Plinky Touch Synthesizer: 8-Voice Polyphonic Instrument for Expressive Sounds

Introduction to Plinky Polyphonic Touch Synthesizer

Plinky is an 8-voice expressive polyphonic touch synthesizer designed by mmalex, specializing in fragile and melancholic sounds. It functions like an eight-stringed instrument, featuring eight vertical monophonic strips that you can play immediately using its 64 main pads. This unique design allows musicians to explore intricate textures and emotional soundscapes with ease.

Sound Engine and Modulation Features

Each of Plinky’s eight strings includes four oscillators or sampler grains, which can be detuned by the touch of your fingers. Additional sound-shaping tools include white noise, two ADSR envelopes, and a resonant 2-pole low-pass gate. These components combine to create a rich and dynamic sonic palette.

Moreover, Plinky offers global effects such as delay, reverb, a high-pass filter, and saturation. It also includes a simple mixer, arpeggiator, sequencer, and sampler, enhancing its versatility for electronic music production.

External Modulation and Connectivity

The synthesizer supports four external CV modulation sources, each equipped with its own LFO, allowing for complex modulation possibilities. The latest version, Plinky v3, integrates TRS MIDI input and output directly on-board. This enables users to sequence polyphonic chords externally while playing melodic lines on the touch surface. The update also introduces USB-C connectivity, optimized build experience, and improvements to the audio path.

Availability and Versions

Initially released in 2021, Plinky faced production challenges due to the chip crisis. In collaboration with mmalex, Making Sound Machines has reintroduced Plinky both as an assembled unit and as a beginner-friendly DIY kit. The DIY kits are available through Thonk (UK), Exploding Shed (EU), and Nightlife Electronics (CAN). Assembled units can be purchased at select stores including Thonk (UK), Perfect Circuit (US), and Nightlife Electronics (CAN).

Open Source and Community Contributions

Plinky is open source, benefiting from contributions by its community and PCB developers such as Making Sound Machines, TiNRS, Okyeron, and LPZW. This openness encourages ongoing improvements and customization, making it a flexible tool for electronic musicians and synth enthusiasts.