Hardware Open Source Synth Improved

US Create Digital Music's MeeBlip SE gets easier to use and MIDI-controllable      08/03/12
Create Digital Music are building and shipping MeeBlip SE. A spokesperson told us, "Whatever the 'SE' stands for – seconda edizione, or a meaning of your own choosing – the MeeBlip SE is the original MeeBlip, but better. Building on the first version of our open source synthesizer, we've worked with feedback from users to make the MeeBlip more usable and more sonically versatile."
New in this version:

• A more intuitive, playable control layout. The changes are subtle, but after lots of conversations with users, we worked to make each knob and switch the choice we liked best. (Of course, you can still modify those choices via our open source firmware, if you like.)
• Patch storage. Sure, it was a bit more "pure" never being able to store patches, but this is a digital synth, after all. Now, you can save and recall up to 16 patches right on the MeeBlip, using dedicated front panel load and save buttons. It's especially nice for live performance.
• Variable pulse width. Instead of a fixed square wave, you can now use the dedicated PWM knob to adjust the timbre of the first oscillator. There's also a "pwm sweep" switch for enabling an automated PWM envelope, of which we've grown rather fond. Hello, thick synth leads.
• Anti-aliasing. You can now use more pristine anti-aliased waveforms, or turn this off for other timbral effects. It gives you another option for coloring the MeeBlip's sound.
• Control everything with MIDI. It's simple: if there's a sound parameter in the MeeBlip, there's a switch or knob to play with it. And now, the reverse is true, too: if you see a switch or knob, you can control it via MIDI. At last, you can use a tracker or sequencer to program detailed MeeBlip sounds.

Pricing and Availability:
MeeBlip SE Quick Build Synthesizer: $139.95 until March 31st ($149.95 after that)
MeeBlip SE Build Everything Kit; $119.95 until March 31st ($129.95 after that)
MeeBlip micro Kit: $39.95
More information:

• MeeBlip

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