless patching interface (AudioCubes), powerful synthesis software (SYNTHOR) and a tightly integrated controller (REMOTE), patching synth modules and changing modulation depth and synthesis parameters has never been so fast and intuitive.

WIRELESS PATCHING INTERFACE

SYNTHOR digital modular synthesizer systems come with a wireless patching interface which allows musicians and sound artists to patch synth modules in real-time by placing AudioCubes, which represent the modules, next to each other.

Moving cubes closer and further away changes the modulation depth of the signals flowing between the synthesis modules, allowing artists to expressively control more parameters simultaneously than is currently possible with traditional systems.

Multiple patch connections between modules can be created simultaneously by placing cubes next to each other, something which is impossible to do with systems where patch cables are created one-by-one.

POWERFUL DIGITAL SYNTHESIS SOFTWARE

Synth modules are automatically assigned through the SYNTHOR synthesis software to each cube. It is like having a virtual case of modules, offering the advantages of computer based synthesis, but with dedicated hardware interfaces for patching and parameter control. SYNTHOR runs stand-alone on MAC and PC and needs no other software or plugins.

The SYNTHOR digital modular synthesis system has built-in visual feedback: synth modules, patch connections, clock timings, and signal amplitude are all mapped to RGB colours and light intensity on the AudioCubes patching interface, giving musicians an instant overview of the state of the system at all times, without patch cables in the way, which is very convenient in live performance situations.

TIGHTLY INTEGRATED PARAMETER CONTROL SURFACE

Modular synthesis setups are easily created using the tightly integrated REMOTE controller which lets you configure AudioCubes and set parameters in the SYNTHOR synthesis software without having to touch your computer or mouse.

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wireless audiocubes visualization in synthor #2

Published on Mar 12, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

https://percussa.com

"in this video we show the new network visualisation feature of the wireless audiocubes, together with synthor, our new digital modular synth which is included for free with every audiocubes system."

"For those of you who don’t know SYNTHOR yet, it’s a modular synthesizer application we're working on for the AudioCubes. It lets you patch simply by placing wireless AudioCubes next to each other. By changing the distance between the cubes, the amplitude of the modulation signals between the modules can be changed. This allows the user to patch wirelessly and change synthesis parameters simultaneously, simply by moving cubes relative to each other. SYNTHOR is currently in BETA and available for free download on our website.

The cube network visualization feature which we integrated into SYNTHOR lets users visualize the location and orientation of the AudioCubes in the network. As you can see in the video below, each time a cube is added or removed from the network the changes are automatically reflected in the visualization window.

We're planning a patch recall feature, such that if you load a preset file in MIDIBridge containing all SYNTHOR settings, the connections between the cubes and distance will also be recalled, which lets you continue with your modular synth patch and cube setup where you stopped the day before, a feature that’s not or rarely available on traditional hardware modular synthesizers."

All parts here.

Percussa Coming to Rocky Mountain Synthesizer Meetup Denver, Colorado on March 8th

"The Rocky Mountain Synthesizer Meetup is a monthly social gathering with more than 440 synthesists and synth enthusiasts from Denver, and was founded in 2012 by Synthesist and Sound Artist Mark Mosher. During the meetup on March 8th we'll give a presentation about SYNTHOR, the digital modular synthesizer I've been working on for the AudioCubes, as well as talk about the visualization features I've recently added into SYNTHOR. After our presentation, there will be a cool after-meetup performance by Brendan Haskins.

Date: March 8th, 2016
Time: 7PM to 10:30PM
Place: Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut Street, Denver (Colorado)"

Percussa presents: A conversation between 2 AudioCubes

Published on Jan 24, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"In this video we show the new SOLO mode in synthor, our digital modular synthesizer which integrates seamlessly with the wireless audiocubes interface. Using this mode it's possible to interact with multiple cubes which are each linked to a different synthesizer module inside synthor. The cubes sense distance to your hands, allowing you to control 4 synth parameters independently, all wireless. In the video we use 2 oscillators, the green cube is linked to a sine osc while the red cube is linked to a square osc. For each cube, two of the 4 faces are linked to pitch and amplitude."

https://percussa.com


PERCUSSA SYNTHOR MODULATIONS #1 CAP

Published on Jan 24, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"Gestural sound modulation and patching using distance and rotation
https://www.percussa.com/2016/01/12/g..."


wireless audiocubes visualization in synthor #2

Published on Mar 12, 2016 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"in this video we show the new network visualisation feature of the wireless audiocubes, together with synthor, our new digital modular synth which is included for free with every audiocubes system."

