Introducing the Kodamo MASK1 Bitmask Synthesizer

video uploads by Kodamo

"The Kodamo MASK1 is a musical instrument focused on the sound interaction between the player and the keyboard. With its exclusive Bitmask™ engine combined with resonant filters, the MASK1 makes raw, gritty and ethereal sounds that respond in incredible ways to your playing style."

"What is Bitmask synthesis?

Bitmask synthesis is the method the MASK1 uses to generate its sound. Internally, oscillators do only have one waveform. Various tones are created by applying what is called a bitmask. This is a technique inherited from computing, which alters a number by masking some of its digits. Here we adapted this technique to make sound. Bit-masking creates complex wave shapes that are full of harmonics and give the MASK1 its sonic character."

Playlist:
Introducing the Kodamo MASK1
Kodamo MASK1 - Ethereal choir
Kodamo MASK1 - Chorused saw
Kodamo MASK1 - Bit Piano
Kodamo MASK1 - Paraphonic evolving pad
Kodamo MASK1 - Notch filter
Kodamo MASK1 - Filter resonances & sound editing
Kodamo MASK1 - Almost clean guitar
Kodamo MASK1 - Gritty formant
Kodamo MASK1 - Creating a sound in 1 minute
Kodamo MASK1 - Analog pluck
Kodamo MASK1 - Asian fifth
Kodamo MASK1 - Ambient/Atmospheric soundscape
Kodamo MASK1 - Hybrid monophonic/polyphonic (moly) mode
Kodamo MASK1 Teaser

Also see [SOUNDMIT 2022] KODAMO MASK 1 (+ DEMO) - New "Bitmask" Keyboard Synthesizer Incoming

Test et sons : le Mask1 de Kodamo

video upload by Eric Synthwalker

KODAMO MASK1 Demo & Review

video upload by musictrackjp

"DEMO by Katsunori UJIIE.

KODAMO MASK1
https://kodamo.org/mask1"

via Kodamo

Expressive & Characterful

The Kodamo MASK1 is a musical instrument focused on the interaction between the player and the keyboard. With its exclusive Bitmask engine combined with resonant filters, the MASK1 makes raw, gritty and ethereal sounds that respond in incredible ways to your playing style.

It's not just the notes

Most synths just play the notes you press. We went a bit further, by looking at how the notes interact with each other. Only by playing the keyboard, you can control when the attacks are triggered, how notes are tied or separated from each other, or if they should keep resonating or stop each other like if they were played on the same string on a stringed instrument. You will discover new ways of playing the keyboard.

Built with love

The MASK1 uses a high quality, 5-octave Fatar keyboard with velocity and aftertouch. It's fully made of painted metal, with two ALPS knobs and 23 KAILH mechanical switches. Everything is assembled in France with high attention to detail. We love creating musical instruments that have their own identity. We spent a lot of time selecting parts and suppliers to balance price and work ethics, while always aiming for the highest quality.

For live and studio players

With its compact size and light weight, the MASK1 will easily fit in your studio and is ideal for gigs. It remembers settings between sessions. With its unique sound, premium keyboard and MIDI connectivity, it can become the main keyboard of your setup.


Synth engine specs:

CLICK FOR MORE »

SOUNDMIT 2023 - BIT MASKING REVOLUTION - KODAMO

video upload by SOUNDMIT

"La presenza forte di @Kodamo al @SOUNDMIT ha davvero aggiunto un tocco speciale, soprattutto considerando che li abbiamo già avuti con noi nelle edizioni passate. Questi ragazzi dalla Francia sono i cervelli dietro al Bit Masking, una nuova forma di sintesi digitale che hanno introdotto per la prima volta nella tastiera Mask1, presentata in anteprima mondiale al Soundmit 2022. E tra le chicche che ci hanno svelato, c'è anche il piano di tirare fuori un synth compatto, probabilmente con una combinazione di FM e Samples!

