Chimera Synthesis bC16 SN 1M4H5W

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated. via this auction

"The unit is about the size of a CD but still has a wealth of features to be connected via the included patch cables. Functionality includes: oscillator, LFO, ADSR envelope generator, VCA, VCF, noise source, ring modulation and MIDI interface.

The bC16 functions are controlled by sixteen color-coded potentiometers. Synthesizer sections are connected via the 10 included 2mm mini-banana pin connectors.

The unit is very well made. All the knobs and jacks are firm and operate smoothly. The bC16 is powered by 6 AA batteries (included) or an external 9 to 12 V source. It has an standard mini jack for earphones.

The bC16 was made by a one man company that went belly up and ceased to exist. There is quite a bit of information on the web, however. Check out the videos of the bC16 on youtube. There were only a few made and they are quite rare. I could only find one case of one being sold on the Internet.

This bC16 is in very, very good shape. It has no scratches and is fully function. It comes with 10 patch cables and a "patchable signal inverter" that allows a signal to be inverted before patching it into another section. I will provide the documentation on a CD. The manual is not fully completed. I have no other packaging for the unit. The auction includes the items in the first photo.

This is a really nice, fun synthesizer for a collection or a musician...

The manufacturer says:

The bC16 miniature patch synthesizer packs a fully featured VCO, LFO, envelope generator, analog VCA, analog VCF, noise sources & ring modulator all in a CD sized case CNC machined from 10mm high-grade acrylic plastic.

Fifteen color coded potentiometers control key functions, connections between synthesizer sections are done using twenty-five 2mm mini-banana sockets.

Powered by either six AAA batteries or by an external (not supplied) 9 to 12v source, the bC16 can be used free standing (internal headphone amplifier), linked to an external keyboard/sequencer or MIDI-CV converters, combined with other bC16's, etc...

VCO: The complex VCO (actually two linked VCO's) waveshape can be adjusted through sine/triangle/sawtooth and square wave (with adjustable dutycycle). The VCO can be CV modulated (log response), FM modulated (linear response) or can be driven by MIDI NOTE values. The two linked VCO's can be offset using a control knob, CV or MIDI for rich complex tones.

LFO: Like the VCO the LFO is actually two linked low frequency oscillators with a host of modulation possibilties and waveshapes. Like the VCO the LFO can also be controlled via MIDI.

VCF: An all analog 24dB discrete ladder filter with variable cuttoff (knob and CV), adjustable resonance, specially designed to work from the low voltage busses in the bC16.

EG: The bC16 envelope generator is very easy to use, four knobs (or via MIDI) control the Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release parameters of the envelope. Set sustain to zero and the EG enters repeat mode for long VCS3 style modulation possibilites.

VCA & HEADPHONE AMP: An analog voltage controlled amplifier is provided along with an built-in headphone amplifier (volume control via grey knob)."

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Chimera Synthesis bC16

via Noisebug on Ebay

"The bC16 miniature patch synthesizer packs a fully featured VCO, LFO, envelope generator, analog VCA, analog VCF, noise sources & ring modulator all in a CD sized case CNC machined from 10mm high-grade acrylic plastic.

Fifteen color coded potentiometers control key functions, connections between synthesizer sections are done using twenty-five 2mm mini-banana sockets.

Powered by either six AAA batteries or by an external (not supplied) 9 to 12v source, the bC16 can be used free standing (internal headphone amplifier), linked to an external keyboard/sequencer or MIDI-CV converters, combined with other bC16's, etc...

Now with a 2 year warranty, advanced v3 firmware (arpeggiator, NRPN MIDI support), a price of £300.00 +delivery (& VAT in UK/EU) and hundreds of (seriously) diverse bC16 customers across the world ranging from award winning composers, industrial/electro/punk/rock/ pop/soul/new-age bands, games designers and film/TV to drone artists.

bC16 sections:
VCO: The complex VCO (actually two linked VCO's) waveshape can be adjusted through sine/triangle/sawtooth and square wave (with adjustable dutycycle). The VCO can be CV modulated (log response), FM modulated (linear response) or can be driven by MIDI NOTE values. The two linked VCO's can be offset using a control knob, CV or MIDI for rich complex tones.

