UNO Synth Pro and the SSI chip: interview with the creators

video by ikmultimedia

"UNO Synth Pro’s first-class analog sound is achieved by combining a superior design architecture with discrete core oscillators and two filters, one of which is based on a new chip from Sound Semiconductor, Inc. SSI was founded by Dave Rossum and Dan Parks, two members of the team that created the famous SSM chip back in late-‘70s and early-‘80, which brought the development of the first polyphonic analog synths. IK’s Erik Norlander speaks with the two about their legacy and uncovers the significance of the new SSI chip inside UNO Synth Pro."

Sound Semiconductor Announces New SSI2131 VCO

New chip derived from Sound Semiconductor's previously announced SSI2130 to provide only the core VCO function for lower cost and easier use.

The press realese:

SOUND SEMICONDUCTOR EXPANDS VCO CHIP FAMILY

Provides Core VCO Function for Ease of Use and Low Cost

January 13, 2021 – Sonora, California – Sound Semiconductor today announced an addition to its family of Voltage Controlled Oscillator (“VCO”) integrated circuits.

The SSI2131 offers basic VCO functionality with buffered triangle, sawtooth, and variable-width pulse outputs. Like the previously introduced SSI2130 VCO, special care was taken to provide unprecedented levels of temperature stability, exponentiality, and waveform integrity but in this case the on-chip mixer, sine shaper, and through-zero components were omitted. The result is a modern, high-performance basic VCO that is extremely easy to use.

Offered in a 16-pin small-outline DIP package, only a handful of external components are necessary. Like the SSI2130, exponential setup is easily accomplished by use of fixed-value resistors for less demanding applications, and manual or CPU calibrated for exponential conformance to one cent over a ten-octave range. Both soft and hard sync are available. Pricing is $1.40 at 1k pieces, with samples available now to qualified OEM’s. Production stock will be available by late February; at that time hobby and DIY enthusiasts will be served through Sound Semiconductor’s growing network of authorized resellers.

"Ever since building my first synthesizer in college I’ve been imagining this VCO project,” stated Derek Bowers, designer of the SSI2130 and SSI2131. "I’m really happy with results of these developments."

Sound Semiconductor is composed of musicians and technologists with the goal of developing affordable, high- performance integrated circuits for music creation. For more information, please visit www.soundsemiconductor.com."

New Landmark SSI2130 VCO Chip from Sound Semiconductor

The press release:

SOUND SEMICONDUCTOR INTRO’S NEXT GENERATION VCO CHIP

First New Electronic Music VCO IC in Decades

September 16, 2020 – Sonora, California – Sound Semiconductor today announced the first new audio-band Voltage Controlled Oscillator (“VCO”) integrated circuit in decades, the SSI2130.

The SSI2130 VCO provides unprecedented performance and features for electronic music systems, audio function generators, or other devices that require high-integrity audio waveforms. Based on a precision- generated triangle core, the SSI2130 also produces saw, reverse saw, pulse with width control, and open- collector square wave outputs. Great care was taken to provide glitch-free waveforms.

In addition to buffered voltage outputs, the triangle, saw, and pulse signals are internally routed to a five- channel VCA mixer with two auxiliary inputs. The mixer output is current-mode for easy summing with additional SSI2130 VCO’s and connection to current-input voltage controlled filters such as the SSI2140 and SSI2144.
The SSI2130 also includes a sine shaper that provides a low-distortion sine wave from the triangle output, and a unique “time reverse” pin enables through-zero FM and PM synthesis with the addition of comparator, dual op amp, and handful of discrete components.

The analog multiplier has excellent exponential performance over a ten-plus octave range, and on-chip temperature compensation outperforms all previous VCO IC’s. Exponential input setup is easily accomplished through one or two trims in analog systems, or automated by CPU-based systems. Both hard and soft sync are offered.

The SSI2130 is packaged in a 32-lead QFN package and requires minimal external components. Pricing is $2.25 at 1k pieces and the SSI2130 is in stock now. Samples and an evaluation board are available to qualified OEM’s; hobby and DIY enthusiasts are served through a growing network of Sound Semiconductor’s authorized resellers.

"Our design team has been anxious to develop a new-generation VCO,” stated Dan Parks, President of Sound Semiconductor. "We knew the SSI2130 was going to be good, but it greatly exceeded expectations."

