Freaq FM 8-bit Digital FM Generative Synthesizer

2 independent FM voices each with user-controllable waveform, modulation envelope and LFO, integrated with a 16-step generative sequencer.

Voices

  • 2 independent 8-bit FM voices

  • 2-operator FM (for old-school prince of persia vibes!)

  • Multi-mode FM ratios - quantised, free-multiple, independent

  • Multiple operator waveforms for carrier & modulator - Sine, Triangle, Overdriven triangle, Saw, Square, Noise, Off

  • Attack/Decay modulation envelope per voice

  • LFO per voice with multiple waveforms and configurable destination: modulation envelope (attack, decay or depth), FM ratio, note length

Sequencer

  • 2/1.5 track polymetric sequencer with up to 16 steps per track (Both tracks use same note sequence but can have different step-counts for poly-metric rhythms)

  • Multiple generative algorithms - (semi)random notes, (semi)random runs, arpeggio, drone

  • Sequence mutates/evolves at user-defined rate & note-density

  • Selectable tonic, octave & scale - Ionian (Major), Minor (Dorian), Pentatonic, Phrygian (GOA!), Octaves, Fifths

  • Tap-tempo control

  • Sync input & output (Korg Volca compatible)

  • 16-step parameter-lock recording of synth parameters (track 1 only)

Hardware

  • Mono audio output (16KHz 14-bit DAC)

  • Sync input / output (0-5V rising-edge)

  • Powered by an Arduino Nano V3

  • 112mm (w) x 100mm (d) x 40mm (h)

  • 7-12V DC or micro USB powered

Inputs & Outputs

Display

Sequencer Control

Voice Control

Specifications and Architecture

Voice Architecture

Voice 1

Voice 2
Carrier - 8-bit digital oscillator
Octave 0-7
Waveform - Sine, Triangle, Overdriven Triangle, Saw, Square, Noise, Off

 Carrier - 8-bit digital oscillator
Octave 0-7
Waveform - Sine, Triangle, Overdriven Triangle, Saw, Square, Noise, Off
Modulator
FM Ratio
FM Ratio Mode - quantised, high-multiple, low-multiple, fixed
Waveform - Sine, Triangle, Overdriven Triangle, Saw, Square, Noise, Off

 Modulator
FM Ratio
FM Ratio Mode - quantised, high-multiple, low-multiple, fixed
Waveform - Sine, Triangle, Overdriven Triangle, Saw, Square, Noise, Off
Modulation Envelope
Depth
Attack time
Decay time

 Modulation Envelope
Depth
Attack time
Decay time
LFO
Depth
Rate
Waveform - Sine, Triangle, Overdriven Triangle, Saw, Square, Noise, Off

 LFO
Depth
Rate
Waveform - Sine, Triangle, Overdriven Triangle, Saw, Square, Noise, Off
Parameter Locks
Per-step parameter locks:
Note length
LFO depth
FM Ratio
Modulation envelope attack, decay & depth


Parameter locks apply to track 1, but are recorded into the track with the longest sequence length. For example, if Track 1 has 3 steps and track 2 has 16 steps, you will record a 16-step parameter-lock sequence which is applied to track 1 		 

Sequencer Architecture

Track 1

Track 2
Sequence Length Sequence Length
Current Step Current Step

Shared

Sequence Notes
Sequence Mutation Rate
Sequence Note Density
Sync pulse clock division (1-4 steps per pulse)

Specifications
Synthesis 2-operator FM
8-bit digital oscillators
Polyphony 2 bi-timbral voices
Sequencer 2/1.5 track 16 step polymetric sequencer
Modulation Attack/decay envelope per channel
Multi-waveform LFO per channel
Parameter locking per step (voice 1 only)
I/O Mono audio out
Sync in / out
DC power 9-12v
Micro USB (power and firmware update)
Eurorack power (with modification)
External Sync Input 3.5mm mono jack
0-5V rising edge sync pulse
1-4 steps per pulse (user configurable)
External Sync Output 3.5mm mono jack
0-5V rising edge sync pulse (15ms)
1 pulse output per 1-4 steps (user configurable)
Signal Output 3.5mm mono jack
Signal output 14-bit 16384Hz DAC
Microprocessor Arduino Nano V3 (ATMEGA328P)
Power supply Micro USB
9-12VDC 2.1mm Positive tip
Can be adapted for +12V eurorack power

Display 8 x 8 LED matrix
Power consumption 300mA @ 12VDC
Dimensions 111mm (w) (~22HP) x 100mm (d) x 40mm (h)