Category: Announcements

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WaveBoy: Sampler CV

I don’t yet have a video demo of it. Partly because the UI could stand to provide more info and partly because I haven’t gotten to it yet; but I implemented the sample banks sort of idea for the WaveBoy Sampler I was toying with.

Each patch is now a collection of 16 samples. Just like with the Wave mode, you select which sample you want via the CV input. The menu then lets you select from different patches (each with their own 16 samples).

Samples are still 8-bit and up to 64k. The sample rate doesn’t really matter or is to taste based on the fidelity and sample length you want. Reading off the SD card seems fast enough to play samples of arbitrary length but I’m not yet sure if I should actually implement that. The limitation is kinda part of the game (noting for my DreamTracker program on the X16, samples are limited to 8k).

Still to do is adding meta-data (sample names, desired looping perhaps, sample-rate multiplier, etc.) and better nav of the patches but the foundational parts of the feature are there and I’ve already been able to jam out to some drums with it.

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WaveBoy: Now With a Sampler!

A sample player I suppose is more apt. This is just the initial minimum setup but it works! It uses the same approach as the Wave mode in that it uses a variable clock to the DAC to control the pitch and sample rate. This gives it a more unique sound with, yep, some intentional aliasing. The samples are 8-bit unsigned raw PCMs and can be up to 64k in length though I may be able to get well past that limit by using a buffer and reading off the SD card. I didn’t do that here since I wasn’t sure if it could properly keep up (it seems like it can).

https://youtube.com/shorts/RJeNhp6cbwE

I have some ideas on what I can do to make things more interesting though. For instance, I could use the CV input to control to change samples, I could add looping and ping-pong options, etc.

Curious what folks think and if you have any suggestions! This is sort of a bonus feature – the main purpose of WaveBoy is, well, the Waves! But since there’s plenty of space and horsepower on the microcontroller, I’ve been wanting to try my take on a lo-fi sample player and here it is!

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Panel and Screen Options for WaveBoy

I’ve been trying various screen, knob, and panel combinations for WaveBoy and will probably settle on the options seen here:

The two panel options I am looking at for the 3D printed panels are purple on white, white on purple. I may also offer black on white and white on black though I find those don’t pop quite as much and I plan on keeping at least a small inventory of panels due to the multi-color printing process I have to use. The tune knob options will be purple or grey and I’m sticking with rubbery black knobs for the top encoders for now. The OLED displays will be offered in white or the yellow/cyan. I find the white looks more aesthetically pleasing, but the yellow/cyan is easier to read.

I’m also still looking at FR4 and aluminum panels. So far those have been cost prohibitive for what I want though I am still evaluating options. If I do there’s a chance they won’t be available in the same colors as the 3D printed panels Folks may have also noticed I now have a documentation portal linked off our main website. The direct link is https://waveboy.bitbybitsynths.com.

All that to say, if indirectly, I am getting close to having at least a small number of WaveBoys available for purchase for early adopters. I may also set aside a few of these for some beta testing and might be looking for beta testers. There are still some features I want to work towards and a few bugs to sort out but it’s very usable already, both for its original purpose of the 4-bit wavetable stuff, as well as the noise algorithms. I have used both in my band with success.

If you’re interested in picking one of these up, I’d love to hear from you! You can use the contact form or send me a ping on our Instagram (@bitbybitsynths)!

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Introducing Acrylic Options!

And the return of birch! I finally found a supplier that provides Finnish birch. Previously I was only able to find Russian birch. And look I’m not saying there aren’t good people in Russia, perhaps that make fantastic birch plywood. I just don’t feel right about possibly doing anything that might help Russia do what they’re currently doing. And I’ll leave it at that. Fortunately, after over a year there is now an alternative so expect birch to come back as an alternative to MDF for most of the cases. And of course I will continue my Hardwood Editions for folks that want a premium hardwood case.

But for now, let’s talk about acrylic!

Meet the Skiffy 42 Acrylic Edition! This was made using recycled frosted acrylic and Starry Night for the plastics (my favorite color). I’m super excited about these and honestly I’m not quite sure why I waited so long to try making an acrylic case. Folks have been asking for them. Part of the issue was finding a good supplier but I also wanted to focus on having more case designs too. Or at least that’s my excuse 🙂

Acrylic is more expensive than MDF or Birch. It sits in between Birch and the hardwoods and this is reflective in the cost. But it is quite a stunning look! I do plan on offering more colors. I think translucent red acrylic panels with black plastics would look really awesome for instance! So expect more options to follow soon!

For now the Skiffy 16 and Skiffy 42 are available as Acrylic Editions but I hope to offer most of my cases in acrylic. The X-series, since it is meant to stack, will require some additional testing but I think all the Skiffy designs should be pretty well good to go. If you had a case in mind you wanted that isn’t available in acrylic yet, just let me know!

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1U/Tile Options Coming Soon

I’ve have a few requests lately fro having some 1U/Tile options. This is something I have been wanting to do but wanted to make sure my double-row rails worked as expected. As there are now several Skiffy 642 cases in the hands of customers, I’m not feeling fairly comfortable with exploring Tiles options more.

Here is a mockup of what I would call a Skiffy 742:

That’s getting to be a bit comically tall so I suspect I will probably offer Skiffy 748, 756, etc. as normal options instead. I also would like to offer Skiffy 442, 456, etc. as well as have an option for the X series. At any rate, these are coming! I’m not sure when but hopefully soon!

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New Store!

I’ve decided to migrate my Eurorack store. There’s a few reasons but mostly it’s to make it easier for me to manage both of my stores (this one as well as my Analog Photography accessories, which you can find over at bitbybitphoto.com). In order to get everything setup, it was easier for me to get the new website up and running first. This means most stuff isn’t setup just yet, but I’m working on it as fast as I can! In the meantime, you can find most of my items over on my Etsy store. You can also just contact me directly (on Instagram via @bitbybitsynths and on Mastodon via @synths@social.bitbybitwhatever.com).