Sound Semiconductor is composed of musicians and technologists with the goal of developing affordable, high- performance integrated circuits for music creation. For more information, please visit www.soundsemiconductor.com.

Sound Semiconductor Announces Two New VCA Chips

"SOUND SEMICONDUCTOR SPINS OUT SINGLE AND DUAL VCA CHIPS

VCA Range now spans Single, Dual, and Quad Versions

June 23, 2020 – Sonora, California – Sound Semiconductor today announced single and dual channel VCA additions to its product lineup, the ProCircuitTM SSI2161 and FatKeysTM SSI2162.

VCA’s – or Voltage Controlled Amplifiers – are used for automatic, remote, or CPU control of audio gain and/or attenuation in such systems as music synthesizers, dynamics processors, noise reduction systems, effects processors, and mix console fader automation; as well as design of voltage controlled filters, exponential voltage to current converters, and many other basic audio building blocks. Sound Semiconductor’s SSI2164, a low noise and distortion VCA with four independent channels, was introduced several years ago and has been embraced by the audio community.

In pursuit of even better performance, the newly launched SSI2161 internally parallels all four SSI2164 channels for a 6dB noise improvement, offering the lowest noise among VCA chips. Likewise, the SSI2162 internally parallels two pairs of SSI2164 channels for 3dB lower noise.

All VCA’s have exponential control with a –33mV/dB gain constant. Current inputs and outputs allow a wide range of input and output resistance to suit design needs, and a unique mode control permits selection of class A, AB, or intermediate biasing of the gain core to optimize noise versus distortion characteristics. A gain range from +20dB to –100dB is possible.

The SSI2161 and SSI2162 are both housed in a 10-lead Shrink Small Outline Package (SSOP). Pricing at 1000 pieces is $0.84 for the SSI2161 and $0.99 for the SSI2162. Both are available now.

Sound Semiconductor is composed of musicians and technologists with the goal of developing affordable, high-performance integrated circuits for music creation. For more information, please visit www.soundsemiconductor.com."

Sound Semiconductor Announces New SSI2140 Filter Chip Based on the Classic SSM2040

The SSM2040 was used in the original Prophet-5 Rev 1 & 2.

Press release:

SOUND SEMICONDUCTOR UPDATES ICONIC FILTER CHIP

Retains Classic Sound and Adds Significant Features

May 26, 2020 - Sonora, California - Sound Semiconductor today announced a major addition to its product family with the SSI2140, an update to the revered SSM2040 by original designer Dave Rossum.

The SSM2040 Voltage Controlled Filter is considered by many to be the best-sounding synthesizer filter IC produced, which helped establish a place in history for Sequential Circuit's Rev. 1 and 2 Prophet 5.

Following completion of the SSI2144, which is an update to SSM's other famous filter, Sound Semiconductor turned its attention to the SSM2040. First and foremost, the basic transconductance core was left unchanged to retain its sound characteristics. However, process technology and design know-how advances permitted the addition of new features.

Like the SSM2040, the SSI2140 contains four independent transconductance cells that can be connected for a wide variety of filter pole and mode configurations such as low-pass, high-pass, all-pass, band-pass, Sallen & Key, State Variable, Cauer, and many others. To improve temperature sensitivity, gain core cells are temperature-compensated.

Similarly, optional temperature compensation is available for the exponential port that provides a wide range of control using the SSM2040's same constant of -18mV/OCT.

A major addition is an on-chip "Q-VCA", also temperature compensated, that allows easy control of resonance ("Q") and supports numerous optional Q compensation schemes to overcome attenuation of passband frequencies as resonance increases. Should the Q-VCA not be needed for resonance or compensation, it can be put to work for traditional VCA or VCF applications such as, for example, a single-pole high-pass filter.

Finally, like the SSM2040, the SSI2140 has an input overdrive characteristic that many believe contributes to the filter's coveted sound.

Due to a different package type and pin connections, the SSI2140 won't directly retrofit SSM2040 PCB positions, but third parties are already developing adapter boards. One outfit has even developed a single board to adapt the SSI2140 to Rev. 3 Prophet 5's.

The SSI2140 is offered in a 20-lead Shrink Small Outline Package (SSOP). Priced at $1.18 for 1000 pieces, the SSI2140 is in stock for immediate shipment. Samples are available to qualified OEMs; hobby and DIY enthusiasts are served through a growing network of Sound Semiconductor's authorized resellers.

