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."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Chimera Synthesis BC16 with Extras SN 6W9LS

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

via this auction

This includes Qty. 14 (!) patch cables, the inverter, Qty. 5 (!) 1/8" patch cables so you can interface with a Eurorack or similar, and Qty. 1 1/4" patch cable so you can interface with other big jack synths. The whole thing is sitting in a microphone case for safety and will ship with the case."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Chimera Synthesis bC16 SN 5Q4Q6M

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

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

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)."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Chimera BC16 Mini Modular Analogue Synthesizer MK2

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

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

Chimera bC16 Modular Synthesizer SN 8P1S6V

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

CLICK FOR MORE »

Chimera Synthesis bc16

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

Chimera BC16 Modular Synth

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

via this auction

Chimera BC16 Modular

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

via this auction

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 BC-8 Synthesizer

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

via this auction

"Chimera BC-8 in excellent working condition, and excellent cosmetic condition. Comes with 3xAAA batteries installed.

'bC8 contains a stereo headphone amplifier connected to a 24bit / 48KHz digital to analog converter (same unit as used in the bC16). A powerful DSP generates a VCO and LFO (similar to the bC16), also the DSP performs VCF and VCA functions as well controlling the patching of functions to each other and running a simple but powerful ‘ one button’ pattern sequencer. bC8 is controlled by eight rotary knobs and one push-button. Four LED’s indicate battery status, LFO and EG level and other mode elements. bC8 pattern sequencer records the timing/duration of the button presses and all the knob settings for each action, these can be altered live for acid loops etc…'"

Chimera bC16 mini-modular synthesizer SN 5E2D2W

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

CLICK FOR MORE »

Chimera bC16 Mini Modular Synth (inc MIDI) with analogue filter

via this auction

"The Chimera bC16 is a very rare, very cool digital/analogue hybrid patchable synthesiser. It features multi-waveform oscillators, full analogue VCA and 24 dB/oct VCF section and built-in MIDI control. The item here is a v1 model in excellent condition and comes with a large selection of patch leads, the optional (but essential) Control Signal Inverter."

Controls / Parameters pictured.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Chimera Synthesis BC16 Synthesizer

via this auction

Chimera synthesis BC16 mini modular synthesizer

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

MusicThing Gear Sale

Some of you might remember the excellent MusicThing blog. Tom Whitwell who runs the site signed off on July 1, 2009, but continued on at @TomWhitwell.

Tom has always been supportive of MATRIXSYNTH, and came in at a time of need early on in the site.

He currently has a number of items for sale here. Captured in this post are some of the synth items including a Chimera BC16, Mutable Instruments Shruti-1, Bugbrand Workshop Oscillator, Korg Monotron and Meeblip. Not pictured is a Dynacord VRS-23 Analog Delay/Reverb.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Chimera Synthesis BC16 semi modular synthesiser

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

Chimera Synthesis BC 16 analogue synth

via this auction

"Chimera Synthesis has now gone out of business, so these synths are likely to become collectors items. If you read up about them you'll know that lots of people never got their orders, but mine arrived (months after I paid for it) - so now's your chance to grab one.

This is how they were described on the Chimera Synthesis website:

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, thebC16 can be used free standing (internal headphone amplifier), linked to an external keyboard/sequencer or MIDI-CV converters, combined with other bC16's, etc...

They were being sold for £300 before they went bust, so I think my price is fair."

Chimera BC16

via this auction