LFO: Like the VCO the LFO is actually two linked low frequency oscillators with a host of modulation possibilties and waveshapes. Like the VCO the LFO can also be controlled via MIDI.

VCF: An all analog 24dB discrete ladder filter with variable cuttoff (knob and CV), adjustable resonance, specially designed to work from the low voltage busses in the bC16.

EG: The bC16 envelope generator is very easy to use, four knobs (or via MIDI) control the Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release parameters of the envelope. Set sustain to zero and the EG enters repeat mode for long VCS3 style modulation possibilites.

VCA & HEADPHONE AMP: An analog voltage controlled amplifier is provided along with an built-in headphone amplifier (volume control via grey knob).

MIDI INTERFACE: An enhanced internal MIDI interface allows control (monophonic) of:
NOTE to VCO FREQUENCY
ENVELOPE triggering (patchable trigger output)
PITCHBEND (including pitchbend amount via RPN)
PORTAMENTO on/off
PORTAMENTO rate
MODULATION (bC16 has modulation output)
REMOTE/OVERRIDE control of 12 of the 15 knobs via CC# and/or NRPN

ARPEGGIATOR: An internal arpeggiator allows you to control arpeggio's (rising, falling, rising/falling, ordered) via either an internal clock (20 to 6,000 BPM) or via an externally supplied MIDI CLOCK (BPM/2 to BPM x24).

WHITE acrylic plastic
Each bC16 is built from 3 layers of a high-grade acrylic plastic , each layer is CNC machined on both sides in-house. The sandwich is then assembled and seven bolts hold the entire unit rigidly together. Recent improvements in machining technology have improved the fit and finish."

BC 16 Chimera Synthesis Portable Modular Synth

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Manufacturer Description:
The bC16 miniature patch synthesizer packs a fully featured VCO, LFO, envelope generator, analog VCA, analog VCF, noise sources & ring modulator all in a CD sized case CNC machined from 10mm high-grade acrylic plastic.

Fifteen color coded potentiometers control key functions, connections between synthesizer sections are done using twenty-five 2mm mini-banana sockets.

Powered by either six AAA batteries or by an external (not supplied) 9 to 12v source, the bC16 can be used free standing (internal headphone amplifier), linked to an external keyboard/sequencer or MIDI-CV converters, combined with other bC16's, etc...

Now with a 2 year warranty, advanced v3 firmware (arpeggiator, NRPN MIDI support), a price of £300.00 +delivery (& VAT in UK/EU) and hundreds of (seriously) diverse bC16 customers across the world ranging from award winning composers, industrial/electro/punk/rock/ pop/soul/new-age bands, games designers and film/TV to drone artists.

bC16 sections:
VCO: The complex VCO (actually two linked VCO's) waveshape can be adjusted through sine/triangle/sawtooth and square wave (with adjustable dutycycle). The VCO can be CV modulated (log response), FM modulated (linear response) or can be driven by MIDI NOTE values. The two linked VCO's can be offset using a control knob, CV or MIDI for rich complex tones.

LFO: Like the VCO the LFO is actually two linked low frequency oscillators with a host of modulation possibilties and waveshapes. Like the VCO the LFO can also be controlled via MIDI.

VCF: An all analog 24dB discrete ladder filter with variable cuttoff (knob and CV), adjustable resonance, specially designed to work from the low voltage busses in the bC16.

EG: The bC16 envelope generator is very easy to use, four knobs (or via MIDI) control the Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release parameters of the envelope. Set sustain to zero and the EG enters repeat mode for long VCS3 style modulation possibilites.

VCA & HEADPHONE AMP: An analog voltage controlled amplifier is provided along with an built-in headphone amplifier (volume control via grey knob).