"When we started this enterprise, a SSM2040 update was on our short list," stated Dan Parks, President of Sound Semiconductor. "Dave Rossum was anxious to take this on, and as the project progressed he devised new ways to improve functionality. Early users have attested to preservation of SSM2040 sound, and some claim that Q Compensation 'sounds huge'."

Sound Semiconductor is composed of musicians and technologists with the goal of developing affordable, high-performance integrated circuits for music creation. For more information, please visit www.soundsemiconductor.com.

Analog Renaissance Tests Out the New Sound Semiconductor SSI2164

You might recall Sound Semiconductor announced the availability of the SSI2164 QUAD VCA chip back in March of 2018 (data sheet here). The SSI2154 is technically an updated design of the classic SSM2164 found in the Octave Voyetra Eight, Siel DK 600, Opera 6 & Kiwi, and the full blown Waldorf Wave. Analog Renaissance was commissioned by Sound Semiconductor to write an application note on the chip in practical use. The following are some of his findings including a couple of demos and a cool oscilloscope synth cat. :)

via Analog Renaissance:

"Sound Semiconductor (basically SSM risen from its ashes) hired me a few months back to write an application note AN701: 'Designing Voltage Controlled Filters for Synthesizers with the SSI2164' for them.

This job quickly escalated because while analyzing this IC's design, it became apparent that it is far more capable, due to its advanced design over its predecessor the SSM2164 (and its cheap knockoffs), than what I expected from reading the datasheet.

Its exceptional THD and noise specs allow building ultra clean filters that are virtually distortion and noise free, its excellent channel tracking means that it is very suitable for multi-mode filters which rely on precision and inherent in its design is the same type of asymmetric distortion responsible for the legendary SSM2040’s sound and more.

The 32-page manuscript is now being reviewed and edited to match their house-style, and should be made public soon. Imho it's quite extensive and covers next to SSI2164 specific content quite a bit of VCF design in general, circuit history and some novel stuff.

As there are already more than enough datasheets, application notes and books filled with non-working (read: tested in spice) nonsense, I accepted this job on one condition: build, test and since it's about synthesizers, hear everything before writing about it.

The small building blocks were breadboarded, but as this type of construction quickly becomes impractical for larger designs, certainly when they need multiple sources and control voltages, and impossible to do meaningful measurements on beyond a certain level, due to coupling and EMC issues, I built 3 filters in eurorack format, which also allows for quick connection to other synth and audio equipment.


SSI2164 - 2040 VCF Published on May 5, 2019 dnaab136

The first one, on the left, is an ultra-clean 4-pole VCF with a SNR better than 107dB (A-weighted) and THD is less than 0.0066%. Both these numbers are the limit of my current test equipment.

The second one, in the middle, is a VCF that employs the SSI2164's SSM2040-like non-linearities and for the first time since the early 80's done monolithically.

The 3rd one, on the right, expresses my contempt for what can and can't be done by ignoring a few mathematical constraints and is a self-oscillating 6dB/oct (1-pole slope) VCF.


SSI2164 - Mathematically impossible self-oscillating 6dB/oct VCF Published on May 6, 2019 dnaab136

Math wasn't happy with this, so it sounds a bit angry and, one of its main features is its capability of transforming sine waves into cats.
one of its main features is its capability of transforming sine waves into cats.

All 3 modules borrow 2 things from power electronics: A FET-bridge that allows plugging in the power cable in any orientation, without the voltage drop associated with diode bridges, and an S-Curve dimmer, originally intended for incandescent lamps but here used for a reversing attenuator with a dead zone in the middle.

The first 2 are multi-mode and have next to the standard 4-pole output a few extra outputs: 2 & 4-pole band-pass and a 2-pole low-pass. All outputs have the exact same phase response and can be mixed to obtain variable slope filters.

I'll bring these to Superbooth in one of these waldorf KB37 keyboards, with some basic VCO, LFO, ADSR and mixer modules for you to play with along with a printout of my manuscript and what is already edited (about 2/3rd) for publication."

SSM2044 Compared to SSI2144 at Resonance

Published on Aug 18, 2018 AMSynths

"SSM2044 VCF chip with resonance varied from minimum to maximum, so a comparison with the SSI2144 chip can be made."

