The Nerdsynth is a hardware analogue and digital synthesizer, groovebox, sampler, tracker, visualizer, digitizer, music instrument and ‘experimentizer’ in one machine.
The Nerdsynth has 6 polyphonic tracks:
- One track is dedicated to the internal Nerdsynth soundship
- A second track is a sampler track.
- The 4 other tracks are connected to external sound cartridges which are inserted in the Nerdsynth. Those are the synthesizer cores/ soundchips of the ATMegatron, Meeblip Anode, DSP-G1 and Soundgin.
- More cartridges are in development like a SID cartridge, YM/AY, OPL3 and several analogue and digital synthesizer designs.
This video demonstrates the latest Nerdsynth prototype:
Features:
- tracker style sequencer (inspired by LittleSoundDJ / LittlePiggyTracker)
- 6 mono- and polyphonic audio tracks
- several tracks free configurable with different sound cartridges (eg. SID, YM/AY,
- OPL3, online DIY synthesizer projects, digital and analogue)
- multi track sampler
- dedicated visual track for experimental visuals (video out)
- easy workflow, parameters are realtime accessable through several knobs, rotary
- encoders and a X/Y touchscreen
- internal mixer and effect unit
- stereo line out, headphone out and dedicated track line outs per track
- midi In/Out
Here are the official audio demos:
The Nerdsynth is currently in development. The developer’s goal is to make the Nerdsynth a real product, but there is still a lot of work to do – including case design, software development and the external sound cartridges.
You can follow development at the Nerdsynth site.
I really really really want this….
way into this concept.
Wow, I feel like the last few years have marked the “Return of the Groovebox.” Between the new electribes, Novation’s Circuit, the Volca Sample (and rest of the Volcas), and Elektron’s Dark Trinity . . . grooveboxes really seem to be having a resurgence. Maybe a revolt against the domination of computer-based music-making?
Anyway, this thing seems really interesting – a “zag” when everyone else is “zigging,” so to speak. Very retro/cool and unique. I’d love to see this thing get off the ground.
I’ve been strictly using trackers for about 15 years now and, while I don’t make any Chip Tune or OldSkool style of music, this box makes me way too excited. I hope it doesn’t turn out to be vaporware.
No tracks for sequencing external devices?
Of course. The 5 tracks can be used for (polyphonic) Midi sequencing, too. Even CV/Gate modules ( Cartridges) are planned.
I think it’s just great to see that my dsp-G1 synth chip found an application.
please make it battery powered and have nice internal speakers !
Batteries: Yes
Speakers: No
i also want this really really bad… however i suspect it will be many years before production, probably 3 or 4 at least.. and by then, who knows what else is out there
I hope to finish Version 1.0 within a year and start the production then…but it depends on how much spare time i have.
I hadn’t heard of this. I’m excited.