LINKS
KODAMO su Soundmit: https://soundmit.com/en/exhibitor/kodamo
KODAMO https://kodamo.org

@Kodamo's strong presence at @SOUNDMIT has truly added a special touch, especially considering we've already had them with us in past editions. These folks from France are the masterminds behind Bit Masking, a new form of digital synthesis they first introduced in the Mask1 keyboard, showcased worldwide for the first time at Soundmit 2022. And among the goodies they've shared, there's also the plan to unveil a compact synth, probably featuring a mix of FM and Samples!

La présence marquante de @Kodamo au @SOUNDMIT a vraiment ajouté une touche spéciale, d'autant plus que nous les avons déjà eus avec nous lors des éditions précédentes. Ces gens de France sont les cerveaux derrière le Bit Masking, une nouvelle forme de synthèse numérique qu'ils ont introduite pour la première fois dans le clavier Mask1, présenté en avant-première mondiale au Soundmit 2022. Et parmi les nouveautés qu'ils ont dévoilées, il y a aussi le projet de sortir un synthé compact, probablement avec une combinaison de FM et d'échantillons !

La destacada presencia de @Kodamo en @SOUNDMIT realmente ha añadido un toque especial, sobre todo considerando que ya los tuvimos con nosotros en ediciones anteriores. Estos chicos de Francia son los cerebros detrás del Bit Masking, una nueva forma de síntesis digital que presentaron por primera vez en el teclado Mask1, presentado en primicia mundial en el Soundmit 2022. Y entre las novedades que han compartido, también está el plan de lanzar un sintetizador compacto, ¡probablemente con una combinación de FM y Samples!

Si ringraziano per il video @pvmlab6423 - Max Esposito e Gabriele Guarnieri
#soundmit #kodamo #bitmasking #fmsynth #torino"

All Kodamo Mask1 Album - MASQUERADE

MASQUERADE album video upload by j bowman

"I am very pleased to announce the release of my new album, 'MASQUERADE'. All sounds and effects on the album were made exclusively with the Kodamo Mask1.

The album is available on Bandcamp: https://jbowman.bandcamp.com/album/ma..."


And a playlist of Mask1 videos by j bowman:



Playlist:
Kodamo Mask1 - playing with masks and filter
Kodamo Mask1 - can the Mask1 sound like the Twisted-Electrons MegaFM? (no talking)
Kodamo Mask1 - yet more playing with the masks (no talking)
Kodamo Mask1 - exploring the filter and resonance
All that is solid
Island Queen
Song55
A targeted approach
Drone
Half Sign
Take it back
Utopian and scientific
MASQUERADE album
Patching on the Kodamo Mask1 Bitmask Synthesizer: Simple Kick and Snare

Superbooth 20HE: New Kodamo EssenseFM Rackmount Desktop Synthesizer

Published on Apr 26, 2020 sonicstate

"Kodamo EssenseFM is a sound module with an interesting and modern touch screen interface. At the heart of the synthesizer is a 6 operator synthesizer, each voice has its own low pass resonant filter and an extensive list of fx and modulation options.

You can easily create your own fm algorithms and patches by using the touch screen, you can also draw your own waveforms with the touch screen and import wav files. You can create complex envelopes, create layers and splits with advanced options like round robin,

exclusion groups and an arpeggiator. You can create your own scales, temperaments and microtuning scales and much much more.

In terms of connections you get: eight balanced audio outputs and multiple MIDI inputs (DIN, USB & Ethernet)"

Kodamo EssenceFM Demo Videos


Kodamo EssenceFM Demo Video
"ChillOut" ~ EssenceFM Composition
Kodamo EssenceFM ~ Improvisations (Classic FM & Acoustic sounds)

via Kodamo

"The EssenceFM is a very powerful FM synthesizer combined with a modern and easy to use interface, offering studio-quality specs. Creating FM sounds has never been so fun and easy!

