MMXX T-APE is a bytebeat synth and sequencer in a cassette form factor
Don’t put this one in your boombox.
PhonicBloom’s latest instrument, MMXX T-APE, is a flexible bytebeat synth-sequencer designed to fit in the palm of your hand like an unassuming cassette tape.
Bytebeat sound engines convert short lines of code – or simple mathematical formulas – into audio, which is usually sent out to an 8-bit channel. This gives it a chiptune-esque timbre.
T-APE’s features lean into editing these formulae musically, letting you zoom in, slice, mangle and rearrange audio into sequences, arpeggios and more.
The device sports two rotary controllers – positioned as the T-APE’s spindles – as well as touch sensors and light sensors. The latter are said to add “a kind of Theremin-like functionality” to the device.
The bottom of the device lets you access its eight control parameters: Layers, Sequencer, Bytebeat, Delay, Formulas, Arpeggiator, Variables and Volume.
Bytebeat and Variables adjust the bit-rate and variables of the active bytebeat formula, respectively. Meanwhile, Formulas lets you load pre-programmed formulae for a quick start.
There’s also a secondary layer with an 8-bit piano (with sine, triangle and square waves), 64-step sequencers for each patch and an arpeggiator with four operating modes.
Listen to it in action below:
Pre-orders for the MMXX T-APE are set to open next week. The device is priced at €69 and comes with a protective tin box, sticker and manual.
Learn more at phonicbloom.com