"For those of you who don’t know SYNTHOR yet, it’s a modular synthesizer application we're working on for the AudioCubes. It lets you patch simply by placing wireless AudioCubes next to each other. By changing the distance between the cubes, the amplitude of the modulation signals between the modules can be changed. This allows the user to patch wirelessly and change synthesis parameters simultaneously, simply by moving cubes relative to each other. SYNTHOR is currently in BETA and available for free download on our website.

The cube network visualization feature which we integrated into SYNTHOR lets users visualize the location and orientation of the AudioCubes in the network. As you can see in the video below, each time a cube is added or removed from the network the changes are automatically reflected in the visualization window.

We're planning a patch recall feature, such that if you load a preset file in MIDIBridge containing all SYNTHOR settings, the connections between the cubes and distance will also be recalled, which lets you continue with your modular synth patch and cube setup where you stopped the day before, a feature that’s not or rarely available on traditional hardware modular synthesizers."

PERCUSSA SYNTHOR BERLIN SESSIONS VID #3

Published on Dec 15, 2015 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"In this video, you’ll see how we patch wirelessly by placing AudioCubes next to each other, and at the same time change synthesis parameters, while changing the distance between the AudioCubes. Learn more: https://www.percussa.com/2015/12/11/s..."

All parts here.

Percussa announces beta version of SYNTHOR: digital modular synthesizer for AudioCubes

"Los Angeles, CA (USA) December 10, 2015 - Percussa announces the launch of the beta version of SYNTHOR, the digital modular synthesizer application for AudioCubes, its successful modular hardware interface for electronic musicians.

Using SYNTHOR, existing AudioCube users are no longer required to use additional software to make sounds with the AudioCubes, and musicians who haven’t discovered AudioCubes yet now no longer have to MIDI-map synthesizers to the AudioCubes to take advantage of their possibilities.

SYNTHOR is the first software digital modular synthesizer in the world with a dedicated hardware interface, allowing users to patch wirelessly by placing AudioCubes next to each other, and to change synthesis parameters simultaneously, while changing distance between AudioCubes.

SYNTHOR lets you create different configurations of synth modules, which can be saved, recalled and shared with other musicians. Imagine being able to switch modular synth configurations for every song you play live, something that is impossible to do with traditional modular synths.

In SYNTHOR, each AudioCube can be assigned to a synthesizer module (such as oscillator, sampler, LFO, step sequencer, etc). When AudioCubes are placed next to each other, connections between modules are automatically made. For example, by placing 4 AudioCubes around a 5th AudioCube, 4 connections can be instantly made. The more cubes are placed next to each other the more connections are made, all without needing real hardware patch cords.

Distance between the cubes is automatically linked to amplitude of modulation signals. By moving cubes closer to each other or further away from each other or by slightly rotating them relative to each other, the amplitude of the modulation signals can be changed. Additionally, it’s possible to sense distance from the cubes to your hands and use that distance information to change sound synthesis parameters in the modules.

Last but not least, the user automatically receives colour feedback from the cubes when assigning modules to the cubes. For example, an oscillator cube can be yellow while a noise generator can be cyan. The signal outputs of all the modules can also be linked to the brightness of the light of each cube for additional feedback, and it’s possible to mix your own colours and override the default colours.

The SYNTHOR beta is available for download in the download section of the Percussa website, and works with the recently released Percussa Wireless AudioCubes PRO as well with the older Percussa Wireless AudioCubes. SYNTHOR runs inside the MIDIBridge application for AudioCubes and requires no drivers to access the AudioCubes hardware interface. SYNTHOR and MIDIBridge are available free of charge for Mac OSX and Windows.

Percussa is working closely together with artists who provide feedback on this beta version of SYNTHOR, continuously adding more modules and rapidly releasing new versions, all in preparation of the release candidate version which is planned to be announced in the first quarter of 2016. Visit https://www.percussa.com/ to download the software and participate in beta testing.

About Percussa

Percussa makes the AudioCubes, a professional electronic musical instrument and modular MIDI sensor system. AudioCubes are smart wireless cubes, capable of sensing each other’s location, orientation and distance, between each other and to your hands and fingers. In addition to its sensing capabilities AudioCubes feature fully mixable 12 bit colours through their built in RGB LEDs. AudioCubes come with freely available and powerful MIDI control, generative sequencing and digital modular synthesis software inside the MIDIBridge host application.

AudioCubes are being used by professional artists and educators all around the world for sound design, composition, live performance, music (STEM) education, interactive installations and other creative projects. More information about Percussa and AudioCubes at https://www.percussa.com"

PERCUSSA SYNTHOR BERLIN SESSIONS VID #2

Published on Nov 10, 2015 AudioCubes by PERCUSSA

"Video featuring new SYNTHOR digital modular synthesizer for wireless audiocubes by Percussa. In this video we should off distance and rotation sensing, while simultaneously patching. Notice the expressivity and opportunities for gestural performance. More info at http://www.percussa.com/"