MIDI INTERFACE: An enhanced internal MIDI interface allows control (monophonic) of:
NOTE to VCO FREQUENCY
ENVELOPE triggering (patchable trigger output)
PITCHBEND (including pitchbend amount via RPN)
PORTAMENTO on/off
PORTAMENTO rate
MODULATION (bC16 has modulation output)
REMOTE/OVERRIDE control of 12 of the 15 knobs via CC# and/or NRPN

ARPEGGIATOR: An internal arpeggiator allows you to control arpeggio's (rising, falling, rising/falling, ordered) via either an internal clock (20 to 6,000 BPM) or via an externally supplied MIDI CLOCK (BPM/2 to BPM x24).

WHITE acrylic plastic
Each bC16 is built from 3 layers of a high-grade acrylic plastic , each layer is CNC machined on both sides in-house. The sandwich is then assembled and seven bolts hold the entire unit rigidly together. Recent improvements in machining technology have improved the fit and finish."

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CHIMERA BC16

via this auction
"BLURB FROM THE SITE-
The bC16 miniature patch synthesizer packs a fully featured VCO, LFO, envelope generator, analog VCA, analog VCF, noise sources & ring modulator all in a CD sized case CNC machined from 10mm high-grade acrylic plastic.

Fifteen color coded potentiometers control key functions, connections between synthesizer sections are done using twenty-five 2mm mini-banana sockets.

Powered by either six AAA batteries or by an external (not supplied) 9 to 12v source, the bC16 can be used free standing (internal headphone amplifier), linked to an external keyboard/sequencer or MIDI-CV converters, combined with other bC16's, etc...


VCO: The complex VCO (actually two linked VCO's) waveshape can be adjusted through sine/triangle/sawtooth and square wave (with adjustable dutycycle). The VCO can be CV modulated (log response), FM modulated (linear response) or can be driven by MIDI NOTE values. The two linked VCO's can be offset using a control knob, CV or MIDI for rich complex tones.

LFO: Like the VCO the LFO is actually two linked low frequency oscillators with a host of modulation possibilties and waveshapes. Like the VCO the LFO can also be controlled via MIDI.

VCF: An all analog 24dB discrete ladder filter with variable cuttoff (knob and CV), adjustable resonance, specially designed to work from the low voltage busses in the bC16.

EG: The bC16 envelope generator is very easy to use, four knobs (or via MIDI) control the Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release parameters of the envelope. Set sustain to zero and the EG enters repeat mode for long VCS3 style modulation possibilites.

VCA & HEADPHONE AMP: An analog voltage controlled amplifier is provided along with an built-in headphone amplifier (volume control via grey knob).

MIDI INTERFACE: An enhanced internal MIDI interface allows control (monophonic) of:
NOTE to VCO FREQUENCY
ENVELOPE triggering (patchable trigger output)
PITCHBEND (including pitchbend amount via RPN)
PORTAMENTO on/off
PORTAMENTO rate
MODULATION (bC16 has modulation output)
REMOTE/OVERRIDE control of 12 of the 15 knobs via CC# and/or NRPN

ARPEGGIATOR: An internal arpeggiator allows you to control arpeggio's (rising, falling, rising/falling, ordered) via either an internal clock (20 to 6,000 BPM) or via an externally supplied MIDI CLOCK (BPM/2 to BPM x24)."

Chimera BC16 Modular Analog Synthesizer

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via this auction

"They don't get much rarer than this. Hen's teeth, etc. On Throbbing Gristle's last performance in San Francisco I watched Peter perform almost solely on this little device (same model, not the exact same synth), and he just about burst my eardrums.

