Erica Synths PĒRKONS

video upload by Electric Bear

"‪@EricaSynths‬ PĒRKONS +‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ #chaseblissonward #chaseblisslossy on voice 1"

When the Spec Becomes Code: Building a Norns Instrument with AI

video upload by Lesjamusic

"Building PolyNexus: A Complete Norns Instrument, using Claude AI

I used to struggle with "vibe coding" - throwing prompts at AI and hoping for working software. Then I discovered the article "When the Spec Becomes the Code," and everything changed.

Spec-driven development (SDD) transformed my workflow. Instead of generating code through endless prompts, I focus on creating clear specifications first. The spec becomes the blueprint, and Claude AI helps compile it into working code.

PolyNexus is the result of this approach - a complete generative polyphonic instrument for Monome Norns that evolved far beyond my initial vision. What started as a chord sequencer grew ambitious: I built PolyVoice, a custom 6-voice synthesizer engine in SuperCollider, based on three Plaits oscillator models with wavefolding, sample rate reduction, and comprehensive modulation.

The best part? Spec-driven development gave me the confidence to tackle SuperCollider synthesis, something I wouldn't have attempted with traditional "vibe coding."

🎹 PolyNexus Features:

PolyVoice Synthesis Engine: • Custom 6-voice polyphonic SuperCollider engine • Three Plaits-inspired oscillator models (morph, waveshaping, wavetable) • Wavefolding for harmonic complexity • Sample rate reduction for lo-fi textures • Independent LFOs and envelope control per voice

Generative Sequencer: • 16-chord harmonic palette (monome Grid row 1) • Probabilistic note retriggering engine • Random chord sequencer for compositional surprises • Bass and sub-bass sequencer for rhythmic foundation • Real-time playable notes (Grid row 5)

Analog-Style Effects Chain: • Tape character: flutter, wow, saturation, tape noise • Tape-style delay with feedback and rate control • Multi-mode filtering for tone shaping

🔗 Resources: • Jean Bovet: "When the Spec Becomes the Code" - / when-the-spec-becomes-the-code • PolyNexus (coming soon to lines community) • monome Norns - https://monome.org • Mutable Instruments Plaits • SuperCollider synthesis language

⏱️ Timeline:
0:00 - Introduction: The Struggle with Vibe Coding
01:51 - Discovery: Spec-Driven Development
04:33 - What is PolyNexus?
12:37 - Live Performance

Want to try spec-driven development? Start by describing what you want to build in clear, detailed language. Iterate on the specification until it's crystal clear. Then let AI help compile it into code. You'll be amazed at what becomes possible."

Ambient music with electric kalimba & Prophet-10, OP-1 field : Tangled filament 2025-10-27 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with electric kalimba, OP-1 field, and Prophet-10 — an ambient session featuring the distorted feedback tones of the kalimba and lo-fi synth pads.

The electric kalimba uses the LOTTIE CANTO COLOUR PALETTE. Its sound is processed with delay via ‪@strymon‬ TIMELINE and reverb via blueSky.

On the Prophet-10, a noise-infused synth pad is performed. The output is treated with reverb and filtering through ‪@strymon‬ NIGHTSKY, then processed with ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ GENERATION LOSS MKII to add wow and flutter effects, creating a warm lo-fi texture.

On the OP-1 field, harmonic synth pads are recorded and processed with ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII, adding overall delay and micro-loop effects to complete the atmosphere."

Minimal electronic with glitched piano sound : Between the waves 2025-10-26 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with norns shield and modular synthesizer — an ambient electronica work where glitch-processed piano tones emerge within waves of sustained electronic sound.

On the norns shield, the barcode script is used to record and play back synth pad performances from the ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10. The connected ‪@KorgOfficial‬ NTS-3 adds reverb and occasional tremolo effects.

In the modular synthesizer, a piano performance is recorded into Morphagene, which is then modulated with CV signals from Quad Function to create glitch variations. The modular output is split into two paths: the original signal from Morphagene, and another processed through a Clouds clone. The original path is further enhanced with ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII, applying micro-loop effects for additional glitch textures."

Minimal Electronic with norns shield, NTS-1 Loop EG, OP-1 field : Star Trail 2025-10-24 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with norns shield, ‪@KORG_INC‬ NTS-1, and ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field — a minimal ambient composition where looping envelopes, micro-loops, and sustained tones intertwine to form delicate textures.

On the norns shield, the sines script is used to generate various types of sustained tones, controlled via the monome grid. The output is routed through ‪@HologramElectronics‬ MICROCOSM with the GLITCH effect applied.

The NTS-1 receives MIDI sequencing from Ableton, with the envelope generator set to loop, creating finely textured rhythmic particles. Its output passes throug ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ LOSSY, adding reverb and a lo-fi character.

On the OP-1 field, sampled vocal sounds are used to create harmonies triggered by MIDI from Ableton. A touch of delay from ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII is added, while the TAPE mode is used to generate micro-loops with a warm, lo-fi tone."

