If you are looking for a fun and creative way to explore the world of analog sound synthesis, you might want to check out the Synth-a-Sette. This tiny synth is the size of a cassette tape, but it packs a lot of possibilities. You can play melodies anywhere with its touchpad keyboard, or invent your own keyboard by connecting everyday objects to the touchpads. You can also learn about electronics and STEM concepts by seeing how the synth works and experimenting with different circuits. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Synth-a-Sette, compare it with some similar products, and share some customer feedback. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of whether the Synth-a-Sette is the right synth for you.
What is the Synth-a-Sette?
The Synth-a-Sette is a portable analog synthesizer that you can play with your fingers or with any conductive object. It was designed by MicroKits, a small business that makes electronics kits for music and STEM education. The Synth-a-Sette comes in a cassette case, and it has a 13-key monophonic touchpad keyboard, an “octave up” button, a vibrato switch, a built-in speaker, a line out, and a battery compartment. It also comes with four alligator clips that you can attach to the touchpads and then clip onto fruits, forks, friends, or anything else that can complete a circuit. The Synth-a-Sette produces a filtered square wave tone, and you can adjust the pitch and volume with two knobs on the side. The Synth-a-Sette is a great introduction to analog sound synthesis, as it shows you the basic components and principles of how a synth works. It is also a fun and creative way to make music with everyday objects, and to learn about conductivity and circuits.
What are the benefits of the Synth-a-Sette?
The Synth-a-Sette has many benefits for different types of users. Here are some of them:
– For musicians on the go, the Synth-a-Sette is a convenient and compact instrument that you can take anywhere and play anytime. You don’t need any cables, adapters, or external speakers. You can just turn it on and start playing. You can also use the line out to connect it to an amplifier, a mixer, or a recording device. The Synth-a-Sette can add some unique and quirky sounds to your music, and you can experiment with different effects and modulations by using the vibrato switch and the pitch knob.
– For students and teachers, the Synth-a-Sette is a fun and engaging way to learn about music and STEM. You can use the Synth-a-Sette to explore the concepts of sound waves, frequency, pitch, volume, filters, and modulation. You can also use the alligator clips to test the conductivity of different materials, and to create your own musical instruments with fruits, vegetables, metal objects, or even your own body. The Synth-a-Sette can spark curiosity and creativity, and encourage collaboration and problem-solving.
– For hobbyists and synth enthusiasts, the Synth-a-Sette is a simple and affordable way to get started with analog synthesis, or to add an extra input to your existing setup. The Synth-a-Sette is a stripped-down and simplified synth, but it still has the essential elements of an analog synth: an oscillator, a filter, an envelope, and a modulator. You can use the Synth-a-Sette to learn the basics of how a synth works, or to experiment with different sounds and textures. You can also use the Synth-a-Sette as a controller for other synths, by using the line out to send CV signals.
What are the drawbacks of the Synth-a-Sette?
The Synth-a-Sette is not a perfect synth, and it has some limitations and drawbacks that you should be aware of. Here are some of them:
– The Synth-a-Sette is a monophonic synth, which means it can only play one note at a time. You cannot play chords or polyphonic melodies with it. You also cannot change the waveform or the filter type of the synth, as they are fixed to a square wave and a low-pass filter. The Synth-a-Sette is not very versatile or expressive, and it may not suit every musical style or genre.
– The Synth-a-Sette is a battery-powered synth, which means it can run out of power if you use it for a long time. You will need to replace the batteries regularly, or use rechargeable batteries. The Synth-a-Sette does not have a power switch, so you will need to remove the batteries when you are not using it, or it will drain the power. The Synth-a-Sette also does not have a USB port, so you cannot power it or connect it to a computer with a USB cable.
– The Synth-a-Sette is a DIY synth, which means it may not have the best quality or durability. The Synth-a-Sette is made of a printed circuit board, and it does not have a protective case or cover. The touchpads, buttons, switches, and knobs may be fragile or loose, and they may break or malfunction if you handle them roughly or drop them. The Synth-a-Sette also does not have a warranty or a customer service, so you may not be able to get a refund or a replacement if you encounter any problems with it.
How does the Synth-a-Sette compare with similar products?