From The Internet:

The bC16 can be cryptic at first, with no printed layout to describe the functions of the knobs, no description of the 25 patch points and just three blinking lights. But that's the whole of the bC16-experimentation. You can try just about any connection point with one of the ten provided 2mm mini banana patch cords. After a while you get very accustomed to this micro-modular. Lets face it, with 1 ADSR, 1 LFO, 1 VCA, and 1 VCO (actually two linked VCO's) you can't really lose yourself. For its bargain price it's also a very good contender for use with other modular or semi-modular systems to add flexibility to them-need a resettable LFO for your MS-20? You got one here. Want a second ADSR for your Sherman Filterbank? You can find one in the bC16 (although you would have to make your own mini banana adapter). The bC16 is battery powered via six AAA batteries or by an external 9 to 12v source.

The linked oscillator is a very clever way to have two oscillators without another bundle of knobs. One VCO knob can adjust how detuned they are while another knob selects which waveform you want for both, or in some combination. Because the bC16 is battery powered, the VCO responds to a unique 0.586v/octave (5v/8.5 octave=0.586v/octave) control voltage signal. All the other modules respond to a more typical +/- 5v signal. The headphone amp is very noisy, though you can get around that when recording by using a mini-banana adapter to use the direct output of the voltage-controlled amp.

But beware, while it can do some basic synth applications, its main strength is to provide a powerful array of synth-FX sounds. Because of the ability of the synth to run by itself, you don't necessarily need a MIDI connection to make sounds with this tiny modular. And there's a lot of fun to be had with it-keep your sampler handy to sample whatever weird sounds you may find. For its price, it's a great and versatile device, which you can learn from without costing yourself an arm and a leg."

Chimera Synthesis bC16 - Tiny modular synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Patch and knob control sheet below.
"It's very compact (about the size of a CD) yet if features a wealth of modules which can be connected via patch cables. Astonishingly flexible: oscillator, LFO, ADSR envelope generator, VCA, VCF, noise source, ring modulation and MIDI interface all in this tiny package.

Key functions are controlled by sixteen color-coded potentiometers. Synthesizer sections are connected via thirty 2mm mini-banana sockets.Check the description below or the 3rd photo for more details about the controls and patch points.

The build quality is amazing. The thing feels totally solid, and all the knobs and jacks are firm yet smooth. It’s a modular synthesizer that you can hold in the palm of your hand. It’s incredible flexible, sounds good and can make all sorts of noises. You may even hook it up to a MIDI keyboard.

Unfortunately the one man company went belly up and ceased to exist quite some time ago. There are only very few of these synthesizers, rarely being offered for sale.

The device is in very good shape, without scratches, fully functional. It comes with a few patch cables to get you going.

The manufacturer says:

The bC16 miniature patch synthesizer packs a fully featured VCO, LFO, envelope generator, analog VCA, analog VCF, noise sources & ring modulator all in a CD sized case CNC machined from 10mm high-grade acrylic plastic.

Fifteen color coded potentiometers control key functions, connections between synthesizer sections are done using twenty-five 2mm mini-banana sockets.

Powered by either six AAA batteries or by an external (not supplied) 9 to 12v source, the bC16 can be used free standing (internal headphone amplifier), linked to an external keyboard/sequencer or MIDI-CV converters, combined with other bC16's, etc...

VCO: The complex VCO (actually two linked VCO's) waveshape can be adjusted through sine/triangle/sawtooth and square wave (with adjustable dutycycle). The VCO can be CV modulated (log response), FM modulated (linear response) or can be driven by MIDI NOTE values. The two linked VCO's can be offset using a control knob, CV or MIDI for rich complex tones.

LFO: Like the VCO the LFO is actually two linked low frequency oscillators with a host of modulation possibilties and waveshapes. Like the VCO the LFO can also be controlled via MIDI.

VCF: An all analog 24dB discrete ladder filter with variable cuttoff (knob and CV), adjustable resonance, specially designed to work from the low voltage busses in the bC16.

EG: The bC16 envelope generator is very easy to use, four knobs (or via MIDI) control the Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release parameters of the envelope. Set sustain to zero and the EG enters repeat mode for long VCS3 style modulation possibilites.

