Spherical Sound Society ARCANE: Generative Chiptune FM Drum Synth

video by ZElTGElST

Spherical Sound Society brought us the Opera Rotas Experimental FM Drum Machine posted here.

"ARCANE is a generative synth that lies somewhere between a synth, a sequencer and a drum machine, depending on how you interact with it.

It is based on an authentic Yamaha YM2413 FM chip; the one used in some arcade coin ops, MSX and in the japanese version of the Sega Master System.

To control it it has 6 potentiometers and 3 buttons. The pots are:

-Tempo. It controls the tempo/speed

-Base Register. It determines if the machine is more musical or glichy

-Intensity. The higher this pot, the more amount of notes and percusions sounding. This is a veru playable way of alter the generative composition by transitioning between the simple and complex sound explorations

-Sequence. It let you browse between sequences.

-Dispersion. the higher this pot, the most registers that we are writing on the chip, so the sequences get more complex and chaotic

-Combination. It multiplex, demultiplex and recombines sequences, keeping the output related but always fresh and different

It has 3 buttons, Left, Right and Reset. Reset is located in the arduino and is self explanatory. Left and Right buttons are to be determined as the firmware is still in development.

It has Clock In and Clock Out so you can synch it with external gear

It comes fully assembled and ready to play.

You can listen to some demos on soundcloud:

Spherical Sound Society · ARCANE DEMO

Spherical Sound Society · ARCANE DEMOS

You can get assembled units, kits and PCBs at:
https://www.tindie.com/products/jc204..."

SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY Pre Launching WINTERMUTE 1.0. First units in stock

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"We are prelaunchin WINTERMUTE.

This is a special edition that is compatible with ONO-SENDAI, so ordering this you have a WINTERMUTE and a ONO-SENDAI, as the same machine can execute both firmwares.

This edition is limited, we have 5 units in stock and in the coming 2 weeks we will produce 30 more. Once all have been sold, the next ones wont be retro compatible with ONO-SENDAI, so catch that ones while they last.

The unit is WHITE, not purple as the one of this demo, you can see photos of the actual machine on the ordering page.

Once we produce the normal edition, we will change some hardware bits and this prelaunch version will have limited updates in time.

You can order it already in Tindie and in our webpage.

Our webpage has an additional free shipping over 100€ during this month.

https://sphericalsoundsociety.com/

https://www.tindie.com/products/jc204...

You can download the quick start manual here:

https://github.com/spherical-sound-so..."

Katty jamming with her Fluorine

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"Fluorine is portable synthesizer that is powered via USB C type cable and therefore can be powered via a Power Bank. It´s a high definition modern take on a classic 8 bit synthesis called Bytebeat and discovered in 2011 by the encomiable Viznut but brought to the future with a lot of new features.

It runs it in various selectable Bitdepths, not just the classic 8 bits. The higher the Bitdepth, the softer, rounder and higher definition the sound becomes it.

Fluorine also features 2 new ways to calculate the the classic mono Bytebeat synthesis in native stereo that sounds rich, wide and tridimensional.

The sound engine currently has 2 modes. LIQUID and SOLID. It affetcs the character of the output.

Another bit that it adds to the classic bytebeat synthesis is the addition of modular and stackable algorithms that process the mathematics under the hood and a recursive Mode that cycles between this algorithms and that turns it all into a new whole synthesis technique, now called "Recursive HD Bytebeats", that altogeher with the stereo modes and Bitdepth features turns this machine, the Fluorine, in probably most advanced way to explore Bytebeat synthesis as in november of 2023.

Fluorine comes in 3 flavors:

-As a fully assembled unit

-As a full kit that the user has to build

-As a PCB + Programmed microcontroller for advanced builders. The user has to source the rest of the components and build the synth.

There´s a user guide that explains every function, knob and button that you can download here. https://github.com/spherical-sound-so...

And there´s also a build guide for the builders here. https://github.com/spherical-sound-so...

You can order one here: https://www.tindie.com/products/jc204..."

