UNleaSH YOUR INNeR ROcK STaR. THe ScReamINg FaNS. THe FlOOd OF lIgHTS. THe ONSTage RUSH.
WARNING • This product contains small magnets. Swallowed magnets can stick together across intestines causing serious infections and death. Seek immediate medical attention if magnets are swallowed or inhaled. • Most littleBits modules are small parts. DO NOT allow children under 3 years old to play with or near this product. • NEVER connect any littleBits modules or circuits to any AC electrical outlet. • Do not touch or hold any moving parts of littleBits modules while they are operating.
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lITTleBITS BaSIcS Tm 4 2 1 3 CIRCUITS IN SECONDS COLOR CODED TM littleBits makes an expanding library of modular electronics that snap together with magnets. TM reen, d a � een an w ue a �l al, in b� � on ne ays are �� w l a e You Orang d k an n i P Bits modules are grouped into four different categories, which are color coded: pOweR is needed in every circuit and the start of all your creations. INpUT modules accept input from you and the environment and send signals to the modules that follow.
wHaT IS SOUNd? Sound is the vibration of air or another medium (like water). When you speak, sing, or clap, you create sound waves that radiate out into the environment. Every sound has its own “signature” that is called a waveform. peak lower pitch pITcH vS. FReqUeNcY Frequency and pitch are similar, but not the same! Frequency can be measured scientifically, while pitch is dependent on individual perception. You can distinguish pitches as being “higher” or “lower.
HISTORY OF the SYNTH Theremin - first electronic musical instrument. Switched on Bach see pg 13 Film score for Forbidden Planet see pg 23 then 50 60 KORG MS-20 introduced. 70 Robert Moog and Don Buchla began producing the first commercial musical synthesizers. 6 ELEMENTS OF A SYNTH Korg’s MS-20 synthesizer, first introduced in 1978, is still a coveted instrument to this day; thanks to its thick, robust sound, its powerful, iconic analog filter, and its versatile patching options.
KNOW YOUR BITS modules it all starts with power. . . tm This is the Synth Kit, Version 1 Learn more and shop for individual Bits modules at littleBits.cc/Bits 9-volt battery and cable included turn it on and off right here power p1 This power module lets you use a 9-volt battery to supply electricity to your other Bits modules. Snap in the battery + cable (both included) and flip the switch to turn it on.
ELEMENTS OF A SYNTH Signal Generators try both modes! Twist to change pitch! oscillator i31 random i34 The oscillator is the main sound source in the Synth Kit and is capable of creating audio tones that will be used in almost every sound experiment you create. It features a “pitch” knob to adjust its output tone and a “tune” dial for adjusting the tuning (learn about tuning on pg 21) when using with the keyboard. It also features a mode switch that selects between “square” and “saw” waveforms.
ELEMENTS OF A SYNTH The dial allows you to play in 4 octaves. 13 x 4 = 52 different notes! Trigger output sends maximum output at every key press. 13 keys twist knobs to make a melody keyboard i30 micro sequencer i36 The keyboard lets you play melodies – it features 13 switches that make up an octave of notes. It has two modes: “press” (which only produces output when you press a switch) and “hold” (which will sustain the last note you played).
ELEMENTS OF A SYNTH ELEMENTS OF A SYNTH Attack = time to reach loudest point Decay = time to return to silence envelope i33 The envelope modifies the loudness contour of a sound. It takes a sound input and shapes it into something you’d hear from an acoustic musical instrument, like a piano or saxophone. This envelope has two controls: “attack”, which is how long it takes to ramp up to maximum volume, and “decay”, which is how long it takes to fade to silence again.
combine sounds create spac¡ey echoes! DELAY i35 mix i37 The delay module takes incoming audio and repeats it, like an echo. It has two knobs: “time”, which sets the delay length between a sound and its repetition, and “feedback”, which controls how many times the sound repeats. Delays can be long and spacey, like shouting into the Grand Canyon, or loud and crazy. This module will play forever if you turn the “feedback” knob all the way up.
hookup to headphones, amplifiers or computers split signals or use as a wire! We recommend using littleBits brand 9-volt batteries, but standard alkaline or standard rechargeable batteries may also be used. adjust volume SPLIT w19 SYNTH speaker o24 BATTERY AND CABLE a1 The littleBits split module sends a single input to two wired outputs. It’s great for connecting one output to two inputs, like using a keyboard to control two oscillators.
synth in pop culture sounds good I know In 1968, Wendy Carlos a pioneer in electronic music recorded the landmark album “Switched-On Bach”, which consisted of pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach performed on a synthesizer. “Switched-On Bach” was one of the first classical albums to sell half a million copies. The album won 3 Grammy Awards. FORMED IN 1970, Kraftwerk, which means “power station” in German, built the foundation of the electro-pop genre with their revolutionary synth sound.
