Bit Beast
The Bit Beast is not currently in production. The estimated cost is about $500-$600. Please send us an email if you would like to be notified when more information and availability is known - info@joviansynth.com
The Bit Beast utilizes a method of tone generation commonly called 'bit banging'. It turns a digital bit on and off at the frequency of specific notes. This method of creating sounds is typical of old videogame and computer systems.
The processor that reads the MIDI signal and 'bit bangs' the notes is the same one used by the Arduino UNO (ATMEGA328P-PU). All the code is written and compiled in the Arduino software. This means that anyone with an Arduino UNO can edit and tweak the code. This will allow musicians to customize their synth to some degree, and expand upon the base functionality.
The notes are then chopped up and processed using CMOS logic chips. The effects created are common in the DIY realm, but seldom available in commercially available synthesizers.
The sound then passes through two analog voltage controlled filters. Both filters are unique designs that offer very different sounds. Filter 1 is a 12db state variable filter with low-pass and band-pass modes and overdrive control. Filter 2 is a 6db filter with low-pass and high-pass modes and a squelchy distorted resonance. The filters can be configured in parallel or two different serial configurations. Both filters have their own LFO and envelope generator.
The final step that the sound passes through is an analog VCA with a dedicated envelope generator.
Features
Oscillators
- Programmable with Arduino UNO developement board
- 3 digital squarewave oscillators that play either a chord or the same detuned note (detune amount is controlled with a pot)
- Chord selection can be Major or Minor and is controlled with either a swtich or using MIDI CC
- Eight step wave shaper for creating custom 8-bit style waveforms
- Two sub oscillators (-1 ocatave and -2 octave) each with a dedicated low-pass filter
- An oscillator that is +1 octave
- Responds to MIDI pitch bend and modulation controls
- Vibrato with rate, depth and delay controls
- Portamento
- Level pots for each oscillator, plus a master oscillator level control
Oscillators
- Chord arpeggio that makes it easy to create chiptune chords
- Internal clock or MIDI sync
- Up or down direction
- Separate level pots for each step of the chord
- Can be combined with with the steady sound from any of the oscillators
Percussion
- CMOS percussion sound triggered on each note
- Controls for pitch, delay, modulation pitch and level
CMOS Effects
- Modulation effect with pitch and level control
- Schmitt filter effect that can add distortion, phasing and varying pulse width modulation.
Dual Analog Filters
- Configurable to run in parallel or serial mode
- Serial mode can be set to Filter 1->Filter 2 or Filter 2->Filter 1
- Filter 1
- 12db per octave
- Low-pass or band-pass
- Overdrive control
- Frequency cutoff control
- Resonance control
- Dedicated LFO
- Dedicated AD/R envelope generator
- Custom filter design with traditional analog sound
- Filter 2
- 6db per octave
- Low-pass or high-pass
- Frequency cutoff control
- Resonance control
- Dedicated LFO
- Dedicated AD/R envelope generator
- Custom filter design with very unique resonance (squelchy and distorted)
Analog VCA
- Level control
- Dedicated AD/R envelope generator
Inputs/Outputs
- 1/4" mono audio out
- MIDI IN
- MIDI THRU
- 2.1mm power
Power
- 9V AC
- 800mA