Critter & Guitari’s 201 Music Synthesizer is the long-awaited successor to its Pocket Piano
Critter & Guitari’s lineup of hackable music computer systems and video synths are undeniably distinctive. They do issues that virtually no different instrument can, plus they’re most likely probably the most visually distinctive transportable music units on the market. Its newest creation is the 201 Music Synthesizer, an arguably lengthy overdue alternative for the corporate’s first product — the Pocket Piano.
Like its flagship Organelle, the 201 is constructed on open supply software program, particularly Pure Information and Faust. However reasonably than attempting to be all issues to everybody, it is extra narrowly centered. It ships with six built-in synth engines masking chiptune-style bleeps, analog-esque sounds, drum samples, bodily modeling (probably through Karplus Robust), and vocal synthesis. Moderately than 4 knobs that adjust in goal relying on what patch you have loaded (which can or might not have significantly good documentation, relying on who created it), the 201 has three parameter knobs for envelope, tone and “shock” — for once you simply desire a joyful accident.
One of many issues that makes the 201 actually standout although, is the sample generator and sequencer. Whilst you can merely play notes stay and file them for later recall, the synth also can create patterns for you. A few presses on the distinctive maple keys and the 201 will begin spitting out easy octave jumps, arpeggios or random polyphonic chaos. And if one thing strikes your fancy, it can save you that as properly. And it can save you actually hundreds of sequences to the included 8GB microSD card.
Just like the Organelle, you’ll be able to truly hack collectively your personal patches for the 201 utilizing Pure Information or Faust, however that is extra of a pleasant bonus than the primary promoting level right here. Beneath the hood of the 201 is a 900Mhz ARM processor with 512MB RAM, which ought to be lots for many synth patches, however it’s not fairly as highly effective because the Organelle M. The 201 additionally has a built-in speaker, a 1/4-inch stereo out jack, 1/8-inch MIDI out and in, USB-A for connecting MIDI controllers, and USB-C for accessing the information on the microSD card.
In fact, to be a real alternative for the Pocket Piano, the 201 additionally must be transportable. So, along with the AC adapter, it may be powered by three AA batteries. And at about one pound and slightly over nine-inches lengthy, it is fairly simple to toss in a backpack.
The Critter & Guitari 201 Music Synthesizer is at present crowd funding over at Kickstarter and has already surpassed its purpose. If you would like to safe one once they begin transport in April of 2023 you’ll be able to again it earlier than December twentieth for $295.
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