Minimal electronic with norns shield & OP-1 field : Extreme Drop 2025-10-21 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with norns shield and ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field.

A minimal ambient composition built from looping phrases and reverb-soaked synth pads that subtly shift in tone and rhythm.

On the norns shield, the script AWAKE is used to sequence the phrases. The trigger probability is set around 60–70%, creating a semi-random timing for each note. The phrase patterns are controlled via monome grid.

On the OP-1 field, harmonic synth pads are recorded live and looped on the spot, with additional hand-played layers performed over the loops.

Using ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ LOSSY, effects are applied to the norns shield’s sound. In the early section, a filter is manipulated to fade the sound in, while in the outro the tone shifts toward a more lo-fi texture.

Daily Sound Experiment No.668"

Ambient with Pelle Mode Nord Lead & OP-1 field : Fluvial Terrace 2025-10-19 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with the ‪@NordKeyboards‬ Nord Lead and ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field — an ambient track built from distorted tones generated in the Nord Lead’s Pelle mode and lo-fi synth pads.

The Nord Lead, when set to Pelle mode, produces an unusually aggressive tone. Its output passes through the ‪@strymon‬ NightSky for reverb and filtering.

On the OP-1 field, a 16-bar synth loop was recorded and played back at a slower tape speed, layering additional sounds during performance. The output is processed through the ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ Lossy to achieve a lo-fi texture.

================
How to Enable Pelle Mode on the Nord Lead 1

1.Set Program A to 19 and Program B to 65.
2.Hold down SYSTEM, then press SHIFT.
3.While keeping both buttons held, press SET, then press PERF. MODE.
(Keep SYSTEM and SHIFT held the entire time.)

If you hear a clicking sound, Pelle Mode has been successfully activated.
If the program number displays 75, the attempt failed — this happens when CLEAR is pressed instead of SET."

GAME BOY & Music Easel Ambient Electronica session : Whitecaps 2025-10-14 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with Nintendo Game Boy, ‪@buchlausa‬ Music Easel, and ‪@KORG_INC‬ microKORG S — an ambient electronica track where looping sequences intertwine with random phrases and hand-played harmonies.

The Game Boy runs LSDj, repeating a simple sequence while adding delay using the TIMELINE.

The Music Easel plays arpeggiated phrases, processed through the MOOD MKII with pitch-shift and SLIP effects.

The microKORG S performs synth pads using a long-release tone.

Additionally, in Ableton, field recordings are loaded into the Wavetable synth to create layered pad textures that blend into the performance."

Wingie & Mood mk2 // Just the voice

video upload by Dexba

"breathe in – breathe out
colouring outside the borders with the help of electronic instruments"

Ambient session with Prophet-10 and Field Kit radio wave : Pulsar 2025-10-11 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with ‪@SequentialsDeluxe‬ Prophet-10 and ‪@KOMAelektronik‬ Field Kit — an electronica track built from simple synth performance and processed radio sounds.

The Prophet-10 is played with reverb added through the ‪@strymon‬ blueSky.

The Field Kit uses its built-in radio tuner to generate sound, with a monotronDELAY connected to the AUX input and used as a filter delay.

The radio tuner output is processed through ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ LOSSY to add a lo-fi texture."

Studio Ambient Session with Moog One, Prophet-10, Music Easel : Soundwalk 2025-10-10

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10, ‪@MoogSynthesizers‬ Moog One, ‪@buchlausa‬ Music Easel, and modular synthesizers — an ambient electronica track built from layered sounds recorded while walking around the studio.

The Prophet-10 is connected to a blueSky reverb, played with long release settings while manually opening and closing the filter.

Both the Moog One and ‪@NordKeyboards‬ Nord Lead provide synth pads. The Nord Lead runs through the ‪@gfisys‬ Specular Tempus with a deep reverb.

In the small Intellijel modular case, the ‪@MAKEN0ISEMUSIC‬ Morphagene plays back recorded piano sounds, with additional reverb added via a Clouds clone.

In the 7U Intellijel case seen on the right side of the screen, the Instruō Cs-L is processed through QPAS and Mimeophon for filtering and delay effects.

The Music Easel is connected to a ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII, adding rich reverb. The Easel is played with noticeable portamento while performing on the keyboard."

Electronica session with LIVEN Ambient Ø & CS01 : Overcast Sky 2025-10-04 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with SONICWARE LIVEN Ambient Ø and YAMAHA CS01. Quiet ambient electronica.

On the Ambient Ø, sequences are played while synth pads are performed with the built-in keyboard. The output is processed through the MOOD MKII with added delay and micro-loop effects.

The CS01 plays a sound with slow attack and release, processed through NIGHTSKY with long-decay reverb and filtering. At times, INFINITE is switched on to create sustained tones."

