Product description
SJS-ONE is a software defined 8-bit mono synthesizer with a dual (series) switch-cap filter.
Technically, there is nothing outstanding in the design besides perhaps the very capable MAX261 filter which we are, as far as we know, the only ones to use at this point in a DIY-synthesizer.
But the synthesizer has some interesting history that has certainly colored its development and ultimately its sound. The initial version was developed as an instructional workshop for a synth-event called SyltJam in 2011. The workshop idea was to show people how quickly you can design the basic hardware and software required to produce a platform for versatile audio and music generation.
As it turned out, people liked its sound much more than I had anticipated so we decided to refine the design - which more or less involved adding peripheral components to increase configurability and improve on stability and ESD, ground-mismatch and noise sensitivity while keeping the actual design minimal and simplistic.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of this synth is the choice of digital platform - the Arduino. We did not want to build something static and opted to keep the Arduino instead of adding an on-board microcontroller. Why? Because this will make it so much easier for you to modify the functionality of the synth firmware provided by us, or to write your own software with a completely unique sound using the vast community support that is available for the Arduino platform. To make everything as simple as we possibly can, we have written a library to provide easy access to all underlying hardware operations. All aspects of the synth can be fully controlled by designing your own custom firmware and we sincerely hope that people will share their firmware in the spirit of the open source and hardware that inspired us to drive this project from idea to final product.
Whether you are a musician looking for a unique sound, a digital electronics/microprocessor enthusiast or an interactive audio designer we are certain you will find this little device to your liking.
Every single synth is unique in its sound due to slight coloring by the simplistic R-2R resistor network that builds the analog waveforms, as well as variations in the filter. Not using a carefully tuned DAC was a deliberate design choice as it emphasizes the individuality that is the backbone of what we at DevSound believe in - and rest assured, despite their differences they all sound equally good!
Technical Specifications:
* Host board: Arduino Uno
* Output circuitry: 8-bit R-2R ladder DAC
* Filter: MAX261
* Analog output: ±2.5V signal level (external amplifier required)
* Software defined parameters: Waveform, Filter modes, Filter resonance, Filter cutoff, Filter connection (LP, BP, HP), Filter bypass
Technically, there is nothing outstanding in the design besides perhaps the very capable MAX261 filter which we are, as far as we know, the only ones to use at this point in a DIY-synthesizer.
But the synthesizer has some interesting history that has certainly colored its development and ultimately its sound. The initial version was developed as an instructional workshop for a synth-event called SyltJam in 2011. The workshop idea was to show people how quickly you can design the basic hardware and software required to produce a platform for versatile audio and music generation.
As it turned out, people liked its sound much more than I had anticipated so we decided to refine the design - which more or less involved adding peripheral components to increase configurability and improve on stability and ESD, ground-mismatch and noise sensitivity while keeping the actual design minimal and simplistic.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of this synth is the choice of digital platform - the Arduino. We did not want to build something static and opted to keep the Arduino instead of adding an on-board microcontroller. Why? Because this will make it so much easier for you to modify the functionality of the synth firmware provided by us, or to write your own software with a completely unique sound using the vast community support that is available for the Arduino platform. To make everything as simple as we possibly can, we have written a library to provide easy access to all underlying hardware operations. All aspects of the synth can be fully controlled by designing your own custom firmware and we sincerely hope that people will share their firmware in the spirit of the open source and hardware that inspired us to drive this project from idea to final product.
Whether you are a musician looking for a unique sound, a digital electronics/microprocessor enthusiast or an interactive audio designer we are certain you will find this little device to your liking.
Every single synth is unique in its sound due to slight coloring by the simplistic R-2R resistor network that builds the analog waveforms, as well as variations in the filter. Not using a carefully tuned DAC was a deliberate design choice as it emphasizes the individuality that is the backbone of what we at DevSound believe in - and rest assured, despite their differences they all sound equally good!
Technical Specifications:
* Host board: Arduino Uno
* Output circuitry: 8-bit R-2R ladder DAC
* Filter: MAX261
* Analog output: ±2.5V signal level (external amplifier required)
* Software defined parameters: Waveform, Filter modes, Filter resonance, Filter cutoff, Filter connection (LP, BP, HP), Filter bypass
