NAMM 2022: Playtime Engineering reveals synth and groovestation for kids, grown-up synth fans rejoice
Both devices come with a colourful design and easy to use buttons
Blipbox myTracks. Credit: Playtime Engineering
NAMM 2022: US-based Playtime Engineering has revealed the latest additions to their Blipbox line of kid-friendly electronic music production tools, the SK2 synthesizer and the myTracks production groovestation.
- READ MORE: Flume: “Being a solo producer can be lonely. I try to make it fun with as low stakes as possible”
Both devices come with a colourful design and easy to use buttons in order to make them more attractive as toys for young children, but are also packed with features that will enable any young Deadmau5 to immediately begin producing their own music.
The SK2 features 400 built-in melodies with video game pop and classical music riff samples available, and boasts resonant multi-mode filters, wavetable synthesis, 16 oscillator schemes and stereo multi-tap delay. Playtime has also included new set of pitch-shifting drum samples, and has made sure the device will keep kids entertained with a built-in LED lightshow.
The synthesizer supports MIDI In, 6.35mm audio out.
The myTracks comes with a 5×5 grid of playpads for sound triggers and sequencer clips. It features 48 unique instrument sounds including acoustic, electronic, and percussion instruments for children to begin experimenting with. Each instrument can be applied to the 5 tracks, and can be controlled using Playtime’s signature levers which feature two effects processors that can be applied to any track.
The device also comes with a built-in microphone allowing for greater experimentation as the user becomes more familiar with the functions of the myTracks. Sets can be saved for the future, and the myTracks also sports a randomisation function to stir inspiration.
The myTracks is also updatable through its class-compliant USB MIDI in-and-out capable USB-C port, and users will be able to download new sound sets for specific styles of music.
Both Blipbox devices can be battery-powered, and include 5-pin MIDI In and 1/4” Audio Out. Playtime has also ensured their Blipblox synthesizers are fully certified to international safety standards including FCC, CE, ASTM F963-17, CPSC 16, EN62115, REACH, RohS and CA Prop 65 for toys, for ages 3 and up.
The Blipbox SK2 will be available in November 2022 at a price of $199 and the Blipbox myTracks will be available in Q1 2023 at a price of $249.
Learn more at blipbox.com
