Nyström Crum Hum, a new generative experimental multi-engine Synthesizer

November 18, 2024 Synth Anatomy Hardware, News, Synthesizers 0

Nyström Crum Hum is a new 3-voice generative experimental digital desktop Synthesizer with 12 built-in engines.

I have already written about Albert Nyström several times. He has released some exciting portable instruments: a $70 DIY drum machine and, later, the popular 4-voice Crum Drum, a generative drum synthesizer.

After so many drum instruments, there is now something for melody lovers. Nyström announced the Crum Hum today.

Nyström Crum Hum

Crum Hum is based on the same generative idea as the Crum Drum, only now cast in melody. It’s a 3-voice experimental melodic Synthesizer with 12 different sound engines that cover a wide range of varying synthesis types

saw with lowpass filter
square with lowpass filter
wavetable
wavetable 2
FM 1
FM 2
chords x3
bas + chord + melody 1
bas + chord + melody 2
wavetable 3
chaotic, glitchy, noisy FM
noise

Then, you can refine the Nyström Crum Hum sounds using the built-in multi-FX processor with delay, reverb, and overdrive. You can move to the effects by applying an LFO. Each effect offers a dedicated LFO destination. Nice, you can work with all the effects at the same time.

Generative Sequencing & Expressivity

The sounds can be played in two ways. You can launch the generative sequencer with its built-in randomized melody and chord generator. It gives you 12 different scales to choose from. Alternatively, you can play the sounds via the touch plates on the front panel.

There are no dedicated envelopes for the amp. The generator decides how short or long the sound will be played. If you play the sounds with the touch plates, you get drones.

On the connection side, Nyström Crum Hum offers a main stereo output, a micro USB port (why Nyström!), a 3.5mm CV output, and a 3.5mm Clock input. MIDI is available via the microUSB port that sends and receives MIDI data/notes and MIDI CC.