Beijing Modular 10/26/26 Videos

video uploads by sonicstate

Latest videos for the day. See the Modular Commune label for more.

Playlist:

1. Heisenberg Zynthian Workstation- Beijing Modular 26

Jarrod from Heisenberg told us about the OFAI Music Workstation and a handmade wooden MIDI controller.

The workstation is a custom small Linux-based unit with audio outputs and MIDI. It runs open-source software from the Zynthian platform, with additional presets made by Jarrod. The hardware is a a custom development by the team, and it supports MIDI synths, plug-ins and multi-timbral sequencing.

The wooden controller works as a generic control surface and is not for sale, more just as a DIY project by Jarrod. Parameters are assigned with MIDI Learn, so knobs and buttons can control selected synth or effect parameters. In the demo, a USB MIDI cable connects the controller to the workstation. The system can run drums, hi-hats and riffs on separate tracks, and selecting a track gives access to further parameters. A MIDI latch function holds notes while parameters are adjusted.

The OFAI Workstation is sold in China for 3,700 RMB. The wooden controller is handmade and is not for sale. More Info: https://zynthian.org

2. 30k - Nyoka - Magnetic Field Noise Generator - Beijing Modular 26

Yang from 30K told us about their NYOKA Magnetic Field Noise Generator, a small experimental sound device that turns electromagnetic interference into audio control signals.

The unit senses magnetic field signals and uses them to modulate an internal oscillator. It can also be played by touch, with fingers routing signals to different points in the circuit. The device includes multiple switches for changing operating modes, selecting oscillator or inductor output, choosing where the magnetic field signal routes, and altering routing inside the oscillator.

The unit runs from USB-C power and outputs audio via a 3.5mm TRS jack. It responds strongly to nearby power sources, with different electrical equipment producing different responses. Yang also mentioned that it works well with external reverb and delay.

The device is available for 229 RMB.
He also showed a magnetic field amplifier with 1000x gain and a small Meow Box synthesizer that produces cat sounds - I mean, why not?

3. 203 Systems - Mystrix 2 MPE Grid, Cardenza - tiny hackable music computer- Beijing Modular 26

Nengzhuo Cai from 203 Systems had some pretty cool units to show, first up is about Mystrix 2, a wireless MPE grid controller, and two compact music devices. Mystrix 2 is the latest generation and runs its own OS, so applications can be installed directly on the hardware without a computer.

Mystrix 2 acts as a MIDI and control-data source. It includes MPE keyboard apps, chord, arpeggiator, scale and custom scale tools, split-screen operation, an eight-track sequencer, clip mode and a mixer. The sequencer supports 16 patterns with 16 steps. It has three full-feature USB-C ports for charging, computer connection or accessory boxes, plus CV and MIDI adapters. A hidden side touch slider supports functions such as strumming.

Next up is *Cardenza, *a $20 open-source ESP32 S3 music computer with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, microphone, SD card, app installation and web coding support. You can run your own programs on it, and even browse the web (assuming you can code your own browser!)

Then the NULLperator is a tiny eight-track tracker with audio I/O, TRS MIDI I/O, microphone, speaker and battery. Mystrix 2 is expected for Kickstarter at around $500, while NULLperator is expected around $300, with free iOS and Android apps available.

More Info: https://203.io/ |--------|

4. SPI1: Mini Multi-function Game-style Modules - Beijing Modular 26

We spoke to Lei and the team behind *SPI1*, a compact modular music workstation built around a “micro universe” concept. They explained that the project uses a game-like interface for creating music, with visual design, touch controls and interchangeable hardware modules forming part of the workflow. SPI1 features a square-format touch bar with 12 control keys. Projects can start from blank templates or preset styles, and the system supports user-made templates. The team plans to release an SDK for third-party development, covering modules and internal software. The instrument includes a DSP synth system where timbres are organised as “plants”, with scale selection, generative music modes and four-channel pattern recording. A map-style interface contains sound machines, including chord and wave-based devices. External interaction comes through probes for wind, magnetic signals, audio signals and other inputs. The modular hardware includes interfaces such as joystick, DJ turntable, drum pad, fader and marble-based controllers. An audio sequencer module can trigger external devices and lights. SPI1 is currently a prototype, with a Kickstarter planned for spring next year. Pricing has not yet been confirmed.

5. Erica Synths: Graphic Sequencer - Beijing Modular 26

Ģirts from Erica Synths gave us a look at the Graphic Sequencer a new Eurorack module currently in production.

The Graphic Sequencer is a compact hub for sequencing and modulation. It has 10 steps (with a planned 16-step expander) plus CV and gate outputs and three modulation outputs. Those outputs support envelopes, delay-based envelope types, user-drawn multistage envelopes, LFOs, random walk, Euclidean sequencing and chord CV duties across multiple oscillators.

Magic mode changes an existing sequence in real time, with controls for note variation, octaves, density, gates and slides. Returning from that mode clears the edit buffer. The Euclidean section works with an 8-channel expander, and hits can be added manually with the encoder.

The module is expected in about a month, priced around €300.

6. Theresyn - Beijing Modular 26

We spoke to Nori about Theresyn, a handmade fully analogue theremin synthesizer. He explained that it uses the familiar theremin approach, with the left hand controlling amplitude and the right hand controlling pitch, but adds extra control and acoustic elements.

Xin then demo'd the pressure-sensitive touch pad, which controls oscillator amplitude and can also trigger an ADSR envelope. Theresyn has two oscillators, with mixing between the theremin voice and an internal oscillator. Antenna tracking can be set to none, partial or full, allowing one oscillator to act as a drone or follow the pitch hand.

The synth also includes selectable waveforms, filter modes including low-pass, resonance, pitch-to-filter tracking and amplitude modulation of the cutoff. Its speaker system includes a front loudspeaker and rear resonating strings, with a pickup for the string output. There is no pitch quantizer, and pitch remains continuous. The pitch range can be tuned to the player's body capacitance.

Theresyn is handmade, available to order from the website, and the full version with bag costs €3,000.

More Info: https://theresyn.com/

7. PUFF Eurorack Breath Controller - Beijing Modular 26

We spoke to the team behind Puff V3 about the Puff breath controller project, which began in 2024. They explained that the current wired V2 has the same core functions as the planned V3, while the V3 moves to wireless operation.

Puff converts breath into control voltage for modular systems and synthesizers. It can control pitch, cutoff, resonance and other modulation destinations, depending on the patch. The system supports up to four CV outputs and one MIDI output. USB-C connects to a computer or laptop for MIDI, so it can control software and hardware at the same time.

The controller is held in the mouth, leaving both hands free for instruments such as guitar or piano. The team also discussed a future mouth ring or bite control for sustain-style input. The prototype is built, with release planned for June next year, and the project launches on Kickstarter.