Synthesizers are cool stuff. They changed the trajectory of music forever. As cool as they are, analog synthesizers are bulky. And would cost you an arm. And then a leg too. That’s where digital synthesizers come in. They’re cheaper, more accessible, and requires a lot less know-how to operate. POLYWAVE is a take on a digital synthesizer that is compact enough to fit in your pocket, and flexible enough for complete workflows.
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Super small size
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OLED touchscreen for multitouch controls and modulation*
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Tactile, concave, pressure sensitive keys
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6 endless encoders assignable to a number of functions
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Stereo speakers provide rich sound
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Folds like a book
Project overview
This design project was done over a duration of 6 weeks
I love making songs, and experimenting with sounds and modular synthesis. A MIDI keyboard is an essential tool for me. But being a college student who travels back and forth from hostel to home pretty regularly, I often find it difficult to carry my MIDI keyboard with me as it takes a lot of room in my backpack. Plus it’s heavy. I have always wished I had something that I could just take along with me, something that was really portable.
I have used and still use software synth apps on phones and iPad. To be fair, they’re really really great! Software synths have been progressing very rapidly thanks to more powerful processors, and it’s only a matter of time till it reaches and even exceeds what analog synthesizers are capable of. But I would always miss the tactile feedback and just the general fun and intuitiveness of playing on a regular keybed. So I thought I could take this up as a project and try to bring the best of both worlds together, and have fun while doing it!
Process
Research insights
Ideation
Design brief
How might we design a Digital Synthesizer that is intuitive and travel friendly