VCA & HEADPHONE AMP: An analog voltage controlled amplifier is provided along with an built-in headphone amplifier (volume control via grey knob)."

Chimera Synthesis bC16 to be Phased Out

via the Chimera Synthesis blog:
"From midnight September 7th 2008, we will no longer be accepting orders for bC16 synthesizers.

All orders placed so far will be delivered as soon as they can (certainly all backordered bC16's will be delivered within the next week or two, anything ordered in September will be delivered before the end of September).

The issue has been the amount of time these units take to build correctly, they cannot be rushed as nearly every part is hand assembled or machined/built in-house and tested here, by me. We will in-future be building and releasing only small batches of bC16's and at a higher price. The many customers of the bC16's who have them will testify to the extraordinary value for money these units represent.

So if you would like to join the varied bunch of bC16 users (ranging from students to multiple Oscar/Grammy/MTV/Brits/NME musicians and composers) click www.chimera-synthesis.com."

Chimera bC16 mini-modular synthesizer SN 5E2D2W

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via this auction

"For sale is the very rare Chimera bC16 mini-modular synthesizer. Included is a small box that was included with the product, containing mini banana-plug connectors for the CV patch points --- these can be easily adapted to normal CV patch cables if you're handy at making cables. The unit runs on AAA batteries, so I do not have a power adaptor. The unit is rev. 3, which is the final (and best) version of the product released. CV and MIDI work great; the unit is in pristine condition.

The Chimera bC16 is an incredibly designed and executed the synth, but the business behind the product wasn't quite as savvy as you'd hope. I'm not sure how many of these things exist, but if you're here, you probably know they're a great cult synth that has been used by people like Depeche Mode and Throbbing Gristle.

One thing that's really cool about this synth is that if you make the cables to do it, you can interface the bC16 into any modular system. For example, I often used plugged the bC16 in as an extra LFO or oscillator, but the envelopes and filter are obviously available for patching as well. Because it also has MIDI, it's a bit of a swiss army knife in a modular studio."

Chimera BC16 mini modular analogue synthesizer with CV and MIDI

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction

"On offer is one Chimera BC16 digital/analog mini modular monosynth. One of the coolest pieces of kit to appear in recent years. Used (allegedly) by the likes of Depeche Mode and Throbbing Gristle.

Sadly, the BC16's maker's business acumen was rather less well developed than his inventiveness (to put it mildly), so they were only made for a short while in very small quantities. Rare as the proverbial hen's teeth! Nevertheless it makes some wonderful analoggy (sic.) noises and is great fun to use.

This is from, I believe, the last batch of BC16s made, and has firmware version 3, which is as good as they got, I think. As far as I can tell, it is working perfectly. Midi and CV work as they should, and it makes squelchy, gritty and gnarly bleeping noises! What more could you want? It's actually a very capable little synth when used via Midi.

As you can see in the pictures, I have added labels for the various knobs and patch points. The labels can of course easily be removed if serendipity is your thing, but I have found them rather useful getting to know the beast!

Included are the essential control signal inverter (so the BC16 can talk to other CV gear such as Moogs etc.) and ten mini banana patch cables. I'll include a print of the manual, such as it is. The company went belly up before they got round to finishing the manual, but the essentials are there.

Specs:
1 ADSR
1 LFO
1 VCA
2 linked VCOs
24dB VCF
Noise source
Ring modulator
Headphone amplifier
Arpeggiator
Midi and/or CV control
Requires 6 AAA batteries"

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Chimera Synthesis bC 16 Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The bC16 can be cryptic at first, with no printed layout to describe the functions of the knobs, no description of the 25 patch points and just three blinking lights. But that's the whole of the bC16-experimentation. You can try just about any connection point with one of the ten provided 2mm mini banana patch cords. After a while you get very accustomed to this micro-modular. Lets face it, with 1 ADSR, 1 LFO, 1 VCA, and 1 VCO (actually two linked VCO's) you can't really lose yourself. For its bargain price it's also a very good contender for use with other modular or semi-modular systems to add flexibility to them-need a resettable LFO for your MS-20? You got one here. Want a second ADSR for your Sherman Filterbank? You can find one in the bC16 (although you would have to make your own mini banana adapter). The bC16 is battery powered via six AAA batteries or by an external 9 to 12v source."