SSI2144 at Resonance

Published on Aug 18, 2018 AMSynths

"SSI2144 VCF chip with resonance varied from minimum to maximum, so a comparison with the SSM2044 chip can be made."

SOUND SEMICONDUCTOR GOES BIG ON SSI2164 QUAD VCA DATA SHEET

via Sound Semiconductor

"SOUND SEMICONDUCTOR GOES BIG ON QUAD VCA DATA SHEET

Provides Broad Content on Use, Circuit Operation, and Numerous Applications

August 8, 2018 – Audio IC specialist Sound Semiconductor® today announced a significant update to the data sheet for its SSI2164 FatkeysTM Quad Voltage Controlled Amplifier.

The SSI2164 Quad VCA, introduced earlier this year, now has a comprehensive data sheet to go with it. The sixteen-page data sheet includes a wealth of information spanning from general use to real-world applications, and includes a description of circuit operation. Content is arranged to satisfy a range of technical abilities from DIY enthusiast to seasoned circuit designer.

Special applications include zero to 5V linear and exponential control, voltage controlled filters, and a novel temperature compensated exponential voltage to current converter by synth design icon Dave Rossum.

'We wouldn’t normally announce a data sheet update,” stated Dan Parks, President of Sound Semiconductor. "But this one is significant and in keeping with our goal of providing best-in-class data sheets to support a wide range of users.'

The data sheet is available now, and can be download from www.soundsemiconductor.com. [captured as JPEGs in this post]

Sound Semiconductor is composed of musicians and technologists with the goal of developing affordable, high-performance integrated circuits for the electronic music and professional audio markets."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Circuit Abbey Liquidus Intro & Sample Videos

Published on Jun 6, 2018 Brother Theo

"The new Liquidus filter by Circuit Abbey"

New Dave Smith Instruments Sequential Prophet X to Have New Dave Rossum (E-Mu) SSI-2044 Filters

Back in April of 2017, Sound Semiconductor announced the production of the SSI-2044 Four Pole Voltage Controlled Filter, "an improved re-issue of the SSM2044 that many believe to be the best sounding synthesizer filter chip ever produced. Developed by original SSM2044 designer Dave Rossum - known for his many electronic music contributions - the SSI2144 utilizes modern process technology for high reliability and low cost. Improvements include lower noise and control feedthrough, better performance of the resonance control circuit, and pin connections optimized for PCB layout. Preservation of the SSM2044's coveted sonic characteristics - a key project requirement - were achieved."

Although the new chip has been featured in DIY designs posted here and here, I believe the new DSI Sequential Prophet X is the first full-blown production synthesizer to use the new chip.
via Kraft Music: "SSI-2044 just became available last year, likely around when initial designs for Sequential Prophet X were being drawn up, and thus to our knowledge hasn't been used in any other mass-produced modern instruments, but given its progenitor's legacy it seems likely that Prophet X will have no shortage of the coveted, filter-derived character found in the vintage SCI samplers as well as the products that used SSM2044."

This one was spotted and sent in via Soviet Space Child.

New CEM and SSM Chip Clones

A few new CEM and SSM chips for the DIYers out there.

First we have Latvian CEM Synth IC clones from ALFA:

AS3310 Voltage Controlled Envelope Generator. CEM3310 pin-to-pin compatible
AS3320 Voltage controlled filter. Improved CEM3320 pin-to-pin compatible
AS3330 Dual Voltage Controled Amplifier (VCA). Improved CEM3330 replacement.
AS3340, AS3345 Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO). CEM3340, CEM3345 pin-to-pin compatible
AS3360 Dual Voltage Controled Amplifier (VCA). CEM3360 pin-to-pin compatible
AS16M1 Serial Controlled, 16-Channel SPCO Switch

Next, Coolaudio [Behringer] announced they are working on new SSM chip clones (news via Soviet Space Child):

"Now that we have successfully cloned the famous Curtis 3340 and 3320 synth chips, we are now looking into reviving the great sounding SSM2044 and SSM2033 chips."

Sound Semiconductor recently announced the SSI2164 QUAD VCA.

And last, but definitely not least, considering, Curtis Electro Music announced the CEM3340 VCO re-issue in 2016.

For a list of CEM and SSM chips in synthesizers see Wikipedia here.

For previous posts including some with demos, see the corresponding labels below.

This post, like all posts, is an FYI that this all exists. It's up to makers and DIYers to decide where they get their chips. This post is worth reading.