TRY THeSe cIRcUITS Get started with these but don’t let us hold you back – every module fits with every other module – feel free to experiment. 14 pITcH SweepS Learn how an oscillator works. The “pitch” range goes from being so low that it is unpitched (you actually hear clicks) to very high pitches. You can have lots of fun by twisting the pitch knob and “sweeping” through all the frequencies! adjust volume 1 Plug battery in and turn power on.
wHITe NOISe Experience the random module. Always plug battery in and turn power on. KeY plaYeR Learn how to play notes on the keyboard. noise mode power random A visual example of noise. power adjust volume with dial Noise happens when the television or radio is set betwe� stations. The random module has two modes and one of them is called “noise”. Un-pitched sound is generally categorized as noise or a collection of many frequencies that are not distinguishable from one another.
SeqUeNceR cONTROl Make a melody. power spe� mode micro sequencer turn a knob all the way down to mute a step. oscillator FReqUeNcY mOdUlaTION Discover how two oscillators interact. speaker power oscillator oscillator speaker plug me in on me turn change speed Turn knobs to set your melody. Cha�e the pitch. A human can play repeated notes, but a se�uencer can play them automatically! A sequencer is a very novel controller and is unique to the world of synthesizers.
SHape YOUR SOUNdS Experiment with the envelope. power Turn attack up and hit a key. What happens? Put in �old mode. keyboard oscillator envelope Turn decay down and hit a key. What happens? sharp attack sharp decay like a drum Hit�� a drum, the sound appears and disappears right away. speaker sharp attack gradual decay like a piano Always connect the battery and turn the power on. The envelope of a sound has a big effect on the character of the sound.
RaNdOm vOlTage Have fun with this random sound generator! power tu e on rn m spe� mode micro sequencer Position of knobs affects range of random voltages. random random mode FIlTeRINg NOISe Create a unique sound using the filter module. oscillator speaker adjust volume Random voltages can produce interesting effects in a synthesizer. Traditionally, this is created by a circuit called “sample and hold” or “S&H”.
ecHO aNd delaY Learn how to make infinite repeating sounds with the delay. power oscillator You can set how soon the repeated sound is heard with the time knob. delay TRY S THI speaker The feedback knob sets how many times that sound is repeated. The delay affects the sound, but unlike the filter, its primary function is not to add or subtract from the original sound, but to reproduce it. Think of it as an echo in a large room or cave.
pROJecTS Enhanced instructions plus tons more projects online, littleBits.cc/synth Enhanced instructions plus tons more projects online, littleBits.cc/synth Visit littleBits.cc/recordyourmusic for tips on how to record, edit and share your music.
PROJECT 1: Learn how to make your song’s pitch perfect. TUNINg 1 Start with this circuit. power Always connect the battery and turn the power on. 2 Pick one key and turn the “octave” dial clockwise and counterclockwise. Do you hear the difference? Listen to the range (how “high” and “low” the sound goes). press mode keyboard octa� dial oscillator speaker 3 �urn the keyboard “octave” control to the middle of the range. 4 �urn pitch knob on oscillator to change the fre�uency.
PROJECT 2: Serenade a friend! plaY a SONg 1 Start with this circuit. power turn me on 22 2 �hen, tune your oscillator (see previous p�ject). keyboard 3 Adjust pitch to match the range of your voice! oscillator 4 USe ThiS coLOr COdeD KEYboaRd and tHe noTeS to The RIGhT TO HeLP YoU PLaY a SOnG! speaker change pitch The bass sound in Stevie Wonder’s 1973 song “Living for the City” features the use of a keyboard, oscillator, and envelope. Can you replicate that sound? SYNITSHT H Go to littleBits.
PROJECT 3: Create a supernatural soundtrack. SpOOKY SOUNdS 1 Start with this circuit. power The film score by Louis and Bebe SYNITSHT Barron for “Forbidden Planet” H (1958) was one of the first to make use of entirely electronic music. 3 �urn the �me up (clockwise) on the delay module. Put the random module on “noise” mode. 2 turn on me random filter �urn the feedback up (clockwise) on the delay module. 4 speaker delay S� “peak” to middle and play with “cutoff.
PROJECT 4: Dance to the beat of your own drums. peRcUSSION paRTY 1 turn me on 24 NOISe spe� mode TRY MaKinG A. . . . . .�orse galloping sound – Turn one of the knobs all the way down on the sequencer to make the sound effect for a horse galloping. . . .woodblock sound – Turn the peak knob up (clockwise), turn the cut off down (counter clockwise). . . .water drop sound – Keep the peak up. Turn the cut off to a mid-range (higher than the woodblock). Noise is an un-pitched sound.
