Percussa has launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of the mSSP (micro Super Signal Processor), a compact version of their powerful SSP (Super Signal Processor) module.

The mSSP is a powerful, multi-purpose module in Eurorack format. It can run a library of synthesis and DSP modules, and also is open to running Linux/ARM VST plugins.

Like the SSP, the mSSP is based on a quad-core ARM cortex A17 processor @ 1.8GHz, one of the fastest ARM processors available. It also features high-end AKM audio converters, offering 8 in / 4 out @192kHz 32-bit.

The mSSP will run the same DSP software as the SSP, but in a smaller and more affordable form-factor, with fewer hardware controls, less internal memory and reduced connectivity.

Features:

• Audio and Control Voltage I/O
  • 8 inputs via high end AKM ADC with 32 bit resolution supporting sample rates of 192kHz, 96kHz and 48kHz (AK5558)
  • 4 outputs via high end AKM DAC with 32 bit resolution supporting sample rates of 192kHz, 96kHz and 48kHz (AK4454)
  • DC coupled inputs and outputs, eurorack voltage compliant (-5V to +5V)
  • All inputs and outputs support any signal type (audio, control, gate, trigger, etc)
  • Low-noise power supplies and op-amp stages, featuring 0.1% resistors
• DSP Processing
  • Quad core CPU running at 1.8 GHz per core with NEON SIMD parallel processing
  • 32-bit floating point ADC/DAC input and output with 64-bit DSP algorithms
  • Capable of running multiple DSP modules in parallel on multiple cores
• Synthesis Engine
  • Preloaded with 50 modular synthesis patches covering a wide range of synthesis techniques and audio processing methods (half of the patches are chosen by Percussa with the other half to be voted on by backers)
  • Custom DSP software with more than 25 built-in synth modules such as wavetable oscillators, granulars, samplers, filters and effects
  • Patches can use combinations of many fundamental DSP modules allowing multichannel and multivoice architectures
  • Supports loading your own WAV files into patch modules via USB flash drives (e.g. load your own samples in the wavetable oscillators, granular processors, samplers, etc)
  • Modify, store and recall patch module parameters as presets (limited only by size of the USB stick)
  • Storage and recall of presets and patches with the press of a button
  • 100+ pre-recorded samples / wavetables with royalty free license for (m)SSP users
  • Supports loading synthesis patches created on the SSP by Percussa or the SSP community
• Development Kit / VST support
  • Support to develop and load your own Linux/ARM VST plugins (requires linux knowledge and compiling code for Linux/ARM)
  • Example Quad VCA VST plugin code written in C++ using the JUCE framework already available for download on github and ready to go, including documentation in the SSP forum
• Display, Graphics and User Interface 
  • 320×240 pixel high contrast full colour IPS display (wide angle visibility)
  • 4x High quality Aluminium Machined Knobs
  • 4x Endless and Click-less High Quality Encoders
  • 8x Industrial Temperature high quality Switches
  • Shallow menu system (no menu diving)
  • Large fonts for parameter display for instant readability
  • Signal input / output Oscilloscope features
• Connectivity
  • 2 USB host ports supporting USB MIDI (MPE) controllers and USB flash drives (for storing samples, patches, presets and for loading software updates)
  • Support for USB ethernet adapters for developers (see instructions in SSP forum)
  • Serial linux console connector on back of PCB
• On-board Storage
  • 4 GB flash
  • 2 GB RAM

Video Demos:

Here are a few examples of the mSSP in action:

The first video demonstrates an 8-voice wavetable synthesis patch, controlled via MIDI, with each voice consisting of a wavetable oscillator with 3D morphing, ADSR envelope, input modulation, MIDI module, and a bus module. The patch also has a delay and reverb module before going to the output module where the signals are routed to the output channels.

The second video demonstrates a granular patch using a choir sample, with input (start/length) modulation, and a delay and reverb processor, right before the output module.

The main differences between the mSSP and Percussa’s larger SSP are:

• the mSSP has 8 in/4 out whereas the SSP has 16 in/ 8 outs
• the mSSP does not have a USB device port for audio streaming to PC/Mac
• the mSSP has a smaller display than the SSP
• the mSSP doesn’t have an SD card slot, but users can connect a USB flash drive (not included) to load and save patches/presets
• the mSSP has less pushbuttons: 8 instead of 18
• the mSSP has 4GB of internal flash, while the SSP has 16GB
• the mSSP doesn’t offer the multichannel direct to disk recorder available on the SSP
• the mSSP does not have a 2D internal patching system as is the case on the SSP, but still offers flexibility to make changes to the pre-loaded patches through changing, storing and recall parameter settings and offering the ability to re-route patch signals via toggle settings
• In terms of connectivity, the mSSP will offer 2 USB host ports supporting MIDI (MPE) controllers and USB flash drives. Storage wise the mSSP comes with 2GB of internal RAM and 4GB of internal flash, which is especially useful for loading large WAV files into patch modules.

Pricing and Availability

The mSSP is available to project backers for $549. Estimated delivery is June 2019.