A 1-Bit Square-Wave Synth

US Time-honoured sequencing synth with minimal specs 17/03/25

With so much modern technology, AI, and automation around - there are folks who believe we may yearn for more simpler times.. and this sequencing synth is a great example of that! Using an incredibly small amount of components, Electroagenda has created this square-wave synth and sequencer using a 555 oscillator and 4017 decade counter - offering a (slightly harsh but) distinctive sound reminiscent of early digital audio devices.

The project is covered here in full, and was found on Hackaday, who write:

It's a time-honored circuit, a 555 provides a note clock that drives a 4017 that functions as a sequencer. This switches in a set of voltage dividers, which in turn control another 555 oscillator that produces the notes. It's a fun toy straight from the 1970s, right down to the protoboard and hookup wire construction. There's a demo video with some lovely beeps below, and we think most of you should have what it takes to make your own.

More on Logic Noise, from Hackaday at the blog.

More from Electroagenda

About the author [midierror]: midierror is co-founder of Potato Audio, he makes nifty Max For Live devices, award-winning Sample Packs and hosts the 'midierror meets...' interview series speaking with all kinds of people working in sound & music.

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