“Spherical Sound Society Arcane - First Contact” by Friendly Noise

video by Friendly Noise

"Arcane, by Spherical Sound Society, is a DIY generative chiptune FM drum synth module, which can also be purchased as kit or fully assembled: [see this post for additional details]

In this first contact video you’ll find only sound examples. In a forthcoming video there will be details about the controls and the interface. The sound is “as is”. No effects or processing were applied, but Arcane’s output went through the Xaoc Tallin VCA in order to raise the level a little.

However, if you are into lo-fi FM sounds and easy of use, my opinion is already here: Arcane could be a lot of fun. :-)

Arcane is not an eurorack module, but using the clock input and output, you can easily sync it and integrate it with eurorack modules."

Launching GLITCH STORM 2025. Bytebeats Morphing and Genetic Algorithms

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"\\GLITCH STORM 2025//

It features synthesis morphing and brand new genetic algoridthms that covers totally new sonic territories

There´s a GLITCH STORM 2025 demo downloable for current Glitch Storm MKII users and sound hackers.

Explore its capabilities for 3 minutes before it falls silent. You can reset it to play another 3 minutes all the times that you desire.

The new firmware and the coming ones are and will ever be free for GLITCH STORM 2025 users

Full synth available in the stores and as updatable kit for MKII customers

https://linktr.ee/sphericalsoundsociety"

GLITCH STORM 2025 Audio Demo. Bytebeats Morphing and Genetic Algorithms

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"We are also raffling 2 Glitch Storm Synths.

We're giving away 2 GLITCH STORMS 2025

In this giveaway, we're picking two winners: one randomly and another
for the most original and viral video.

The draw starts now and ends Monday 25 March at 12:00 (Spanish time).
We'll announce the winners that day

To join the Raffle Category, do these:

1. Follow @spherical_sound_society.
2. Like this post.
3. Share it in your stories

For the VIRAL VIDEO category, just:

1. Follow @spherical_sound_society.
2. Like this post.
3. Share an original video tagging us

You can participate on the following platforms: Instagram / Facebook /
Tiktok. You can participate in both categories. For each
participation, you will earn one raffle ticket. The more platforms you
use, the more chances you'll have to win the prizes"

Links here: https://linktr.ee/sphericalsoundsociety

FLUORINE New Firmware 1.2 Update / Demo Snippets

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"FLUORINE receives a firmware update. Theres tweaking in the algoridmths to do it sound more musical and rithmic. There´s also an algo 5 modification so it doesnt crush.

Customers can send us a mail with name and order number to receive the new firmware. This is still in progress and new updates will keep appearing with a lot of new features, so stay tuned!

To upload it to your Fluor, just connect it to the computer via USB C Cable, and follow the instructins of this video: [below]

You can order the synth in our stores:
https://www.etsy.com/es/listing/16013..."

How to update the Raspberry Pi Pico firmware

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"Fluorine and ONO-SENDAI are receiving firmware updates in a few days.

They will be available for current customers. If you have an Fluorine or ONO SENDAI, send us a message with your name, mail and order number and we will mail you back the latest firmware.

Follow this video to update your machine

Enjoy!"

Arcane Firmware Update - 3 Jams Snippets

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"So Im updating the ARCANE firmware. Now the buttons do some byte operations directly to the registers of the Yamaha chip, making the thing way more playable in a logical or musical way. I have also tweak the ranges of the pots and added a totally new feature to the 'sequence' pot that I will document when its ready

Here I have some audio jams recorded in better quality in soundcloud:

Spherical Sound Society · Arcane new firmware audio jams

The firmware update will be free for existing ARCANE users and new units will ship with it.

/*/*/*/*/*

ARCANE is a generative synth that lies somewhere between a synth, a sequencer and a drum machine, depending on how you interact with it.

It is based on an authentic Yamaha YM2413 FM chip; the one used in some arcade coin ops, MSX and in the japanese version of the Sega Master System.

To control it it has 6 potentiometers and 3 buttons. The pots are:

-Tempo. It controls the tempo/speed

-Base Register. It determines if the machine is more musical or glichy

-Intensity. The higher this pot, the more amount of notes and percusions sounding. This is a veru playable way of alter the generative composition by transitioning between the simple and complex sound explorations

-Sequence. It let you browse between sequences.

