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."

Max 9.1 Update

video upload by Cycling '74

"Our first big update since Max 9 brings new ABL objects, new Jitter FX, JavaScript V8 features, and more. Now available on our Downloads page.
ABL Updates

We have added 8 new ABL objects that offer both practical solutions and new creative possibilities. Four new device objects (⁠drumsampler, compressor, autofilter, and drumbuss~) and four new lower-level dsp objects (meldfilter, meldosc, pitchestimator, transform) are included.

All ABL objects also now have an "@ins" attribute to specify custom inputs for controlling specific parameters with floats or signals.

New Jitter FX
With two new vintage-inspired effects (jit.fx.vcr and jit.fx.crt) along with some exciting geometrical interventions (jit.fx.ge.pattern and jit.fx.ge.lineinterp) and image enhancements (jit.fx.tiltshift, jit.fx.camera, and jit.fx.kuwahara), Max 9.1 offers new effects that will have an immediate impact on your visuals.
More Updates in Max 9.1.0
Function Stepping

Three new MSP objects offer new ways to work with function outputs. Designed to work together, stepdiv~ and stepfun~ allow for playback of each function segment using ramps. The stepcounter~ keeps count of incoming ramp signals with some interesting patterning options.

JavaScript V8 Features

Our Javascript V8 engine gets new features including Rx256 and ParameterInfoProvider classes, XMLHttpRequest, SQLite/SQLResult, and the SnapshotAPI, as well as improvements to v8 Buffer interactions. The v8ui now supports onkeydown and JitterListener events.

New Codebox and UI Features

Max 9.1 includes a new text.codebox object. The messageview object displays a stream of messages, and listbox and textbox objects provide interactive display of lists and messages."

More info: https://cycling74.com/products/max-9/...

NerdSEQ + Video Expander animation 28-10-2025

video upload by XOR Electronics

"Just a little demo animation generated with the NerdSEQ + Video Expander stuffed with LFO's, synchronized with the NerdSEQ modulations.

NerdSEQ + Video Expander brings you the complete audio + visual nerd package.

https://www.xor.eu"

Turismo - Ambient Melodic Sequencing

video upload by ALM TV

"Our Eurorack modular workstation the 'Turismo' is well suited for sequencing beats and groove box style patching but the versatile system can fit equally well into less structured environments. In this patch we explored using the Turismo to sequence multiple ambient melodic voices including an SH-101 connected externally for control and processing by the system.

For a more detailed description of this patch, please see our full writeup on the Busy Circuits blog: https://busycircuits.com/blogs/latest..."

Mind Over Machine - D+ Programma 900 2.0

video upload by Saß

"Today, I have another DAWless ambient track for you made with the Destiny+ Programma 900 2.0. The Programma has an incredibly unique timbre due to it's circuitry based on FPGA and ARM Cortex technology. I plan on releasing many unique and improvised tracks with this device, both solo and accompanied with other instruments! I hope you enjoy it and if you do please be sure to like and subscribe if you haven't already! Much more to come!

!NOT SPONSORED! Read more about the Programma 900 (and the other Destiny+ synthesizers) here: https://www.destiny-plus.com/"

Korg PS-3300: Favorites

video upload by App Sound (by Matt Sour)

"Playing some cool factory patches - a first contact with the Korg PS-3300.

0:00 Vibrato Lead
0:55 Dotted Dots
1:37 Cassini
2:16 Ring Popp Redux
2:46 Earth, Wind & Bird
3:12 Droner
3:53 Solo - Ens Rich Choir
4:29 Metallic Wind
4:58 Soft
5:33 Dinosaurus Walk
5:58 Beauty in Sustain
6:31 Dry Pad"

Low-gain Electronics | 4U Serge Modular Tri-Core & Router/Toggle First Life

Tri-Core Oscillator Sync drone - Low-gain Electronics | 4U Serge Modular

video upload by LowgainElectronics

"Tri-Core sine out into wave multiplier into q filter.
Tri-Core 2 Square out to Tri-Core oscillator Sync input.
Dual Rise/Falls both cycling for modulation of Wave folding, and Q filter cutoff frequency."

Router/Toggle first life - Low-gain Electronics | 4U Serge Modular

video upload by LowgainElectronics

"Firing up the first Router/Toggle module! The module consists of two different function blocks. On top, a dual bidirectional switch with manual or external CV control. On the bottom, a set of toggling flip-flops. With external CV control or manual push button.

Coming very soon!

www.low-gain.com"

Introducing GForce MAP

video upload by GForce Software

GForce MAP Walkthrough


"More info at https://www.gforcesoftware.com/produc...

Born from the lineage of Serge©, Buchla©, and modular synthesis, MAP reimagines the fearless experimental spirit of the 1970s for today’s creators. Blending vintage character with modern innovation, MAP is a sound design playground for artists who see synthesis not as programming, but as exploration.

At its core, MAP features three powerful oscillators, a dual-filter architecture, and a deep modulation system with MPE support. Every sound invites hands-on discovery—from shimmering tones and gritty textures to sprawling ambient soundscapes.

Credits
Audio Tracks - Reverb Machine and K/V
Produced and Directed by AWD - All We Do
Creative Lead Team @allwedonow www.allwedonow.com

Note: During development, MAP’s design team studied historical modular systems, including those created by Serge Tcherepnin, Random*Source, and Buchla USA. MAP is an independent product and has no affiliation with, sponsorship from, or endorsement by these parties. Any references are made solely for historical and educational context."

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KORG Collection 6 - TRINITY: The 1995 Icon Reborn

video upload by Korg

CLICK FOR MORE »

Exploring the E&MM Spectrum DIY Synthesiser, 1981

video upload by Reuben Jones

"Another video on the E&MM Spectrum Synthesiser. Not very musical, but the Spectrum is a quite unpredictable and unruly, and mine needs a proper service/calibration.

The Spectrum is architecturally similar to the Sequential Circuits Pro~One, but even the Pro~One's famed modulation matrix isn't enough to match the weirdness of the Spectrum.

The full build manual can be read here: https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/th..."