The Synth-a-Sette is not the only portable analog synth on the market. There are some other products that have similar features or functions, but they also have some differences. Here is a table that compares the Synth-a-Sette with three other products: the Stylophone Gen X-1, the Dysphonia, and the Donner Essential B1.
| Product | Synth-a-Sette | Stylophone Gen X-1 | Dysphonia | Donner Essential B1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.95 | $69.99 | $99.00 | $121.89 |
| Size | 4 x 2.6 x 0.5 inches | 6.3 x 4.3 x 1.4 inches | 5.9 x 3.9 x 1.2 inches | 7.9 x 5.1 x 1.6 inches |
| Weight | 150 grams | 340 grams | 300 grams | 600 grams |
| Keyboard | 13-key touchpad | 20-key metal stylus | 12-key membrane | 16-key touchpad |
| Octave | Button | Switch | Knob | Button |
| Waveform | Square | Square | Saw, square, triangle | Saw, square, triangle |
| Filter | Low-pass | Low-pass | Low-pass, high-pass | Low-pass |
| Envelope | Fixed | Fixed | ADSR | ADSR |
| Modulation | Vibrato | LFO, PWM | LFO, PWM | LFO, PWM |
| Effects | None | Delay, sub-octaves | None | Saturation, delay |
| Sequencer | None | None | None | 128 patterns |
| Audio | Speaker, line out | Speaker, line in, line out | Speaker, line out | Speaker, line out |
| Power | Battery | Battery, USB | Battery, USB | Battery, USB |
| Extras | Alligator clips | None | DIY kit | Intuitive interface |
As you can see, the Synth-a-Sette has some advantages and disadvantages over the other products. The Synth-a-Sette is the cheapest, smallest, and lightest of the four, and it has the unique feature of being able to connect to conductive objects. However, the Synth-a-Sette is also the most limited and basic of the four, and it has the lowest quality and durability. The other products have more features and functions, such as different waveforms, filters, envelopes, modulations, effects, and sequencers. They also have better quality and durability, and they have USB ports for power and connectivity. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may find one of these products more suitable for you than the Synth-a-Sette.
What do customers say about the Synth-a-Sette?
The Synth-a-Sette has received mostly positive feedback from customers who have bought and used it. Here are some of the reviews that we found on Amazon and MicroKits:
– “I’ve had a blast playing with the synth-a-sette!! It’s a neat little gizmo that is pretty easy to set up and has a nice sound. The part I love the most is how creative is allows you to be in constructing your “keyboard.” I used succulent leaves at first and went from there. It’s great that there are controls for volume, tuning, and vibrato – as well as a headphone jack – which you might not expect for something that fits into a cassette case. As a musician, I would recommend this to anyone who likes tinkering with new instruments and discovering new sounds.” – Andrew S
– “My daughter is having so much fun with her synthasette!!
– “I bought this as a gift for my nephew who loves music and science. He was amazed by how the synth-a-sette works and how he can make different sounds with different objects. He even made a banana keyboard and played some tunes with it. He said it was the coolest thing ever. I think this is a great product for kids and adults who want to learn more about sound synthesis and have some fun at the same time.” – Lisa M
– “This is a very cool and unique synth. I like how small and portable it is, and how it can be played with anything that conducts electricity. It has a nice retro sound, and it can be used to create some interesting effects and textures. It is also very easy to use, and it comes with a clear and helpful manual. The only thing I wish it had was a power switch, because it drains the batteries pretty fast if you forget to take them out. Other than that, I think this is a great synth for anyone who likes to experiment with sound and music.” – Kevin R
Where can you buy the Synth-a-Sette?
If you are interested in buying the Synth-a-Sette, you can order it online from Amazon or from MicroKits. The price is $59.95, and it includes free shipping and returns. You can also choose from different colors and designs, such as black, white, red, blue, green, yellow, or rainbow. The Synth-a-Sette comes with a cassette case, four alligator clips, a 3.5mm audio cable, and a user manual. You will need to buy four AAA batteries separately, or use rechargeable ones.
The Synth-a-Sette is a limited edition product, and it may not be available for long. If you want to get your hands on this amazing synth, you should act fast and order it today. You will not regret it, as you will have hours of fun and learning with this synth. You will also impress your friends and family with your musical skills and creativity. The Synth-a-Sette is more than just a synth, it is an adventure.
[Click here to buy the Synth-a-Sette now](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM82V2KL)Conclusion
The Synth-a-Sette is a portable analog synthesizer that you can play with your fingers or with any conductive object. It is a fun and creative way to make music and to learn about sound synthesis and electronics. It is also a simple and affordable way to get started with analog synthesis, or to add an extra input to your existing setup. The Synth-a-Sette has many benefits, but it also has some drawbacks and limitations. You should consider your needs and preferences before buying it. You should also compare it with some similar products, and read some customer reviews. If you decide to buy the Synth-a-Sette, you can order it online from Amazon or from MicroKits. The Synth-a-Sette is a limited edition product, and it may not be available for long. If you want to get your hands on this amazing synth, you should act fast and order it today.
We hope this article has helped you to learn more about the Synth-a-Sette, and to decide whether it is the right synth for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading, and happy synthesizing!
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