Touch screen controlled: connect the operators together as you like, draw the envelopes and waveforms directly on screen
Use the pots to fine-tune parameters and control sounds in real-time
Enjoy the huge polyphony (300 voices) to create rich layered sounds or play way too many notes!
Enjoy the built-in effects processor, the multitimbrality and the 3328 internal sound slots to create whole tracks with the EssenceFM

Eight balanced audio outputs and multiple MIDI inputs (DIN, USB & Ethernet) provide flexibility to your setup
Use the EssenceFM racked or laid on your desktop, tilted via the included support bars
We built it with quality in mind ! 24-bit DAC, fully isolated analog circuitry, steel and aluminium case, ALPS pots, Bourns rotary encoders, Kailh backlit mechanical switches...

The EssenceFM contains approximately 500 voices and 400 patch presets out of the box.
But we strongly encourage creating your owns!

CLICK FOR MORE »

Kodamo Essence FM - 6 Operator Touchscreen Multitimbral FM Synth Jam

Perfect Circuit

"The Kodamo Essence FM is an interesting new FM synth with impressive amounts of polyphony and it is also multitimbral, all of the sounds in this video are coming from the Essence FM. The synth engine is six operator FM based, but instead of having fixed algorithms you can move operators around with the touch screen to rearrange them into whatever algorithm you choose. The waveforms are not just fixed to sine waves and each operator has a powerful envelope generator with an intuitive visual representation.

Since the Kodamo has 300 voices of polyphony you can load 16 instrument patches at once and they can all respond to different midi channels. Each of the 16 patches can be multitimbral and they can be pitched instruments or drum tracks where each key plays a different drum sound. There is also a built in mixer with send effects and there are four pairs of stereo outs, you could really use the Kodamo to produce all of your sounds. It does have a built in sequencer as well, but here we used an Arturia Keystep Pro to sequence the drums and multiple voices on the Kodamo.

Essence FM available here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/kodamo..."

Patching on the Kodamo Mask1 Bitmask Synthesizer: experimental patch

video upload by j bowman

"I explore a more experimental patch on the Mask1 and show how it exploits some of the new features in the latest firmware (https://kodamo.org/firmwares?synth=ma....

I am very pleased to announce the release of my new album, 'MASQUERADE'. All sounds and effects on the album were made exclusively with the Kodamo Mask1.

A selection of the sounds used on the album are available to download for free from the Kodamo website: https://kodamo.org/soundbanks?synth=m...

The album is available on Bandcamp: https://jbowman.bandcamp.com/album/ma... and on all streaming platforms."

[SOUNDMIT 2022] KODAMO MASK 1 (+ DEMO) - New "Bitmask" Keyboard Synthesizer Incoming

video upload by Les Sondiers

New synth from KODAMO, makers of the EssenceFM, upcoming Bitmasker, and Infini.

"Exclusivité SoundMiT 2022, Kodamo présente un prototype très avancé de son nouveau Mask 1, un synthétiseur à base de synthèse de type bitmap, la fin de la vidéo comporte une démo sonore de l'instrument."

Googlish:

"Exclusive to SoundMiT 2022, Kodamo showcases a highly advanced prototype of its new Mask 1, a bitmap-based synthesis-based synthesizer, the end of the video features a sound demo of the instrument."

According to Kodamo, Bitmask is a new synthesis method that splits a sine waves into multiple parts which can then be rearranged. Reminds me of a mix between wavetable and granular synthesis.

Features:

Two oscillators with 200 bit masked waveforms & noise generator. Digital 12-state variable, four-mode, self-oscillating filter. Two multi-wave LFOs with 15 destinations. Seven envelopes for each oscillator with pitch, ADSR and delta envelopes. Ability to slur between notes held in a chord. Sound layering, splits, an arpeggiator, a built-in looper and polyphonic portamento. 61 key, velocity and channel aftertouch Fatar keyboard.

A few screenshots from the video:

New Kodamo VFM37 Render

New render of the upcomgin keyboard version of Kodamo's Essense FM. You might remember the initial render here, back in September. See the Kodamo label for more.

