Prismatic Spray, New Desktop Synth, offers Knobby Control of Bytebeat Synthesis
Developer Arman Bohn has introduced a new desktop synth, the Prismatic Spray, that implements bytebeat synthesis in hardware.
Bytebeat synthesis is an approach to synthesis that focuses on synthesizing audio using minimal code, as little as a single line of C. Prismatic Spray offers 40 bytebeat equation starting points, with knobby control of variables.
Arman Bohn calls Prismatic Spray “a deeply explorable bytebeat synth that implements many novel features.” It offers a multitude of physical controls, mesmerizing visuals and full MIDI implementation.
Features:
- A Full User’s Manual – Prismatic Spray comes with a multi-page instruction manual to guide you in your explorations. The manual is written “in the tongue of old” and should be incomprehensible to anyone not familiar with first edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons.
- Chromatic Tuning – Prismatic Spray is tuned to a western 12 tone chromatic scale. You can play it like any other synth. Prismatic Spray is adjustable through about 6 octaves from the dark blue knob on the front panel. The full range of MIDI notes is available when using MIDI via USB or TRS-A.
- Looping – Prismatic Spray can be set to loop over any region of a bytebeat equation. The start and end points are adjustable after the loop has been set. At the tightest settings, Prismatic Spray becomes almost granular sounding.
- Visualizations – Prismatic Spray can display a visual representation of the current bytebeat audio output in real time on the 1.5″ color display. Alterations to the bytebeat equation using the knobs will effect the patterns and colors of the visualization.
- Analog Filter – Prismatic Spray has an analog filter to roll out as much high end as you’d like.
- 40 Bytebeat equations – Prismatic Spray has 40 bytebeat equations to explore. Each equation has three variable to adjust (along with pitch, time skip and a kind of ‘time stretch-ish’ effect).
- Over 30 preset slots
- A Case – Prismatic Spray comes fully enclosed in a 3D printed case (available in various colors). The glowing innards of the Prismatic Spray are clearly visible (mostly with the clear case) while the unit is in operation.
Prismatic Spray is available in limited quantities for $249.
