Ploytec, the makers of the teeny-weeny Pi L Squared synthesizer, have announced the availability of new firmware (version PL02.56) which adds a 'Vocal Tract' model filter for creating formant sounds and speech. According to Ploytec it's an homage to the General Instruments SP0256-AL2 chip from the 80s.
There are two main performance modes, the first of which allows playing of allophones (or speech elements) on the keyboard while controlling the note with the mod wheel. The second mode offer teh opposite: allophone selection via modulation wheel and note playing on the keyboard. The new firmware also allows choose between alphabetical and original order and supports using controllers such as a Novation Launchpad to access all 64 allophones.
Hear how it sounds here.
What the PL2 lacks in size, it more than makes up for with variety of sounds. It's a duophonic synth two analogue square wave oscillators which can be interconnected in various ways.
Generally the PL2 follows the principle of subtractive synthesis in which the waveform runs through an adjustable digital filter stage (low- high- and band-pass) to edit the frequency spectrum and/or add resonance. After the digital filter an additional analogue low-pass filter follows which adds a degree of warmth, especially for more digital sounds.
Then, there's an analogue saturation stage at the output that provides dynamic compression and is intended to add extra punch in the bass.
For more info about Ploytec's little synth, head to their website.
