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..."

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

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 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..."

“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."

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"

ARCANE Jam (Generative Chiptune FM Drum Machine / Synth)

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"There´s some audio interfernces from the phone. Obviously ARCANE output is clean, the interferences were caught at the recording time from the phone mic

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:

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

https://www.etsy.com/es/listing/94101..."

Wet Techno. Volca Drum VS Fluorine #drummachines #generative #generativemusic

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"Reuploaded with sound.

A jam done sunday morning after party. Volca Drum VS Fluorine.

Fluorine is an handheld synthesizer designed for creating futuristic rhythms and textures, akin to sculpting sonic landscapes.

It employs a novel synthesis technique known as Recursive Bytebeats. It´s based on the classic Bytebeats but using higher and changing bitdepths, not the static 8 bits and applying new algoridtms to the time management, turning the native mono in native stereo and applying some recursive/fractal cornucopia to the code to expand what the classical bytebeat can achive.

To use it, you simply explore its capabilities by adjusting the knobs, similar to tuning an alien radio station. There´s some knobs and an OLED screen too for good measures.

There´s also a DIY option for builders.

You can order Fluorine in my stores:

https://www.tindie.com/stores/jc2046/
https://www.etsy.com/es/shop/Spherica..."

ARCANE New Firmware 1.1 Demos

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

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."

Arduino Breadboard Glitch Storm DIY Synthesizer Demonstration

Published on May 1, 2020 The sound of Non Silence

"2 x Glitch Storm Diy Synths playing together.
One is on an original Pcb and the other built on my breadboard copied from online schematics.

Original Design by the Spherical Sound Society https://www.tindie.com/stores/jc2046/"

"Glitch Storm is an exploratory synth that can be build and soldered even for total beginners. It produces a plethora of blips and blops ranging for chords, techno rhythms to alien soundscapes and FXs.

At its core is a Bytebeat synth but this one is interactive. You play it tuning into frequencies and soundscapes. You have four dimensions in it to explore, three ones via the knobs and a forth one via buttons, changing the equation that is playing.

The unit is able to be played as a standalone or in the context of one studio or modular.

Is quite good for pinging filters too and can enter in an easteregg mode for it to trigger gate outs for synchronizing external gear with it.

You can order the bare PCB, the Partial Kit, the Full Kit and a Build unit.

Users ordering only the PCB will have to source the rest of components and program the Arduino Nano.

The partial kit includes a PCB + a preprogrammed Arduino Nano, so the user will only have to source the rest of components.

The Full Kit has everything needed to build the synth.

There´s a github link where you can find the BOM, the schematics of the project and the compiled file for programming the Arduino Nano."

Spherical Sound Society - Opera Rotas Experimental FM Drum Machine

ZElTGElST

"First demo of the machine. Please excuse the poor direct audio. I will be uploading quality captures to soundcloud in the coming days.

Live it sounds crisp, crystal clear aun unique beyond words.

I have written an experiemtal synth/drummachine around the Megadrive FM audio chip. The firmware is in progress. The machine creates patters at the fly that you can mangle and tweak with mostly all the FM parameters in real time.

Its plenty of beautiful electronic landscapes, rythms and techno mayhem.

The unit has a midi in port, so you can play it with a keyboard too (this firmware is to be implemented, if any)

Some units and PCBs will be available to sell in the coming weeks at my tindie store:

https://www.tindie.com/stores/jc2046/"

"OPERA ROTAS is a mutant, generative drum machine. It's built around a Yamaha OPL2 FM audio chip, a close cousin of the Sega Genesis / Megadrive consoles.

At the core, it has a real Yamaha OPL2 audio chip and live sounds bonkers. Brutal, it's all body weight while being crystal clear and punchy. Really the videos don't do aural justice but it serves to get an idea. There will be decent audio demos coming to my Soundcloud soon.

The firmware is a work in progress. One branch of the firmware consists of attaching a midi keyboard to it and converting it into a fully fledged polyphonic synth.

The project will go open source at some point. I just ask for people to not do commercial PCBs of it, as I sell it here. If you get one PCB or kit you can ask for the source code to tweak it if you will.

It comes in 4 flavours:

Built unit. Ready to plug and play.
Full kit. Everything you need to build one. You need to solder it. Beginners level.
Basic kit. The PCB plus a programmed SMT32 microcontroller. You source the rest of the components.
PCB alone. You source all the components, program the chip, and run it."

CLICK FOR MORE »

ONO-SENDAI prototype vs PO-32. Preorders ready

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"ONO-SENDAI. Generative Groove box. [Preorder 15% discount]

Get it here:
https://www.etsy.com/es/listing/16498...

[This is a preorder offer with 15% discount over final price. Units will ship at 7-15 of feb 2024. Final look could be slighly different from the photo but quite, quite similar, changing the silkscreens and some details]

The Ono-Sendai is a synthesizer that takes the concept of the MicroFreak but utilizes the 54 modes from Braids instead of Plaits modes. This allows you to play it chromatically with a MIDI keyboard.

It transforms into a customizable drum machine that can be played in real-time using the Braids oscillators. Additionally, We have incorporated a sequencer, 2 LFOs and 2 Envelopes, significantly expanding the capabilities beyond what Braids could achieve, turning it into a complete drum machine/groove box and synthesizer all in one.

We have migrated the code from the original STM32 microcontroller to the more powerful RP2040, providing ample RAM and CPU resources to implement various features. Now, it includes an OLED screen and numerous extras. The firmware is in an 1.0 state and will keep offering free updates from the users.

ONO-SENDAI is portable synthesizer that is powered via USB C type cable and therefore can be powered via a Power Bank.

It comes comes in 3 flavors:

-As a fully assembled unit
-As a full kit that the user has to build
-As a prepolulated 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 will download here. And there´s also will be a build guide for the builders here. Both are being written now"

Angry Robot Preview. Recursive bytebeats synthesis

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

ARCANE 1.2 Major firmware update

video upload by SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY

"The update is free for all the ARCANE owners. You just download the .hex and flash it into a brand new Arduino nano and you are ready to rock it

If you dont know how to flash arduinos or dont have time for it, I have preflashed ones in my Etsy and Tindie stores

Whats new:
-Base Reg pot doesnt have a glitchy zone. You can pretty much dial now in the whole travel and get nice sounds -Intensity pot now goes way more intense and dramatic that before
-Sequence is totally new. It dampens parts of the operators. At max it does not damp nothing. From minimu to 12AM it centers in sub basses zones, from 12 to max, it enhances percussions instruments

Dispersion, tempo and Combination keep working the same

Left button toggles on/off drum parts
Right button toggles on/off high piched instruments

In general, all the ranges have been ampliated, the results are more musical/percussive and pretty much every pot does something good sounding, most of the time!

Threat this update as a beta, as I have still ideas to implement and maybe Im updating it again in a few days, so better just update if you have an arduino at hand and know how to flash it"

OPERA ROTAS - Auto and Generative Modes

video upload by studio snippets

SPHERICAL SOUND SOCIETY OPERA ROTAS