SynthFest France 2024: polyUAnalog is a new DIY open-source polyphonic analog Synthesizer designed by scientists from the University of Angers
Yesterday, I showed you the SYNTHR10, a new boutique polyphonic analog Synthesizer. If this is too expensive for you and you are interested in DIY development, I have another exciting analog poly synth.
Matthieu and Dominique, two scientists from the University of Angers, presented the polyUAnalog, a new open-source polyphonic analog Synthesizer project they did as a side project.
polyUAnalog
The polyUAnalog is a new DIY open-source Synthesizer displayed last week at SynthFest France 2024. The developers, Matthieu and Dominique, finished the code for it shortly before the event started, so it wasn’t in 100% perfect condition; it was more of a working prototype.
The core uses a mix of analog and digital components. The version on display had ten analog voices, each based on the AS3397 synth voice chip, known from the Oberheim Matrix 1000. The chip is ideal for synth projects as it offers an entire synth voice on the chip, including two analog oscillators, a filter, and VCA.
Interestingly, you can freely configure the number of voices. You can create an analog synth with 10, 20, or more voices. It’s also possible to build just a mono synth out of the project. According to the developer, the maximum voice is estimated to be 120 voices.
Then, the digital part is carried out by a Raspberry Pi located on each voice. This tunes the voices so that they are always in tune. Plus, it generates LFOs, envelopes, or any additional digital synthesis. In the SFF 2024 prototype, the Raspi also generated a noise generator.
They are currently developing additional board elements that can, for example, host digital effects. Here is the video from SynthFest France 2024.
First Impression
A very fascinating open source project. The polyUanalog is certainly still in its early stages, but with the help of other developers I think the project has a lot of potential. It’s excellent that such projects exist.
polyUAnalog project is now available on GitHub as an open-source project. You can modify the synth, develop it further, and even build a product. But in this case, you have to give credit to the developers.
More information here: GitHub
Fantastic project. Looking forward to see the ongoing development.
a psu with a fan for audio?
it’s a prototype thing and if you take the open-source thing, you can replace it 😉
Exactly. You could use a smps or a power brick to have it outside the unit if you like. Lots of options.
Looks like surplus from an old Dell desktop computer, easy to use something else. I assume they’re only using the 5v rail.