The new Kodamo VFM37 is expected to be show at SoundMit this coming weekend. Click here for some videos of exhibitors and guests to make an appearance this year. New videos have been added to the post.

Kodamo Mask 1 discovering

video upload by Pulsophonic

"I discover of the new Kodamo Mask 1. An incredible synthesizer with a new synthesis.
No extra-effect, no explication of the Kodamo team, only the inspiration of this wonderful moment of discovering this new gear.
Wait for the end of the video to have my opinion.

My site and sound banks : https://www.pulsophonic.com"

See the Kodamo label below for more.

Kodamo Mask1 Unleashed - New Features Overview for V3.4 Update

video upload by Kodamo

"More info & download here : https://kodamo.org/mask1_firmwares

Quick overview of this V3.4 firmware you can install today on your Kodamo Mask1.

More masks (9-bit, 512 waveforms) for even more sonic possibilities.
A second filter per voice that can be independent or combined with the first one to create a characterful 24dB filter.
Loops on delta envelopes.
600 user memory slots.
More parameters for noise generator.
Improved UI.
Both oscillators can be edited at the same time.
LFO buttons light up to show LFO activity.
It is now possible to change the voice used on other parts (2-4) directly on the Mask1.

Music track made with Mask1 only.
Music by jbowman, all rights reserved."

Kodamo Essencefm

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

via this auction

"In mint condition, hardly used, with film still on menu display, boxed, fully functional"

Note this is a supporting member listing.

See the KODAMO label below for demos and additional info on the KODAMO.

Mask1 sound bank - 20 BASS patches - Preview

video upload by Kodamo

"Download here : https://kodamo.org/soundbanks
Send it to your Mask1 using the Mask1 organizer tool : https://kodamo.org/mask1organizer (Chrome/Firefox/Edge compatible, not supported by Safari)

Enjoy!"

SFF2022 - Présentation du KODAMO INFINI

video upload by Les Sondiers

"Présentation par Stéphane et Masami du tout nouveau Kodamo Infini."

See the Kodamo label below for more.

Kodamo Mask 1 Korg NTS-1 Friday Fun Synth Jam

video upload by sonicstate

"Another in our (extremely) occasional series where we pair two or more items from the studio to do a little bit of synthy improv. Today its the turn of the Kodamo Mask1 (see our recent review) and the tiny but effective org NTS-1.
Be sure to check the Kodamo Mask 1 review:" [posted here]

SoundMit 2022 Vlog episode 01 International Synthesizer Electonic Exhibition @Andrew G Dugros

video upload by Andrew G Dugros

"SoundMit 2022 Vlog Episode 01. International Synthesizer and Electronic Music Eshibition. My Vlog.
See the next episodes fot other interesting news and for my SWAM instruments event.
@SOUNDMIT

In order of apparition:
AUDIO MODELING
https://audiomodeling.com/
in the next episodes my performance with SWAM instruments
SYNTHR
https://synthr.fr/
Thanks to Jean Luc Briancon - Kurts Mindfields
https://kurtzmindfields.bandcamp.com/
SYNTH FEST FRANCE
https://www.synthfestfrance.com/
ITALIAN SYNTH MUSEUM
https://www.museodelsynth.org/
KODAMO Mask1 Synth
https://kodamo.org/mask1

Website ► https://www.andrewgdugros.com/
📀 Mixing and Mastering services: https://bit.ly/3jWyza6


0:00 go to the SoundMit Ep 01
0:44 meet Audio Modeling (see next episodes)
1:41 SynthR Hand made Synthesizer
2:09 PPG2 Synthfestfrance
3:09 Italian Synth Museum
5:07 Kodamo Mask1 Synth"

Kodamo Mask 1 Bitmask Synthesizer - Sonic LAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Kodamo Mask1 is a DSP powered 12 voice synthesizer which at it's heart has Bitmask Oscillators - two of them. Not heard of that before? Me neither, but I can explain, or at least attempt to.

