A bit bird sent in a idea about a truly awesome MIDI synth. It’s called the Ambika, as well as it seems like just the thing to introduce a synth head to the world of soldering.
Compared to an entry-level synthesizer like the microKorg or its ilk, the Ambika is packed full of truly awesome features that just occur to noise awesome. In addition to the fundamental saw, square, as well as sine waves, there is likewise FM, as well as wavetable synthesis together with a noise generator, rudimentary voice synth, as well as a bitcrushed sawtooth wave voice. Really, the noise demos (available after the break) speak for themselves.
The hardware is based on the ATMega644p, a relatively high-powered 8-bit microprocessor notably utilized in the Sanguino. This synth supports as much as 6 voices, each private voice is contained on a separate circuit board connected to the motherboard.
Of course, the schematics/board files/firmware for the Ambika are freely available along with a quite amazing set of technical notes. There’s no word on exactly how much the Ambika will cost, however having it offered as a set must make it palatable if you don’t mind costs a Saturday holding an iron.
Tip ‘o the hat to an anon for sending this in.