Sound Semiconductor SSI2164 Quad VCA Now Available

Sound Semiconductor announces an SSM2164 replacement chip. According to Wikipedia, the 2164 was a replacement for the 2024, but not a drop in replacement. The 2164 was used in the Octave Voyetra Eight, the Siel DK 600, Opera 6 and Kiwi, and the full blown Waldorf Wave.

"NEW IC PACKS FOUR HIGH-PERFORMANCE VCA’S INTO A SINGLE PACKAGE

Upgrades Existing SSM/V2164 Positions and Increases Flexibility for New Designs

March 8, 2018 – Audio IC specialist Sound Semiconductor today announced availability of the SSI2164 FatkeysTM Quad Voltage Controlled Amplifier.

Developed by the original SSM2164 team, the SSI2164 directly retrofits existing SSM/V2164 positions without any changes to external components. In such applications, total harmonic distortion is lower across the board. Internal protections were also added to greatly improve asymmetrical power-up performance, a condition that has caused grief among users of the SSM/V2164 in modular systems.

The SSI2164 is a versatile building block for high-performance audio systems. Four independent channels are provided with a gain range from +20dB to -100dB with a -33mV/dB control constant. Current inputs and outputs give flexibility in system design, and a novel mode control permits biasing as class A, AB, or in- between to optimize noise versus distortion performance depending on design targets. The SSI2164 will operate from supplies as low as ±4V for battery-powered devices such as guitar pedals, and up to ±17V in systems where maximum headroom is desired. Distortion is typically 0.025% (Class A), and Class AB output noise is typically -96dBu.

For new designs, a four-fold increase in current handling allows reduction of input and output resistor values for additional improvement in signal-to-noise ratio, further enhancing flexibility of the device. Depending on values chosen for the input and output resistors, some changes to external components may be necessary.

The SSI2164 is offered in a 16-lead Small Outline Package (SOP). Priced at $1.93 for 1000 pieces, the SSI2164 is in stock for immediate shipment. Samples are available to qualified OEM’s; hobby and DIY enthusiasts are served through a growing network of Sound Semiconductor’s authorized resellers.

'The SSI2164 was our logical second product,' stated Dan Parks, President of Sound Semiconductor. 'We have the original SSM2164 designer, product engineer, and marketing engineer on our team so it was a satisfying challenge to update a device we enjoyed so much the first time around.'

Sound Semiconductor is composed of musicians and technologists with the goal of developing affordable, high-performance integrated circuits for the electronic music and professional audio markets. For more information, please visit www.soundsemiconductor.com."

comparison between SSM2044 to SSI2144

Published on Oct 2, 2017 Shay Shezifi

"comparison between vintage SSM2044 (from 1987) to the new chip SSI2144 that announce in 2017."

SSI2144 ‘FatKeys’ VCF (SSM2044 Reissue) Diy 9V VCF by Manecolooper

Published on Jul 2, 2017 Maneco Theloopmaster

"early test of an early sample of this amazing chip, running from 9v, datasheet schematic."

SSI2144 "FATKEYS" VCF CHIPS NOW IN STOCK AND AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT

"June 15, 2017 - Audio IC startup Sound Semiconductor (SSI) today announced immediate availability of the SSI2144 FatKeys(tm) Voltage Controlled Filter, an improved reissue of the legacy SSM2044. The device is produced in a space-saving Shrink Small Outline Package (SSOP), and available in Tube (100 piece) or Tape and Reel (4000 piece) containers.

SSI is accepting orders direct, with a minimum order of a full container (Tube or Tape and Reel). Pricing of the SSI2144 is $2.25 at 100-pieces. Samples are available at no charge to qualified OEMs.

In order to better serve Hobby and DIY users, SSI has several Authorized Resellers in place and more expected soon. In addition to single or small quantity chip sales, Authorized Resellers may offer SSOP to DIP adapters for both SSI2144 and SSM2044 footprints, and ultimately development kits for easy prototyping of Sound Semiconductor products.

"We're really happy to get our first product into production," stated Dan Parks, President of Sound Semiconductor. "and development of our second product is moving along rapidly."

Sound Semiconductor is composed of musicians who are audio and electronic music enthusiats with the goal of developing affordable, high-performance integrated circuits for the electronic music and professional audio markets. For more information, please visit www.soundsemiconductor.com."