Minimal Electronic w/ CS01, OP-1 field, volca fm2 : Neutrality 2025-09-29 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with YAMAHA CS01, ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field, and ‪@KORG_INC‬ volca fm2. Minimal electronica where lo-fi processed FM synth tones overlap with evolving sequences.

The CS01 is processed through ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ LOSSY with reverb and EQ, shaping it into a lo-fi sound. The patch is set with long attack and release times.

On the OP-1 field, sequences are played using the ENDLESS sequencer, with pattern changes made mid-performance. The sound is based on the DIMENSION preset CELESTA, modified for this piece.

The volca fm2 produces synth pad tones with extended attack and release, processed through ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ GENERATION LOSS MKII to create a lo-fi texture."

Ambient Performance // Polygene II // Torso S-4 // Onward // Lossy // Slöer

video upload by Lesjamusic

"Nine and a half minutes of synthy washy reverby goodness. Using the upper touch keyboard of the sublime ‪@genesynths‬ Polygene II gives such lovely raw oscillator tones. ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ Lossy + Onward + ‪@walrusaudioeffects‬ Slöer breaks, shifts and widens the sound. There's 4 different loops on the ‪@torsoelectronics‬ S-4, two of which make use of the filterbank, which can take field recordings and turn them into something harmonic. No talking on this one, just synth, synth, synth ❤️"

Dirtywave M8 Tracker Model:02 & Buchla Music Easel : DOF 2025-09-20 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with ‪@Dirtywave‬ M8 Tracker Model:02 and ‪@buchlausa‬ Music Easel. Electronica where phrases shift and evolve through micro-loops.

The Music Easel receives MIDI sequences from the M8 Tracker, while its sliders are used to modulate oscillators. The output is processed through ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII with micro-loop, delay, and reverb effects, creating variations in the phrases.

On the M8, rhythm parts and harmonies are played. In LIVE MODE, phrases are switched while occasionally tweaking the synth filter."

M8 Tracker Model:02 MIDI SYNC with MU15 : Stroll 2025-09-15 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with ‪@Dirtywave‬ M8 Tracker Model:02 and YAMAHA MU15. Electronica where repeating phrases gradually transform through filtering and glitch effects.

The MU15 is sequenced from the M8 via MIDI, with its output processed through ‪@strymon‬ NIGHTSKY for reverb and filtering.

The M8’s output is routed into the ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII, where micro-loops are used to glitch the phrases."

M8 Tracker Model:02 & MOOD MKII : Dream on the palm 2025-09-13 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with the ‪@Dirtywave‬ M8 Tracker Model:02. Abstract beat electronica progressing with glitch-infused textures.

The track was produced on the M8 Tracker Model:02, then performed through the ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII with added micro-loops, reverb, and pitch-shift effects.

Beats are mainly triggered using the M8’s Sampler. The main chords are also played by loading synth samples into the Sampler.

At times, the DJ Filter cutoff on the M8 is adjusted during performance."

Lofi Ambient w/ Double Looper and Sequenced DC Motor drone sound : Silent fall 2025-09-12 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with ‪@KOMAelektronik‬ Field Kit, ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10, and tape loops. Lo-fi ambient where the drone sound of a motor’s vibration—picked up with a guitar pickup—forms the foundation, while piano recordings on tape intertwine through two loopers.

A DC motor is connected to the Field Kit, with its rotation speed controlled via CV from the ‪@KORG_INC‬ SQ-1 to create pitch. The motor’s vibration is picked up with a guitar pickup and used as a drone sound, processed with reverb through ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII.

The Prophet-10 is processed through LOSSY for a slightly lo-fi texture, with added reverb.

The ‪@WeAreRewind1‬ tape player contains an endless cassette with a three-minute piano performance recorded on it. While playing it back, loops are created and performed simultaneously using two loopers: the AKAI U400 and MICROCOSM."

Ambient session with sampled Bamboo flute : Transparent Garden 2025-09-06 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with KORG microKORG S, teenage engineering OP-1 field, and Novation Circuit. Electronica where sampled bamboo flute tones resonate over simple chords and rhythms.

On the microKORG, sustained chords are held while NIGHTSKY adds filtering and reverb, with modulation applied to the filter.

The OP-1 field is used to sample and play a Thai bamboo flute, processed with effects through Chase Bliss Audio MOOD MK II.

The Novation Circuit plays rhythm patterns, processed with LOSSY to create a lo-fi texture."

Folktronica w/ Prophet-10, CS01, Nylon Guitar : Harbor 2025-08-31 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with nylon guitar, ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10, and YAMAHA CS01. Folktronica where guitar and synth melodies drift over the background sounds of a harbor.

The Prophet-10 plays a tone blended with noise oscillators, processed with reverb from ‪@strymon‬ blueSky.

The CS01 performs synth leads with vibrato, processed through ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ LOSSY with EQ and reverb.

The guitar sound is recorded using an NT-5 microphone."