bc16 patchable synthesizer

via this auction

"The bC16 miniature patch synthesizer packs a fully featured VCO, LFO, envelope generator, analog VCA, analog VCF, noise sources & ring modulator all in a CD sized case CNC machined from 10mm high-grade acrylic plastic.

Fifteen color coded potentiometers control key functions, connections between synthesizer sections are done using twenty-five 2mm mini-banana sockets.

Powered by either six AAA batteries or by an external (not supplied) 9 to 12v source, the bC16 can be used free standing (internal headphone amplifier), linked to an external keyboard/sequencer or MIDI-CV converters, combined with other bC16's, etc..."

Chimera Synthesis BC16

Chimera Synthesis BC16 from Makingsound on Vimeo.

"Création de quelques patchs avec le BC16, un synthétiseur monophonique modulaire portable. l n'y a pas de sons au début de la vidéo, c'est normal."
Googlish: "Creating a few patches with the BC16, a portable modular synthesizer monophonic. There are no sounds at the beginning of the video, this is normal."
Sent my way via dalas.

Chimera Synthesis bC16 Patchable Synthesizer SN *5H6C9J*

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The bC16 miniature patch synthesizer packs a fully featured VCO, LFO, envelope generator, analog VCA, VCF, noise source & ring modulator all in a CD sized case CNC machined from 10mm high-grade acrylic plastic.

Fifteen color coded potentiometers control key functions, connections between synthesizer sections is done using thirty 2mm mini-banana sockets.

Powered by either six AAA batteries or by an external (not supplied) 9 to 12v source, the bC16 can be used free standing (internal headphone amplifier), linked to an external keyboard/sequencer or MIDI-CV converters, combined with other bC16's, etc... (we are sure you'll think of something we didn't plan for).

Specs:

1 ADSR
1 LFO
1 VCA
2 linked VCOs
24dB VCF
Noise source
Ring modulator
Headphone amplifier
Arpeggiator
MIDI and/or CV control
Requires 6 AAA batteries (not included)

Accessories:
15 patch cables
Voltage inverter
Alley key'

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Chimera Synthesis BC16

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The Chimera BC16 is a complete patchable analog monophonic synthesizer with a VCO, LFO, envelope generator with noise and ring modulation in a circular small sized plastic case.
BC16 is a boutique synth and it is quite rare those days. You can hear this synth on records by Throbbing Gristle, Depeche Mode.

Comes with rechargeable batteries, charger and a bunch of mini banana, banana, audio and midi cables."

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Chimera bC16 Modular Synthesizer SN *5H8K3Q*

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"If you're looking at this, you probably know what it is. And that it's super rare. The bC16 miniature patch synthesizer contains a fully featured VCO, LFO, envelope generator, analog VCA, VCF, noise source & ring modulator all in a CD sized case CNC machined from 10mm high-grade acrylic plastic.

Fifteen color coded potentiometers control key functions, connections between synthesizer sections is done using thirty 2mm mini-banana sockets.

Powered by either six AAA batteries or by an external (not supplied) 9 to 12v source, the bC16 can be used free standing (internal headphone amplifier), linked to an external keyboard/sequencer or MIDI-CV converters.
Specs:

1 ADSR
1 LFO
1 VCA
2 linked VCOs
24dB VCF
Noise source
Ring modulator
Headphone amplifier
Arpeggiator
MIDI and/or CV control
Requires 6 AAA batteries

The Unit is a complete patchable analog monophonic synthesizer with a VCO, LFO, envelope generator with noise and ring modulation in a circular small sized plastic case.

Include 9 patch cables and the inverter."

