If you are wondering how a synth works, disassembling one and learning each piece can be very difficult to understand. However, what if there were a synth kit that could help you make your own synth which actually plays and help you continuously adjust it as you improve? The startup littleBits has you covered on that with the littleBits Electronics Synth Kit.
If you are an inventor and musician at heart, but do not have the space to play or store your synthesizer, this cool synth kit from littleBits is an item to consider. This synth kit will help you understand how synths work and help you build one for you to play anywhere. Here are some of the features of the littleBits Electronics Synth Kit that you need to check out before purchasing it.
Features
- This kit is made up of 12 BitsTM modules which can be connected by built-in magnets and produce a modular analog synthesizer
- Once it is fully assembled, this mini synth can immediately be played and help you understand how analog synthesizers work
- You will get a project booklet which contains instructions on how to modify, adjust or understand each sound circuit in the set
- The box doubles as a performance station which can be connected to either recording or live equipment for use
- Users who have other littleBits modules will be able to connect this synth kit with their modules and use some of the pieces to customize your own synth Bits
- This kit also has an audio output jack and input jack to connect to your speakers and other instruments
Summary
The littleBits Electronics Synth Kit is the dream kit to get if you want to make music and learn how it is done without the extra cost. However, is it like an actual synth and does it have any faults that one should learn about first? Check the pros and cons of this synth kit below and see the potential problems and pluses you will likely experience with this product.
Pros
For people who love building things and analog synths, this is the kit you should buy. Setting this up is very easy to do thanks to the magnets installed in each module piece, and it comes with a mounting board. If you wish to customize the format of your synth or use the modules for other pieces, you can easily detach one module then connect it to another.
In terms of the sound it produces, this synth kit is sure to surprise you because you will be able make crisp analog music and easily modify it using your desktop programs. You may even find the sounds it produces similar to the synths made by known music brand Korg, which also worked with littleBits to produce this synth kit. It is also a surprise that you can attach your favorite instruments, headphones and speakers to this small machine and produce great music.
Customer service for this product is top notch because the company will immediately respond to your requests and send a replacement if necessary. The staff is also helpful when it comes to troubleshooting any problems that may occur with your synth kit. The price is also very affordable and any level of user, even kids will love this synth.
Cons
Unfortunately, this kit may present some problems for you once you purchase or receive this item. For those who are not adept at do-it-yourself kits, this is not the synth for you because the instructions can get a little complicated even if it is connectable through the built-in magnets in each module. In some cases, the basic circuit can malfunction and may affect the overall function of the synth kit.
The oscillators included in the circuit may not function at all and produce no output. The sequencer also tends to malfunction every so often, disconnecting at random times and only work if you move the connections of each circuit. The sound it produces is also quite limited, which may pose problems for you if you wish to use this as an all-rounder analog synth.
You can also experience sounds that have screeching background effects that may affect the overall sound you are making with the synth. You may also find this synth kit very expensive considering the limited sounds you can produce, and the machine is really small.
Bottom line
There is a saying that says, do not judge a book by its cover. With the littleBits Electronics Synth Kit, this do-it-yourself synth kit will definitely blow your mind because not only will it help you understand and create music, it can also astound you on how much you can do with the mini modules in every kit.