PROJECT 5: Recreate metallic sounds with the envelope. meTal mUSIc 1 Start with this circuit. power People who are musically inclined tend to be better at math! Go figure. FUN T FAC turn on me spe� mode micro sequencer 2 S� your r�ythm by adjusti� knobs on the micro se�uencer. 4 �urn pitch of the second oscillator up until you reach a metallic sound - like a bell. oscillator 3 �urn the pitch of the first oscillator up (clockwise).
PROJECT 6: Learn how to play a melody with accompaniment. 4 Adjust the filter un�l you reach the sound you like. SYNTH BaNd 1 Start with this circuit. power turn 26 on me micro sequencer oscillator 5 S� mix level 1¡ � low and mix le�l 2 higher. filter split mix keyboard 8 YOu’Re REadY TO PERForM! oscillator 2 �une both oscillators (refer to page 21 on 3 Create a pattern on the how to do this). Oscillators can either be set micro se�uencer that you like.
PROJECT 7: Create one monster synth with all of these modules! SYNTHeSIZeR wITH THe wORKS 1 Start with this circuit. power turn on me oscillator keyboard split 2 �une both oscillators (refer to page 21 on how to do �is). Oscillators can either be s� to “consonant” (harmonious) or “dissonant” (inharmonious) intervals. 4 Adjust the envelope. mix oscillator envelope 3 Adjust volume of each oscillator on the mix module. 5 Adjust the filter. filter 6 Add some echoes by ad�usting the delay module.
And now a brief intermission from the projects. vISIT US aT lITTleBITS.cc/TIpS FOR SOme amaZINg TIpS & TRIcKS mold a handle with 1 ClaY cut a hole in a . . . 2 PlaSTIc CUP 3 make a knob with a 5 STYroFOam BALl PAPer PLaTe 4 just press it on . . . and tape it on CARdBoaRd TUbe 7 adjust from a distance with a. . . PIPe CleaNeR . . . or. . .
PROJECT 8: Transform your box! peRFORm lIKe a pRO Visit littleBits.cc/prosetup for instructions on how to set up your modules so you can put on live performances anywhere and on the go! TIME: 60 mins DIFFICULTY: Build a performance station! Power up your circuit and STarT PLaYInG! Buy mounting boards online at littleBits.cc/mountingboards COOl! Just like the KORG MS-20.
PROJECT 9: Create your own electronic instrument! KeYTaR 1 2 Draw a guitar-like shape and cut it out of cardboard. adjust pitch Start with this circuit. oscillator power keyboard oscillator envelope delay speaker small end for keyboard wider end for other modules TIME: 60 mins DIFFICULTY: 30 YOU adjust pitch NEED ’LL box cutter sTAY sAFE! Always use with an adult.
3 �ape or glue smaller box to the back of the wider end. 5 Add the circuit. 6 Add a whammy bar! 7 Add a strap. 8 ROcK OUT! use stapler be careful! 4 Decorate! Use paint, markers, whate�r you have! tuck battery in behind glue popsicle stick to styrofoam ball Show us your design! littleBits.cc/upload place styrofoam ball on t� of second oscillator We used elastic. You could also try ribbon, string, cloth. . .
PROJECT 10: Play your Synth Kit like a DJ. SYNTH SpIN TaBle 1 Start with this circuit. oscillator spe� mode power micro sequencer split mix envelope speaker 2 Lay cereal box flat. TIME: 2 hrs DIFFICULTY: 32 YOU adjust volume NEED ’LL hot glue sTAY sAFE! Always use with an adult.
3 Put the circuit on the box. Use tape to k¡eep �em in place. 4 Attach one straw on each oscillator knob. make first turntable 5 G� paper plate cut down to size. 6 Mark center of plate and poke hole. 7 Slide plate onto straw. make second turntable 8 Poke a hole in the bottom of a cup and slide it on the straw of the second oscillator. 9 Repeat steps 5-7 and add another plate on t� of the cup. You can tape straw to cup at the base for stabilizing.
10 Glue straws to plates. 11 Decorate! glue bend flat 34 We used colored straws.
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This booklet’s over but the fun’s not done. lITTleBITS.cc/UplOad Want More? You got it! EXPLORATION SERIES Upload your project and you may be handsomely rewarded. We regularly feature awesome community projects and send out exclusive gifts. Visit us online where we’ve got tons more projects and tips and tricks for every Bits module. Check out other modules in the expanding library. Base Kit Premium Kit Deluxe Kit INDIVIDUAL MODULES TONS mORe pROJecTS at www.littleBits.