-Dispersion. the higher this pot, the most registers that we are writing on the chip, so the sequences get more complex and chaotic

-Combination. It multiplex, demultiplex and recombines sequences, keeping the output related but always fresh and different

It has 3 buttons, Left, Right and Reset. Reset is located in the arduino and is self explanatory. Left and Right buttons are to be determined as the firmware is still in development.

It has Clock In and Clock Out so you can synch it with external gear

It comes fully assembled and ready to play.

You can get assembled units, kits and PCBs at:
synth/">https://www.tindie.com/products/jc204...
https://www.etsy.com/es/listing/94101..."

OPERA ROTAS - Poly ROTAS Jam Demo - Spherical Sound Society

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"Opera Rotas has a new firmware that transforms the drum machine into a fully 9 voice polyphonic synth based on true, vintage Yamaha FM chips."

OPERA ROTAS Firmware Update - Poly ROTAS Jam Demo - Spherical Sound Society

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"Opera Rotas has a new firmware that transforms the drum machine into a fully 9 voice polyphonic synth based on true, vintage Yamaha FM chips.

It´s a bit like transforming a Sega Genesis/Megadrive into a playable synth with a midi keyboard.

If you have an Opera Rotas (revision 0.9 or higher) you just need the new firmware, available in my stores. So you can have both firmwares with one machine: the classical Drum Machine and this new PolyRotas."

FLUORINE - GENERATIVE RECURSIVE BYTEBEATS - Preview

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

FLUORINE UNEDITED PERCUSSIVE JAM DEMO




"Fluorine is portable synthesizer that is powered via USB C type cable and therefore can be powered via a Power Bank. It´s a high definition modern take on a classic 8 bit synthesis called Bytebeat and discovered in 2011 by the encomiable Viznut but brought to the future with a lot of new features.

It runs it in various selectable Bitdepths, not just the classic 8 bits. The higher the Bitdepth, the softer, rounder and higher definition the sound becomes it.

Fluorine also features 2 new ways to calculate the the classic mono Bytebeat synthesis in native stereo that sounds rich, wide and tridimensional.

The sound engine currently has 2 modes. LIQUID and SOLID. It affetcs the character of the output.

Another bit that it adds to the classic bytebeat synthesis is the addition of modular and stackable algorithms that process the mathematics under the hood and a recursive Mode that cycles between this algorithms and that turns it all into a new whole synthesis technique, now called "Recursive HD Bytebeats", that altogeher with the stereo modes and Bitdepth features turns this machine, the Fluorine, in probably most advanced way to explore Bytebeat synthesis as in november of 2023.

Fluorine comes in 3 flavors:

-As a fully assembled unit

-As a full kit that the user has to build

-As a PCB + Programmed microcontroller for advanced builders. The user has to source the rest of the components and build the synth.

There´s a user guide that explains every function, knob and button that you can download here.

https://github.com/spherical-sound-so...

You can order it in my etsy store

https://www.etsy.com/es/listing/16013..."

ONO-SENDAI New Firmware 1.5 Quick and dirty demo

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"This is a quck and dirty demo of the new firmware. Please excuse the poor lightning and some parts where the audio distorts. It sounds way better live but it's Ok to grasp the new functionalities:

-Now it load presets
-Redesigned Graphic Interface
-Clearer sound (no glitches)
-Coarse pot plays in chromatic scale (always in tune, you still can detune with fine pot)
-Easier/more logic interface (recorded parameter locks are implemented as you release the REC button, no need to turn another pot/key)

Some more demos will come soon.

All new ONO-SENDAIs ship with the new firmware. Previous customers can download the update here:

https://github.com/spherical-sound-so...

You can get one ONO-SENDAI here:
https://www.etsy.com/es/listing/16498..."

WINTERMUTE Alternative firmware: Music Box

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"This is the first alternative firmware for WINTERMUTE. It´s called Music Box and it´s more focused in melodies as opposite of the regular one that is more rithmic/IDM in nature.