Sound Semiconductor SSI2144 VCF Now Available in Single Quantities at DSP Synthesizers

via DSP Synthesizers

"The SSI2144 reprises the SSM2044 of legacy chipmaker

Solid State Microtechnology, which many believe to be the best-sounding analog synthesis filter IC ever produced.

Based on Dave Rossum’s patented classic improved ladder topology, the SSI2144 allows rich tonal characteristics that showcase the very best attributes of subtractive synthesis.

The SSI2144 uses the same internal circuit as the SSM2044 but in a SSOP-16 package.

It is now available at DSP Synthesizers in single quantities for DIY projects.

There is also an adapter PCB for converting it to a DIP-16 SSM2044 replacement to upgrade or repair vintage synthesizers."

You can read about the SSI2144 from Sound Semiconductor here.

SSM Chip Production to Return as SSI Chips under Sound Semiconductor

We have some huge news in. Most of you might be experiencing a slight state of adrenalin induced shock right about now; I admit, much like myself when I read the press release that follows further below. If you have been following synths over the years, and are familiar with CEM vs. SSM chips like me, you know how big this is. For those of you not familiar with SSM, to say they made chips responsible for the sonic character of some of the most revered classic vintage synths out there, would be an understatement. SSM and CEM were the two top manufacturers for chips used in many of the classic vintage synthesizers you have come to love. CEM stood for Curtis Electromusic Specialties and is now Curtis Electromusic, run by the family of the late Doug Curtis. SSM stood for Solid State Music under Solid State Micro Technology for Music founded by Dan Parks. Dan Parks is back, under the helm of Sound Semiconductor, and they will be reproducing new chips. For a full list of what chips were used in various vintage synths, see this Wikipedia article, but I'll just mention a few that used SSM: the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 Rev 1 & 2 (which some say sound warmer than the CEM based Rev 3s), the Fairlight CMI II and IIx, the PPG Wave 2.2 and 2.3, the Octave Voyetra 8 and Cat SRM, the KORG Mono/Poly and Polysix, E-Mu's Drumulator, SP-12, SP-1200, Emulator 1 & II, and Emax, the Buchla 296 Programmable Spectral Processor, the Aeries System 300 modular, and more.

The following is the official press release from Sound Semiconductor:
[note the Dave Rossum mentioned below is, of course, Dave Rossum formally of e-Mu, and now of Rossum Electro-Music]

"NEW SEMICONDUCTOR VENTURE FOCUSES ON ELECTRONIC MUSIC AND AUDIO

First Product is Voltage Controlled Filter for Analog Synthesizers

April 20, 2017 - Sound Semiconductor today announced its formation and first product for analog synthesizers.

Headed by Dan Parks, CEO of 80's chipmaker SSM and former Audio Products Director at Analog Devices and National Semiconductor, Sound Semiconductor will focus on high performance IC's for electronic musical instruments and professional audio equipment. The development team includes previous SSM IC designers; all passionate about music and audio.

Sound's first product is the SSI2144 Four Pole Voltage Controlled Filter, an improved re-issue of the SSM2044 that many believe to be the best sounding synthesizer filter chip ever produced. Developed by original SSM2044 designer Dave Rossum - known for his many electronic music contributions - the SSI2144 utilizes modern process technology for high reliability and low cost. Improvements include lower noise and control feedthrough, better performance of the resonance control circuit, and pin connections optimized for PCB layout. Preservation of the SSM2044's coveted sonic characteristics - a key project requirement - were achieved.

The SSI2144 is now available in sample quantities to interested OEM's, with production quantities in stock by late Spring. The device is offered in a 16-lead Shrink Small Outline Package (SSOP).

Pricing of the SSI2144 is $1.60 at 1000-pieces. Sound Semiconductor intends serve the hobby and enthusiast community through resellers for small volume sales and evaluation boards.

'It's exciting to see the renaissance of analog synthesis,' stated Dan Parks, President of Sound Semiconductor. 'When the idea hit to develop new ICs for this market, it was gratifying to have so much interest from my former colleagues to get involved in this effort.'

A second product is in layout design, with first samples expected by Summer. More information on that product will be forthcoming at a later time.

Sound Semiconductor is composed of musicians and technologists with the goal of developing affordable, high-performance integrated circuits for the electronic music and professional audio markets. For more information, please visit www.soundsemiconductor.com."