I just found at Kickstarter a new campaign for interesting new modular Synthesizers. POLYTIK is a new open-source modular Synthesizer system. I like a lot the design of the modules and look further if this project will be accepted by the Synthesizer community.

Polytik is a collection of beautifully designed hand-held synth modules exploring the border between play and sound.

Born out of a DIY ethos and the maker community, Polytik has been crafted into something very different – a series of beautifully designed objects in their own right. Polytik is open-source hardware and encourages users to make new modules and hacks.

The brainchild of John Richards and Jack Featherstone in collaboration with Artists & Engineers, these hybrid analogue/digital devices can produce a palette of sounds ranging from angular rhythmic sequences to abstract noise, pads and drones. The synths are designed to be tactile, to be held and touched when playing. Polytik comprises four separate, colour-coded, battery powered modules. Every Polytik system needs a Core module and at least one sound module. The sound modules connect to the core with ribbon cables, these carry audio and control data to connect the system together giving you a single audio output for all modules. You can have up to three sound modules connected at one time.

The Starter Pack comprises a Core module and a Combi module, which we think is a really good way to start using Polytik.

POLYTIK MODULES:

Core (Blue) – A sequencer, programmer and mixer. YOU NEED TO HAVE THIS MODULE TO START, you can then add any or all of the other modules to expand your experience.

Combi (Black) Voltage-controlled feedback, voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and filtering

VCO (Red) Voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and voltage-controlled filter (VCF)

Noise (Yellow) Noise generator, patchable feedback networks and voltage-controlled filter (VCF)

Here are some audio demos of the modules:

The Core module comes loaded with 30 pre-programmed sequences; this module plus one of the others is required to start making music. Further modules can be added at a later date to expand the experience. The Golden Chip special-edition starter pack consists of two modules, Core and Combi, together with an individually signed and numbered chip containing an additional 20 pre-programmed sequences from Polytik makers and a curated set of 10 sequences, comments and interviews from leading electronic musicians and artists including: Jas Shaw (Simian Mobile Disco), Mark Fell, James Ginzburg (emptyset), Nik Colk Void and Gabe Gurnsey (Factory Floor) and Frieder Nake.

POLYTIK FEATURES:

Play + Explore:

Customisable desktop modular synth
Sound and design through intuitive play
Battery powered and portable

Artwork + Synth:

Limited-edition artwork
Touch sensitive control
Collectible modules

Analogue Sound + Digital Control

Stored patterns
Make your own loops step-by-step
Guest artists’ sequences

Expand + Connect:

Open-source hardware and hackable
CV control with your computer or other music gear
Headphones or line out with 3.5 jack

POLYTIK OPEN SOURCE:

Polytik is open source hardware – all software, hardware design files, schematics, layouts and bills of materials are free for you to download, modify and use. This makes it possible for you to hack/bend the modules, create new presets, develop new modules, and share your projects with the community. Hardware and software will be published on Github under a BSD license at the end of the campaign.