So WINTERMUTE already ships with 2 firmwares and will get more as time happens.

You can order it already in Tindie and in our webpage.

Our webpage has an additional free shipping over 100€ during this month.

https://sphericalsoundsociety.com/

https://www.tindie.com/products/jc204...

You can download the quick start manual here:

https://github.com/spherical-sound-so..."

WINTERMUTE Firmware 1.2.4 Demo Sounds

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"WINTERMUTE is a strange and unique sounding generative synth. This are a bunch of audio demos of the latest firmware 1.2.4

This update also does Clock In and Clock Out, so you can sync it with external gear.

There are currently 2 official firmwares and 2 or 3 "non official" experimental ones, all are available when you get one of this machines and you can flash one or the other as the mood of the day.

You can get a WINTERMUTE (Black Edition) in our Tindie and web stores:

https://sphericalsoundsociety.com/

https://www.tindie.com/products/jc204...

You can download the quick start manuals here:

https://github.com/spherical-sound-so..."

Spherical Sound Society's Ono Sendai generative drum computer

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"The Ono Sendai is a drum sequencer with a focus on exploration and discovering cool stuff.

Table of contents:

00:00 demo
01:14 hello
01:39 sponsored by TESMEN
02:49 Ono Sendai features overview
03:16 tempo and clock in
04:02 parameter locking and sequence creation
04:51 oscillator knob
05:37 LFO
06:04 coarse and fine tuning and decay
06:42 pitch envelope
06:53 pattern style selector
07:45 using an external clock signal
09:38 conclusion
10:37 bye

Links:
Ono Sendai https://www.etsy.com/de/listing/16498...
Ono Sendai firmware updates https://github.com/spherical-sound-so...
TESMEN TSM 522S [Amazon DE | Amazon US]
Use this code to get 10% off TESMEN products 84WDON8D

HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL
https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/"

ONO-SENDAI Firmware Update Jam

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"A free firmware update for current users. Now it can play chromatically and does scales. It´s accepting clock, a redesign of the user interface, and some easter eggs to be disclosed...

Get yours on our stores:
https://linktr.ee/sphericalsoundsociety

The update will appear in the github:
https://github.com/spherical-sound-so..."

FLUORINE New Official Firmware 1.5. Free Update

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"This is the latest Fluorine firmware and the new official one, the 1.5.

Now Fluorine has 4 firmwares to choose from. You can upload it here:

https://github.com/spherical-sound-so...

Another extra strange and glitchy ones will appear one of this days.

You can order the synth in our stores:

https://www.etsy.com/es/listing/16013..."

WINTERMUTE Firmware 1.2 // Demo Snippets

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"This are demo snippets for the 1.2 Firmware. In the coming videos we will demo the MUSICA BOX firmware that has a more melodical feeling and some slight control differences.

//

We are prelaunchin WINTERMUTE.

This is a special edition that is compatible with ONO-SENDAI, so ordering this you have a WINTERMUTE and a ONO-SENDAI, as the same machine can execute both firmwares.

This edition is limited and currently only 25 units remain. Once all have been sold, the next ones wont be retro compatible with ONO-SENDAI, so catch this ones while they last.

The unit is BLACK, not purple as the one of this demo, we will update the photos in the ordering page in hours/days.

Once we produce the normal edition, we will change some hardware bits and this prelaunch version will have limited updates in time.

You can order it already in Tindie and in our webpage.

Our webpage has an additional free shipping over 100€ during this month.

https://sphericalsoundsociety.com/

https://www.tindie.com/products/jc204...

You can download the quick start manual here:

https://github.com/spherical-sound-so..."

“IOLabs Flux 33 - Benjolin meets Arcane” by Friendly Noise

video by Friendly Noise

"IOLabs Flux, Spherical Sound Society Arcane, After Later Audio Benjolin V2, Steady State Fate Vortices, Befaco Rampage, Befaco Percall, Xaoc Tallin

Please make sure to listen in stereo!!