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VCOnet vs the Drone Racks: A Dirge for BC

YouTube via OculoRapido
"A doombient salute to BC, as we approach the first year of unfilled bc16 orders. Is that Buzzy the bc8 lying silent and dead under the marble skull before the Borg Disk? Tune in next time to find out what new disaster awaits our long-suffering, backlogged gear cult as the fabled bcX and XWIND eat all available time and components. Perpetrated on Blacet/Metalbox/Wiard/Cynthia modular synths, VCOnet proto, KAOSS Pad 3. Xacti HD1010 video. Produced by Doktor Bob at Rapid Eye Soundlabs. Copyright 2009 Robert B. Trelease, Ph.D."

En Attendant BC - bc16 Slightly Delayed Mix

" Analog and digital ambient dronefest ode to the theoretical existence of the bc16 synthesizer, though its realization has oft been deferred since 2008. Sonics perpetrated with Blacet/Metalbox/Wiard/Cynthia modules, KAOSS Pad 3, and Chimera Synthesis bc8 ("normal" noisy mode). Tsk Tsk, Visual effects by Borg Disk and Pyramid Prism light organ. Produced by Doktor Bob at Rapid Eye Soundlab. Copyright 2009 Robert B. Trelease, Ph.D. Dedicated to the Disembodied Hand school of knob-twiddling EM videos."

Music Thing: Chimera BC16 mini modular synth demo

Music Thing: Chimera BC16 mini modular synth demo from Tom Whitwell on Vimeo.
"Quick play on the Chimera BC16. Soundtrack is just random tweaking and patching, good bits edited from five minutes of noise." via Music Thing of course.

playing modular BC16 through DIY pressure sensor

YouTube via otoskope. via otoskope in this electro-music.com thread where you will find additional info.
"A first test of a simple DIY pressure sensor surface for controlling analog synthesis. It is built from cheap conductive foam, with aluminium foil taped on both sides in various patches. Only the right side of the sensor surface is connected. The top foil goes to +5V, and four patches underneath are connected to various inputs on the small analog modular synthesizer Chimera BC16 (the white round thing with knobs in the background). In this first test, the following modulation inputs are connected: volume, oscillator pitch and diff (osc 1-2), and filter cutoff.

The aluminium foil is attached to a sheet of plastic, to allow change of layout, and to make the foam piece exchangeable in case it gets worn out. I plan to upload a video showing more details about how it was made.

Materials used: an old cardboard box, a cut-up plastic folder, adhesive aluminium foil, a piece of conductive foam of the kind you use to transport ICs. Total cost: €4."

no MIDI no keyboards (+audio)

flickr by Chris_Carter_
(click for more)

"Live improve set-up.

Equipment shown:
Two Kaossilators, two mini Kaoss pads, a KP3 Kaoss pad, a Tom Bugs WOM synth, Chimera BC8, BC9 and BC16 synths, two Zoom PFX-9003 effects, an Eventide Modfactor, an Eventide Timefactor, a Dirty-Carter E.S.G.I synth, a portable Edirol mixer and a Zoom H2 for recording. No MIDI, keyboards, laptops or desktop computers were used.


Rhythms were generated by the two Kaossilators - going through the mini KPs, bass loops were generated by the KP3. The Chimera BC16 synth (LFO and ADSR) was voltage controlling the BC9 synth and the two Eventide stompboxes. All loop syncing and BPM matching was done on the fly using 'tap-tempo' on the Korgs and Eventides.


A recording of this improv set-up can be heard here:
soundcloud.com/chris_carter/no-midi-no-keyboards

another photo here: www.flickr.com/photos/chris_carter_/4652558166/

This is part of my CCCL project.
aka: Chis Carter's Chemistry Lessons
chriscarterchemistrylessons.blogspot.com/"

Kegel - Voice of Chimera bC16

YouTube via arthurpainter
"Another archive piece from a while back featuring my Chimera bC16, possibly the world's smallest patchable synth."