Prismatic Spray II is a deeply explorable, stereo bytebeat synth that implements many novel features. It includes a multitude of physical controls, mesmerizing visuals and full MIDI implementation. The Prismatic Spray II is an evolution of the original in the following ways:
"My devices can be purchased here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/
Prismatic Spray II should be out in a few days!
Let's take a look at some more of the new features in the Prismatic Spray II.
I have the new web serial visualization feature running on a Mac this time. I did a screen recording and comped it into this video to demonstrate the possibilities of web serial display & visualizations.
I start by showing how the DETUNE knob works and can create a "chorus" type effect between the two bytebeat engines.
I move on to the SLOW DOWN knob and show how you can slow the bytebeats down and even freeze time - allowing for wavetable-ish type control over the sound. (You can also accomplish this by creating very small loops with the looping feature).
MIDI PITCH BEND is shown with the help the Phantasmal Force micro MIDI controller.
GLIDE allows for some portamento action between notes.
The analog FILTER runs in stereo and is also MIDI controllable.
I finish up with an explanation of the PITCH SCALING feature, which can stretch bytebeat playback determined by a user-specified root note.
"You can find my devices here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/
Prismatic Spray II should be released VERY soon.
In this video, I take a look at the stereo bytebeat engines of the Prismatic Spray II and some features such as the filter and various visualizations.
I'm using a little mini PC to view the visualizations via Web Serial from the Prismatic Spray II via USB. There is NO video output from the synth - it is sending serial data that a compatible browser is interpreting and displaying.
I'm also using an OMX-27 MIDI keyboard from @nevetsokyeron to show that the synth can be played chromatically from an external MIDI keyboard."
"You can get on the waitlist for the Prismatic Spray II and check out my other things here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/
Hey -
It's been a while. Life is a bit crazy.
Prismatic Spray II is almost ready. Found a few more little bugs today and fixed them. Almost ready to order the printed manual!
I'm just noodling around here. I stumbled on to this rhythmic pattern that I really liked so I start with it running on both the left and right engines. I start to change the right side while leaving the left side plodding along.
Eventually, you can see me switch up the bytebeat incantation for the right side and things start to get wacky. You get a little look at one of the visualizations towards the end.
I'll post the manual before too long - but feel free to ask me about the PSII in the comments."
Using the M8 to randomly sound off drone-ish sine waves with some of the new 'shimmer' reverb in the latest firmware.
Zeptocore is synced to M8 via MIDI clock and providing some chopped samples I fed it.
AudCal is running three different sounds that I'm triggering by hand. I created a pattern of notes on each of the sound/channels to help me differentiate which one was selected."
Audcalc is a pocket synthesizer and sequencer. It has 8 voices which can switch between synthesis (using mutable instruments braids cores) and sampling. The sequencer supports parameter locks, conditional triggers, and various time signatures and loop lengths. There are also two built in effects sends for building a full track. Its fun to jam with by itself, and can link into your larger portable music setup via midi or cv clock. Features: - 8 simultaneous synth or sampler voices, 16 midi outs - 16 sequencer channels - 16 patterns, supports pattern chaining for songs - channels can send to synthesizer, sampler or midi out - each voice has 2 assignable envelopes, LFO & filter - reverb & delay sends - sequencer supports midi clock sync or CV sync, both in and out - assembled by me & open source (open firmware, hardware, and enclosure)
"My synths and device can be found here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/
This is my first synth/succulent video ... b-b-b-but I have a good reason!
My Pocket Scion from @instruo arrived toady and it is a hit! I tested it out on many things around my house and couldn't resist making a video.
The Pocket Scion has MIDI out, so you can drive other MIDI capable synths with biofeedback. In this case, I plugged it into my GREAT CONJUNCTION and the two immediately starting talking! The Pocket Scion sends both MIDI note and CC data on up to five channels/CCs and was already configured to randomize the preset voices of GREAT CONJUNCTION. :)
I layered the the sounds from the Pocket Scion and GREAT CONJUNCTION together to create another level of textures.
The web app for Pocket Scion opens up another degree of customization. Can't wait to try that out. Hope they open up the synth engines. They sound really good!
"Fooling around with the Ellitone groov-e generative groove cloth(?!).
Happy accidents only please.
The groov-e does not allow for much in the way of traditional "controls".
Just imagine yourself to be a DJ from a world where music devices are created from scraps of burlap and preloaded with a jumble of random samples accompanied by the rhythm section of a 1980s Casio keyboard that has been circuit bent beyond recognition.
Nothing to sync, save, "dial in", or even plan for. An exercise in chaos!
The Microcosm is the glue that holds it together."
"My synths and device can be found here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/
Song #8 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.
