MS4P Synth: 8 patch settings, smooth sounds to sonic madness, and lots in between 

This hand-crafted synth has a straightforward set of controls, but is still capable of a host of sounds and effects.

There are two oscillators, which operate mainly in the audio range, with Oscillator 1 also doubling as a low-frequency oscillator (LFO) for various patches.

The front panel controls are as follows:

• Oscillator 1 - Frequency dial, and Mod (MODulation/MODification) dial
  
  
• Oscillator 2 - Frequency dial, and Volume dial

There is also a power on/off switch, with LED power indicator, an audio output jack socket (a standard 3.5mm mono jack), and a DC power input socket (mains or battery power options).

The device requires a separate mains supply or 'wall-wart'-type power plug (not provided), with an output between 9 to 12 volts DC, with a centre positive output plug.  If you do not already have one, these are readily available, at low cost (just search the internet for '9V power supply centre positive').

Alternatively, you can power the unit from an external 9 volt battery, if you are keen to try out the unit before you get a power supply.  A battery adapter is provided to allow you to do this.

The audio output, via the 3.5mm mono jack socket, can be fed directly into a hi-fi, instrument amp, or computer sound input.

The eight-position Mod dial provides the following effects:

• Off         - Osc 2 operates as a variable frequency oscillator, with no effects added from Osc 1
  
  
• Gate      - Osc 1 chops, or 'gates', the sound output up into on/off periods, at a variable rate
  
  
• Tri           - Applies a variable rate triangle wave to sweep Osc 2's frequency up and down
  
  
• Sqr         - Applies a variable rate square wave to Osc 2's frequency, for 2-tone sirens, trills, warbles, etc
  
  
• Filt          - Changes the tonal nature of Osc 2, like a filter would
  
  
• RM         - Ring Modulation.  The two oscillators combine to produce wild sum & difference frequencies
  
  
• Drone   - A 2-voice drone synth, with slowly moving beats & pulses, as the oscillators approach the same, or related frequencies
  
  
• APC        - Similar to the APC, or 'Atari Punk Console', but with a wider frequency range.  You can alter the pulse width of the output wave, to get tonal changes, and also the 'stepped tone' jumps through harmonically related frequencies, as you move the dials.

A demo video gives you some idea of the sounds it can create.  Try to hear all of the effects.  Although the casing and styling of the demo unit is different to the one for sale here, the controls and functionality are the same.

Mini Synth, 4-dial model

Video will open in a new window

Enjoy the unique sounds that a hand-crafted device can give you.

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