This morning, littleBits and Korg announced the release of three new modules for their popular Synth Kit. New MIDI, CV, and USB I/O modules are now available to enable user to connect the kit to additional equipment in the music studio.

The original littleBits SYNTH KIT, launched in the Fall of 2013, lets you build your own sound machines by putting together individual modules in different combinations.

LittleBits Video Theremin:

LittleBits Modular Interface:

This video focuses on using CV Toolkit with littleBits:

More About the New Modules:

The MIDI module allows the user to control the Synth Kit from MIDI-enabled hardware instruments and computer software (Ableton Live, Pro Tools, etc). Additionally, the MIDI module allows the user to create his/her own MIDI controller with littleBits modules, by converting littleBits control voltages to MIDI messages.

CV Module. A control voltage (CV) is a variable voltage signal that is used to control module behaviors ranging from the pitch of oscillators to the cutoff setting of filters and more. The CV module can scale incoming voltages as high as 12V down to the 5V system the littleBits system employs.  To use the CV module to control your other CV enabled synthesizer equipment, connect the control device to the “CV Out” jack. CV signals received from littleBits modules at the input bitSnap are routed to the “CV Out” jack and the output bitSnap.

The USB I/O module allows the user send and receive digital audio and control voltages to and from a computer. When used in conjunction with a DAW, you can record your Synth Kit directly into a computer without the need of an external audio interface. You can also send audio from a computer into the littleBits system to manipulate it, for example, with the filter and delay modules.

“These modules can breathe new life into the gear musicians already have and be a bridge between digital and analog,” shared Paul Rothman, Director of Research and Development for littlebits. “Having a design partner like Korg also means that Synth Kit users don’t have to look far to find great instruments to connect to. Whether it’s using the Taktile via the MIDI module, controlling your MS-20mini with the CV module, or recording everything on the go using the USB I/O module, there are really endless combinations to explore.”

According to the design teams, there are “many more” littleBits innovations in the works, including some submitted by the littleBits user community. “The bitLab is a great place to see what could be on the horizon (like the LFO module created with Korg, currently up for vote) and we’ll be hard at work on the next modules that will push the limit of what can be done with littleBits,“ added Rothman.

Pricing and Availability:

The littleBits/Korg modules are available now via the littleBits webstore. The Synth Pro Kit ($139.95) contains 2 x CV modules, MIDI module, USB I/O, mounting boards, and needed cables. The modules are also sold individually: USB I/O ($34.95), Control Voltage ($34.95), and MIDI ($39.95).

More information about the SYNTH KIT, the new modules, and product specifications are available on the llittleBits website.