I ended my set with a cover of the K.K. Slider song "K.K. Cruisin'" which is a family favorite. My first experience with K.K. was in Animal Crossing - New Leaf back when it was released for the Nintendo 3DS.
I didn't have a vocoder with me in Japan, so I just sang out into the room with no mic.
---------
The M8 is doing most of the heavy lifting here: bass, drums and sending MIDI notes to the Prismatic Spray MKii.
I'm using the Phantasmal Force (tiny white MIDI controller) to send chords to GREAT CONJUNCTION (purple box). Channel 1 of GREAT CONJUNCTION is in 'keys' mode, while the other two channels playback a some randomized sequences which cause some CONJUNCTIONS and offset modulation to the FM key sound.
The Prismatic Spray MKii comes in to mimic the 'vocals'. M8 is handling the note playback via MIDI and I'm just playing the A and B runes/knobs.
For this recording - I sang through a BOSS VE-500 to get that K.K. robo-dog sound.
It was a great way to end the set with a upbeat feel!"
"Song #7 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.
The MT32-pi starts it off by playing some noise samples I collected with my SOMA Ether. Those samples are being sequenced and panned (via CC LFO) by the Phantasmal Force - which is sending clock to everything.
Next, I bring in a percussive pattern in 7/8 on GREAT CONJUNCTION. I randomize some of the instruments throught creating some nice robotic textures.
After I get going, I use the Phantasmal Force to unmute different instruments (drums/synths/bass) on the Dirtywave M8.
The Prismatic Spray MKii is is layered in with some hi-hat sounding bytebeat noise, retriggered in tempo by the Phantasmal Force."
"My synths and device can be found here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/
Song #6 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.
Droning ...
The Dirtywave M8 is playing randomized, droning chords.
The Prismatic Spray MKii is providing some heavily filtered, low end chaos via two bytebeat algorithms (one left/one right).
I'm using the Phantasmal Force Micro MIDI controller as a "keyboard" to play and hold single notes on the MT32-pi (which is running a soundfont set to a electric piano instrument).
All of this is routed through the NTS-3 for some reverb."
"My synths and device can be found here:
https://distropolisgoods.com/
Song #5 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.
A short interlude.
The Phantasmal Force is sending four generative sequences to the MT-32 pi, triggering some sound fonts. It is also sending multiple CC LFOs to the NTS-3 to modulate the delay settings - creating a warbly "underwater" feel.
The Prismatic Spray MKii is droning on a nice spiral visual.
I'm playing GREAT CONJUNCTION with the Phantasmal Force as well - using a button in NOTE MODE and turning the knob to play notes within Mixolydian/C."
"My synths and device can be found here:
www.distropolisgoods.com
Song #4 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.
This one starts up with GREAT CONJUNCTION playing a repeating bass line. I bring in the Prismatic Spray MKii for some washed out textures. The GC also provides a slowly evolving melody and some percussive elements.
I dig into the PSMKii for a bit ... exploring some bytebeats.
The GC percussion ends up becoming some generative FM chords and then it is pared down to a simple randomized outro."
"My synths and device can be found here:
www.distropolisgoods.com
A version of song #2 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.
The Phantasmal Force is sending MIDI clock to the RK-006, which syncs everything.
It starts with GREAT CONJUNCTION playing the motif from the end of song #1, and then I bring in two more sequences (all of which are playing the internal YM2413 FM synth).
The M8 provides some basic percussion, and a bass drone.
The PF is also sending CC LFO messages to GREAT CONJUNCTION to modulate some of the FM parameters for the first sequence.
The Prismatic Spray MKii protoype held together for the show. I use the second half of the song to explore a bytebeat algorithm in stereo.
This song continues the same meter, root and scale as song #1 ... it is basically song 1A.
My guiding principle was - start at A# in 4/4. For each following song, add a beat and move up a half-step chromatically."
"My synths and device can be found here:
www.distropolisgoods.com
A version of song #1 from my set at Shibasaki MOD in Tokyo, April, 2025.
The Phantasmal Force is sending MIDI clock to the RK-006, which syncs everything. The PF is also sending 6 different sequences to the MT32-PI which is running a soundfont playing back different instrument sounds on different MIDI channels. The PF is also sending CC LFO messages to the MT32 to slowly pan the voices around.
The M8 is holding down some generative percussion and bass.
The GC comes in at the end, bringing in the motif from song #2.
My guiding principle was - start at A# in 4/4 time for song #1. For each following song, add a beat and move up a half-step chromatically."
"If you happen to be west of Tokyo in Chofu, around 9ish on April 14th, 2025 … you might hear something similar to this bubbling up near Shibasaki Station.
I hope I can work out all the details in the next few weeks!"