Video sections: 00:06 01
04:17 02
13:50 03
24:02 04

All sounds were recorded live with two strictly monophonic modules: Benjolin V2 and Arcane, but the use of panning and both Befaco modules results in very interesting textures, which sometimes sound like there is more than two voices at the same time.

Flux is just triggering a steady note as clock source. Density and Length are controlled in real time with the encoders and macro pots. There is only one single pattern in the whole video.

Arcane is clocked by the first channel of Flux. The output of Arcane goes into Tallin to raise the level and to add some warmth with Tallin’s internal saturation. The output of Tallin goes to the first monophonic channel of Vortices.

The voltage of Flux’ channel one is set to S/H mode and goes to the second channel of Tallin. From there it goes to Vortices in order to modulate the panning of Arcane. Since the voltage follows the triggers, every sound generated by Arcane has a different panning position, which greatly enhances the feeling of listening to a drum synthesizer.

Benjolin is a voice module, but it doesn’t have VCAs, so you need some external help to control the length of Benjolin’s sounds. This can be achieved sending the output of Benjolin to the first input of Percall. The decay length is manually controlled and the output goes to the second monophonic channel of Vortices.
The output of Flux goes also to Rampage, where the first envelope is used to generate “bit-crusher”-like sounds. The envelope output goes to the third monophonic channel of Vortices.

Finally, Benjolin’s direct output goes to the fourth monophonic channel of Vortices. The panning is also controlled by the voltages of Flux, as described above.

Some compression and reverb were added in the DAW after recording."

Latest WINTERMUTE firmware. Take 2

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"WINTERMUTE is an intriguing creation—a hybrid of drum machine, groove box, and experimental generative synth. While its nature defies classification, its intuitive design makes it super accessible, allowing users to craft unique loops, crescendos, and even complete sessions with ease.

At its heart lies a 4-Operator FM engine, drawing inspiration from the iconic Yamaha chips found in classic arcade machines and consoles.

However, WINTERMUTE adds its own creative twists, pushing the boundaries of sound design and exploration.

You can get one here:
https://www.tindie.com/products/jc204..."

SOS arcane

video upload by studio snippets

Spherical Sound Society ARCANE (first posted here), and Oxi Instruments One seqeuncer.

Some pics and additional info on ARCANE:


via Tindie

"ARCANE is a generative synth that lies somewhere between a synth, a sequencer and a drum machine, depending on how you interact with it.

It is based on an authentic Yamaha YM2413 FM chip; the one used in some arcade coin ops, MSX and in the japanese version of the Sega Master System.

To control it it has 6 potentiometers and 3 buttons. The pots are:

-TEMPO. It controls the tempo/speed

-BASE REGISTER. It determines if the machine is more musical or glichy. Better left it around 3 o'clock position for more musical results. Turning it to the center and left side produces more noisy/glitchy and chaotic outputs. You have been prevented!

-INTENSITY. The higher this pot, the more amount of notes and percusions sounding. This is a very playable way of alter the generative composition by transitioning between the simple and complex sound patterns

-SEQUENCE. It let you browse between sequences. Turn it to select random patterns

-DISPERSION. the higher this pot, the most registers that we are writing on the chip, so the sequences get more complex and chaotic. This and intensity are a very playable pair and both are related. Once you tuned something that you like, try to do variations playing this pot and INTENSITY one

-COMBINATION. It multiplex, demultiplex and recombines sequences, keeping the output related but always fresh and different. At minimun it produces a 16 step sequence. At maximun it produces a 8 steps sequence. Between is where the magic happens, and it recombines and produce generative patterns via bitshifting and logic operations of the sequences.

It has 3 buttons, Left, Right and Reset. Reset is located in the arduino and is self explanatory. If you have been playing in the BASE REG pot center/left side and it has turned too chaotic or noisy, just put BASE REG pot around 3 o'clock and press reset. It will come back to more musical landscapes.

Left and Right buttons are to be determined as the firmware is still in development.

It has Clock In and Clock Out so you can synch it with external gear. To accept external clock set TEMPO pot at minimun.

It comes fully assembled and ready to play or as as full kit or basic kit for you to build it"