Vaemi Kraakdoos, Atari Punk Console, and Mini Mixer are new, affordable, battery-powered experimental synthesizers and audio tools for on-the-go.
Super portable synthesizers have been all the rage for many years. I talk here about synthesizers, drum machines, or even effects that you can simply take with you and power with a battery like the Korg volcas, TE Pocket Operators, and others.
Vaemi from Turkey, known for Eurorack modules, has now released three new affordable products that fit perfectly in this mini synth world.
Vaemi Kraakdoos
The Kraakdoos, aka Cracklebox, is a pocket-size experimental Synthesizer first developed by Michel Waisvisz in the 1970s. It uses the classic LM709 op-amp, which plays a crucial role in the unit and gives it its character.
The synth has no sound-shaping parameters, only a line output level. It is playable with six sensor surfaces connected to different circuit points. By making these connections with your fingers, the Vaemi Kraakdoos creates different noisy sounds and textures.
Vaemi Atari Punk Console
Vaemi Atari Punk Console is another pocket-size experimental Synthesizer playable with buttons or as a drone synth. It uses Forrest M. Mims III’s stepped tone generator circuit from the early 1980s, which has two oscillators and modulation.
The modernized circuit uses two-timer ICs as oscillators, allowing the selection of harmonic degrees based on the fundamental frequency. Atari Punk Console’s oscillator’s frequencies are made of light-dependent resistor sensors (LDR), so modifying their frequencies with light sources is possible.
Additionally, when the LDRs are off, touching them introduces your body resistance into the circuit, effectively making them function as LFOs. Vaemi has added to the Atari Punk Console ON/OFF buttons to control the opening and closing functions of the LDRs.
You can also find a filter ON/OFF function that filters the high frequencies from the sound. Alongside its main output, it also has three CV inputs (CV1, CV2, and VCA CV), which you can incorporate in other setups.
Vaemi Mini Mixer
Besides the new experimental synths Kraakdoos and Atari Punk Console, Vaemi also introduced a new pocket-size 4-channel mono analog mixer. It uses 3.5mm mini jacks and outputs.
Each channel features a saturation function, with a specially designed jack input for the fourth channel. A feedback circuit activates when the fourth channel and jack input are empty. Nice, you can also use the feedback as a drone generator by muting all channels. Once done, it enters self-oscillation.
Vaemi Kraakdoos, Atari Punk Console, and Mini Mixer can operate with DC adapters between 8V and 16V or a 9V battery, making them very portable.
Vaemi Kraakdoos, Atari Punk Console and Mini Mixer: First Impression
All three are fun noise-making tools aimed at experimental and noise musicians. They are very affordable, even cheaper than a DIY kit. I would have liked a stereo out on the mixer, but despite that, they are lovely pocket sound tools.
Vaemi Kraakdoos, Atari Punk Console, and Mini Mixer are now available as DIY kits ($49 – $59) and assembled versions ($89).
More information here: Vaemi
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