Korg Little Bits Synth Kits Officially Announced

US Can't wait to get our hands on these synth diy kits 08/11/13

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How excited are we about little electronic synth kits? Very. The collaboration between Korg and pioneering electronics kit makers Little Bits has been all over the news since it was spotted on Korg.jp.

Now the official announcement has been made we thought we'd be able to bring you more information, but it seems not - however you can register your interest at a specially created website Korglittlebits.com.

I submitted my interest before posting this item - get in line buddy - I'm first!

Here's the official word:

"We're excited to work together with industry leader KORG to design and launch the new littleBits Synth Kit," said Ayah Bdeir, founder and CEO of littleBits, MIT Media Lab alumna and TED Senior Fellow. "Our goal is to break technology down to its fundamental parts and put the power of electronics in the hands of everyone. This new Kit is the most easy to use, high quality, analog modular synthesizer in the world, and is designed to inspire people of all ages to unleash their inner rockstar".

The new Synth Kit includes an assortment of 12 electronic Bits modules that instantly snap together with magnets to create circuits like those used in KORG's famous analog synthesizers. Modules included in the Synth Kit are power, oscillator (x2), filter, envelope, delay, keyboard, micro sequencer, mix, split, random, and synth speaker.

The Synth Kit also includes a project booklet outlining step-by-step instructions for 10 projects, as well as custom accessories that transforms the Synth Kit into a ready to use performance station that can connect to recording or live sound equipment.

With the new littleBits Synth Kit in hand, users can build infinitely reconfigurable sound circuits; And since the littleBits system is expandable, multiple Synth Kits can be used at once to create a massively powerful instrument. In addition, they can combine it with other littleBits modules to create complex visual, light, and mechanical installations – no wiring, soldering or programming required.

Users can also follow the step-by-step instructions in the project booklet, and combine Bits modules with assorted materials like cardboard, tape and 3D printed plastic to create fun and novel interfaces, such as:

• Percussion Party: Snap seven modules together to build a circuit that lets you dance to the beat of your own drum. Set the rhythm, adjust the timbre and control the envelope to create soothing,rhythmic sounds or a wailing drum beat.

• Keytar: Combine nine modules with assorted household and craft materials to create a customized keytar. Decorate your instrument, add a strap and get ready to rock.

• Synth Spin Table: Eight modules work together to create a synth with some spin. Create turntables with paper plates and straws and play with your synth machine just like a DJ.

• Additional projects include Synthesizer with the Works, Tuning, Play a Song, Spooky Sounds,Metal Music, Synth Band and Perform Like a Pro. Instructions for sound-altering circuit designs are also included, such as pitch sweeps, white noise, key player, sequencer control, frequency modulation, random voltage, filtering noise and echo and delay.

"The new littleBits Synth Kit lets music fans explore sound and the synthesizer in a truly new and unique way. We are thrilled to partner with littleBits to bring this exciting experience to our fans and music lovers around the world," said Korg.

Winner of more than 20 product awards, littleBits is a well-funded, fast-growing startup based in New York City. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) acquired innovative littleBits to its permanent collection. The company has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times Magazine and Fast Company. Bloomberg TV recognized littleBits as "LEGO for the iPad generation." In addition, the company was featured in a TED talk in 2012, which garnered more than 700,000 views worldwide.

Bits modules are reusable, compatible and color-coded, allowing users to grow their library as they add new Kits or specialty pieces to their collection. Each module has a specific function (such as power, light, sound, pulse), and every module works with every other module in the library to make building projects easy for children, teens and adults.

Additional tips, tricks and project ideas are regularly posted on the company's website by littleBits and members of the littleBits maker community, and users can sign up for the littleBits e-newsletter to regularly receive updates on innovative projects and product information.

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