Analog synth "little Bits Synth Kit" that connects compact modules more quickly and allows everyone to play instantly

KORG, the musical instrument maker, is a catchphrase "I will call you a rock star asleep in you", an analog synthesizer that combines small modules to create various soundsLittle Bits Synth KitWe will sell. Since I was able to borrow the real machine in advance this time, I tried how to actually play.

Little Bits (Little Bitz)
http://jp.littlebits.com/

You can check the movie you actually played with little Bits Synth Kit from the following.

I tried to play with "little Bits Synth Kit" - YouTube


Little Bits arrived in cardboard


4 Kit of "little Bits" series appeared from inside!


"Little Bits Synth Kit" in a golden box


In the white box "little Bits Base Kit"


And "little Bits Premium Kit" ... ...


Luxurious face with "little Bits Deluxe Kit" in a big box.


I will try opening the little Bits Synth Kit.


Faced with instructions written with catch phrase.


I found a synthesizer module to be used in conjunction. I can only see it as a foundation with colorful plastic.


Looking at the instruction manual, it starts from the page written as "Introduction to LITTLE BITS", and it describes procedures that you can play as you read in turn.


As you can tell even those who have never touched the synthesizer, it is written about the pitch and frequency of the basic sound.


◆ Function of each module

Each module is something like splitting the analog synthesizer. Whether each function has the function is described individually in the instruction manual.

This is "power" which is a power supply module necessary for all combinations.


There are two Signal Generator modules, the left is the "oscillator" which produces the sound that becomes the base of the Synth Kit. Right is "random" which can convert the signal randomly or can output white noise


Two controller modules are prepared, "keyboard" having 13 switches corresponding to one octave and "micro sequencer" which creates constant rhythm with 4 knobs.


"Envelope" is a modulator that changes volume and tone by adding volume change.


"Filter" changes the pitch of the sound, "Delay" repeats the tone by delaying the input signal, and "Mix" modulates the volume of the branched signals.


"Split" which can branch the signal, can also be used as an extension cord, "Speaker" which outputs the played sound also has an output jack. "Battery" and "cable" with 9 V logo that you can play as soon as you arrive.


I tried arranging all the modules. It seems to be a small toy as a toy.


The back side looks like this.


In order to start playing, it is necessary to connect the modules, but since the magnets are attached to both ends of the module, just by lightly hitting the two modules ......


Each other "snaps" and sticks. Even if you try to install it in the wrong direction, there is no worry that the magnet will repel, so that it will be incorrectly connected.


Fit the terminal to the "+, -" position written on the connection cable by fitting the terminal to the battery which becomes the power.


Next connect the end of the cable to the power module. The preparation for the performance is completed with this.


◆ Easy combination

A simple combination of each module is shown in the instruction manual with illustrations and by trying simple combinations one by one like the following movie, beginners will be able to understand how to play the synthesizer It is.

I tried a simple combination of "little Bits Synth Kit" - YouTube


"Pitch / sweep" of the basic oscillator combination.


Connect to a simple combination that only connects the battery and the speaker to the oscillator.


When turning on the power switch from left to right, the lamp lights up, and the electronic sound "cute" started ringing just by this!


Turn the middle "pitch" knob clockwise to change the tone to high-pitched sound, and turn it backwards to change the timbre to bass.


Furthermore, change the pitch with "tune" on the left side of the knob, change "square" when switching the small switch on the right up, and change "saw" and the sound waveform when you switch down.


The volume of the speaker can be adjusted by turning "volume" on the left side, connecting to the earphone from the "headphone" terminal, or outputting to the external equipment.


In addition, since the speakers are stuck to the material, they can be removed or fixed according to the situation.


"White noise" which is a combination of sounds like TV sandstorm


Noises to start to be Za. As you can remember each module like this you can play even beginners.


Next is "KEY PLAYER" which shows how to use the keyboard module.


The sound of the keyboard changes by turning the oscillator knob.


By switching the "key mode" switch on the left side of the keyboard up and down it is possible to leave the ring just by playing and pushing like a piano.


The combination of "sequencer control" shows how to use the micro sequencer which is another controller module.


When turning on the power, the lamp under the four knobs of the microsequencer lights sequentially from left to right. The sound is ringing with a constant rhythm according to the lamp.


Tamper with the microsequencer decided by the oscillator and change the tempo and rhythm.


"Frequency modulation" which connects two oscillators that are the basis of sound.


It is possible to output a different tone by outputting a bass that can not be heard by a single unit to another oscillator.


"SHAPE YOUR SOUNDS" of a combination that knows the mechanism of the envelope


You can switch the keyboard switch to "hold" and keep the sound of the keyboard playing, while using the envelope you can change the tone to a tone like a guitar or a violin-like tail.


"Random Voltage" combining random and sequencer is a combination that can not be predicted what kind of tone will sound.


Random randomly outputs the signal, so if you tamper with the sequencer and the oscillator, you can play techno music alone.


KORG MS-20 "Noise filtering" which shows the effect of the filter which is the same as the latter type


Cut the upper frequency from the value of the filter's "cutoff" knob and turn the "peak" to emphasize the frequency specified by cutoff. Just like people can change the pronunciation of vowels to "Oh!" Can be effective.


"Echo and delay" is a combination that lets you know how to use the delay to make the sound repeat.


Turn the "time" knob to change the tone color repeat time, and "feedback" adjust the number of repetitions.


◆ Multiple combination

After trying all the modules in one place, combine multiple modules to demonstrate the merit as a synthesizer.

First, adjust "tuning" the pitch of the controller that is the source of the output.


By adjusting the pitch of the module to be output, all modules of the output destination can be arranged.


If you adjust the pitch correctly, play the song with "play · song".


The score of "Twinkle star" which can be played easily is also attached.


"Spooky · Sound" trying out a mysterious sound with three modules


If you delay or filter based on the sound of noise, you can change it to a wide electronic sound.


"Percussion party" to make sounds of horse running and dripping water droplets.


Slightly complicated combination with splitting. Maximizing the filter's peak knob creates a sequence with percussion-like sounds.


"Metal Music" to play the sequencer with a sharp metal sound.


To the sequencer of an unusual sound by blowing the envelope on the two oscillators.


"Synth band" which can combine keyboard and sequencer, from rhythm to performance by one person.


The outputs of the two controllers split by splitting can be output at once by combining them in a mix at the end.


"Monster Synth" combining almost all modules.


Because it bite the oscillator above and below the keyboard, it is possible to play chords with two rows of keys. If you tweak the six knobs again, you can play with a spreading sound.


Although the above combination is described in the manual, hundreds of combinations other than this can be hundreds depending on the idea.

◆ Production

When a favorite combination is decided, playing becomes more fun by making and fixing handmade instruments such as shoulder and keyboard.


What is necessary for the "synth · spin table" of handmade turntable is a unique material such as hot melt · scissors · tape · pen · plastic / paper cup · straw · cornflake box · paper plate.


Once you fix the circuit to the cornflake box, you attach a straw to the knob and make the paper tray look like a turntable ... ...


If you decorate with a colorful straw, you can complete a handmade turntable using Synth Kit. If you are good at making things, you can also make solid handmade instruments by changing materials such as acrylic and wood.


The little Bits Synth Kit is accepting reservations on the following KORG website, and the price of one Synth Kit is 16,000 yen. We plan to start shipping on Friday, December 6, 2013.

Synth Kit Product Information - littleBits
http://jp.littlebits.com/synth/


Kit other than the Synth Kit is a working kit such as a motor module that operates only by connecting, a light cable module, and so on. Next time 3Kit collectively will be reviewed so please look forward to it.