But first a word about the UI and hardware. Stephane Damo, the synths designer has a love for 80s synths, and this is reflected in the rather sparse UI - there are only two knobs, a bunch of parameter buttons and a five character LED display - pretty minimal.

However, the Mask 1 does sound good and the reduced parameter set does not reduce the sound shaping capabilities. The Mask 1 is capable of some really lovely sounds, as well as deep lows and crystal highs.
I should also point out that as an instrument, it's very playable, the velocity and aftertouch response feel very smooth and predictable, this really enhances the playabillity and responsiveness of the instrument.

The Kodamo Mask 1 is available now priced at £2025/2250/$2250 from several online retailers.

Exclusive extra content on Patreon
https://patreon.com/sonicstate

00:00:00 start
00:00:22 intro
00:02:34 What is Bitmask?
00:04:39 Sounds
00:07:46 Voice Structure
00:14:23 Voice Summary
00:15:53 Mod routing
00:19:15 Split/Layer
00:20:36 More Sounds
00:30:45 Summary and playout"

ESK - Kodamo EssenceFM + Manikin Schrittmacher

Published on May 17, 2020 Metunar

"Jamsession with the Kodamo EssenceFM Synthesizer and the Manikin Electronic Schrittmacher Sequencer.
On my Kodamo i replaced the knobs. Looks better now.
Direct recording with mastering.

http://www.metunar.ch"

Bll instruments Elyra w/ KODAMO Based Synth Engine

video uploads by Bll instruments

From the makers of the BLL SHORT - Controller Box for Novation Circuit

"Elyra is a new instrument, a crossover between a Synth and a Guitar or a Bass."

via Bll instruments

"A MODERN SYNTH PLAYED LIKE A GUITAR OR A BASS

Elyra is played with the typical gestures of playing guitar and bass and all the energy that comes from it. You play with your whole body.

There are two strumming aera for strings, one dedicated to back and forth and another dedicated to bass and arpeggios.

Elyra is designed to be played by both righ-handed and left-handed people.

You can also play it placed on a table or on your knees like a groove box.

A POWERFUL AND UNIQUE COMPOSITION TOOL

With up to 16 voices polyphony, spread across 16 instruments/layers and with is powerful sequencer , Elyra is more than a groovebox, it is a composition tool.

You can have one instrument with 16 voices or 16 instruments with one voice and everything in between.

Because Elyra is battery powered, you can carry it anywhere with you and play for several hours.

You can play and sequence all your other instruments via MIDI port.

A SOUND ENGINE MADE FOR US BY KODAMO

At the core of Elyra there is a powerful and beautiful sound engine created for us by Kodamo.

It is a virtual analog engine based on substractive synthesis with just enough FM synthesis to offer a vast sound territory.

It has many parameters to sculpt and create a unique sound.




RAISED TOUCH BUTTONS

All Elyra buttons are touch sensitive pads made up of a slightly raised area allowing the user to feel physical feedback.

This is capacitive sensor technology which offers an extremely fast response time of 2 ms.

There are 5 distinct areas on the main panel:

the fretboard composed of 4 * 12 pads

the strumming area separated into two type, A and B

two assignable slider

an OLED screen with its wheel and its 8 contextual buttons"

Note Elyra supports both Guitar and Key modes. See https://bllinstruments.com for additional info.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Kodamo EssenceFM - Presets exploration

Kodamo

"The EssenceFM is an insanely powerful FM synthesizer that will allow you to dive into sound design without any limits, from simple OPL2-like sounds to orchestral emulations and weird sound textures."

SOUNDMIT 2019: Kodamo EssenceFM synthesizer

Published on Nov 2, 2019 BAMTV

"The Kodamo EssenceFM is an FM synthesizer currently in development. At Soundmit 2019 co-developer Masami demonstrates the unit. It has 300 voices, 8 outputs, editable waveforms and user-designable algorithms. But it also imports wav fils and dx7 sounds, has a high quality touch screen, multi-envelopes, modulatie matrix, polyphonic aftertouch and much more…check out this cool synthesizer!"