Will you back the Synthino XM hardware synth?

The compact hardware synth market could be set to get yet another entrant, with the Synthino XM instrument currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign.

This 5-note polyphonic device comes with an arpeggiator and a 16-step 'groovebox' performance sequencer, and supports MIDI over both standard 5-pin DIN and USB ports.

A pledge of a least $129 will get you an Synthino XM if the project is funded - check out the Kickstarter campaign for more details.

Synthino XM specs

  • 5-note polyphony for superb playability
  • 12 waveforms, 4 drum samples
  • 12-bit audio at 25KHz output rate
  • 4 MIDI channels, each with separate waveform and ADSR envelope
  • Low pass filter with cutoff frequency and resonance controls
  • 2 independent low frequency oscillators (LFOs): pitch and filter
  • Selectable waveform for LFOs
  • 1V p-p audio output voltage with enough current to drive headphones
  • Arpeggiator mode, up to 16 notes
  • 4 arpeggiator patterns: up, down, up-down, random
  • 4 built-in arpeggiator chords or use MIDI to specify up to 16 notes
  • Arpeggiator pitch transposition control
  • Tempo control with MIDI clock input
  • 16-step live performance "groovebox" sequencer
  • Pitch fine-tuning adjustment
  • Programmable/upgradable over USB
Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.