Void9 MÕNAI is a new, portable, multi-timbral, multi-engine Synthesizer with OP vibes that is currently in development.
Earlier this week, the ADC, the Audio Developer Conference, took place in Bristol (UK). This special event brings together audio developers from around the world, featuring presentations, talks, and more.
One of these developers was Void9, a new company that introduced the exciting MÕNAI portable music synth.
Void9 MÕNAI
MÕNAI is a new battery-powered multi-timbral Synthesizer with design similarities to the Teenage Engineering OP instruments. Important: This is currently an early prototype, and all details are subject to change.
Although it appears very OP-like, Void9 MÕNAI has significant design differences. On the left side, for example, it features a joystick and an 8 cm touch-sensitive strip.
Another one with a 20cm is on the right side, alongside eight endless encoders. Plus, it has a 6-axis motion sensor. So, it has many ways to play sounds expressively.
According to the developers, they will use a 29-key silent keyboard that will support velocity. A high-resolution display and 109 LEDs across the interface provide visual feedback of what you are doing.
Sound Engine & Sequencing
The sound core is fully digital and offers several distinct engines that can run simultaneously (currently four), each with dedicated effects and modulation routing.
You can choose from virtual analog, sampler with real-time sampling, drums, various FM engines (such as DX), and more. Sampling is possible via the line input or the two built-in microphones. The engines can be tweaked with the eight endless encoders.
The engines can be played either with the keyboard or with the built-in sequencer. Since you can play multiple engines simultaneously, each layer has its own sequencer.
Specifications for this are not yet available, but Void9 says it will include classic real-time and step recording, as well as other takes on sequencing. Great: they can be used to trigger sounds on external gear or in a mixed configuration with both internal and external sound sequencing.
The main reason Void9 was at ADC 2025 is MÕNAI’s extensible engine. Now it gets interesting.
They plan to offer an SDK that will enable other developers to create new features, such as synthesizer engines, filters, effects, note effects (sequencers, arpeggiators, chord generators), and custom interfaces. This step is planned for Q2 2026.
Connectivity
The MÕNAI also offers a great deal in terms of connectivity, much more than an OP-1. It has two audio outputs, an audio input for sampling, and a 3.5mm TRS MIDI input and output.
Furthermore, it features two USB-C ports: one for charging the battery and connecting to a computer, and another for host connectivity (such as MIDI keyboards). It also has a pedal input and sync in/out sockets.
Thanks to extensive CV output connectivity (pitch, modulation, velocity, gate), you can also incorporate the Void9 MÕNAI in a modular synth setup.
First Impression
A fascinating project. There are always developers who look to the OP-1 as inspiration and create similar synthesizers. The MÕNAI is undoubtedly one that comes closest to the OP’s design and concept.
If Void9 manages to implement all of this and attract third-party developers, it could become serious competition for the OP-1. But that remains to be seen.
Void9 MÕNAI is currently in development, and the developers plan to release a beta version in Summer 2026.
More information here: Void9
This is something interesting, love the design too.
Looks nice, can’t wait for the SDK development
guess overpriced too.