ellitone fn_block 01 is a new affordable mini semi-modular, digital 4-voice polyphonic Synthesizer with a LoFi sound character.
ellitone is a US-based indie developer company of small, exciting, affordable synthesizers that I have already reported on a few times. The products are only available on platforms like Etsy and often go by quickly because they are produced in tiny batches. For example, I reported on the Multi-Synth in 2019.
For the start of 2025, ellitone has unveiled the fn_blocks, a new series of synths with a minimal, modular synthesis approach.
ellitone fn_block 01
As already said, fn_blocks is a new Synthesizer series that offers an affordable, minimal approach to the modular Synthesizer system. Each of these releases is standalone and can be used as a synth, but it can also communicate with the other future fn_block synths or with your external gear.
Every fn_blocks release shares a common form factor and a size/shape. Combining them creates a more extensive, more powerful Synthesizer system. I am curious to see what the next fn_blocks will be.
The first release is fn_block 01, a digital 8-bit LoFi polyphonic Synthesizer with four voices. It can be controlled with MIDI or control voltage. The feature set is minimal. Ellitone fn_block 01 features 25 waveforms, six preset amp envelopes, and an octave control.
These features are not selected with physical knobs but with touch plates. Touch the waveform plate, and you get to change the waveform.
Crocodile Spacer Patching
Ellitone fn_block 01 is semi-modular and patchable. You can patch it with the included crocodile clips, which you can put on the synth’s spacers.
The latter form the patch “spacers” matrix, which consists of patch points for the four individual synth voices, four triggers, three touch sensors, and more. You can achieve various sounds if you patch like in a traditional modular or semi-modular synth.
On the connection side, the synth offers a 3.5mm (1/8 inch) audio output, TRS MIDI input, and a USB-C for powering.
First Impression
At first glance, it is a funny little semi-modular Synthesizer. The features and sound options are minimal. Yes, this little synth will not give you a trillion of different timbres.
But since this is a series, I’m excited to see what the next ones can do. They can value this first one up. For the asking price, it looks like a lovely small synth with which you can have fun.
ellitone fn_block 01 is available now for 67,19€ + fees + import from the US in the developer’s official Etsy shop as a DIY project.
More information here: Etsy Shop
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