littleBits Electronics Synth Kit

This product is seriously cool. So quick and easy to swap around the modules - actually easier than the typical method of using phono cords and jacking them in and out of modules. Great way to teach or learn about analog sound synthesis. Could make an excellent hands-on introduction to analog synths for the purpose of extending this knowledge to a wider platform, such as customizing instruments in Propellerhead's Reason music software.You can slap the keyboard into an oscillator, snap on the speakers, and (with the power module too) you've got music. Want a more complex sound, just snap another oscillator between the first one and the speaker. And maybe the filter. Want a sound that fades up, or attacks like a piano key? Add the envelope. You don't even need to know what any of them do, because the accompanying guide book starts with basic projects and builds up. With some quick explanations, but honestly just putting them together gives you a pretty good idea what they do (though I must admit to having prior experience).The only real point of dissatisfaction is that the keyboard is both very basic/klunky (due to having just normal button switches, not "keys" per se), and very short in range. Even reaching like half an octave more could make a difference.Also, some modules (like the filter) seem to get into a funky state from however it was previously used, and connecting to briefly to the trigger rather than the input seems to clear that up.It's amazing how fast you can get started, and how quickly you can alter your chain of modules (soooo quick...). I bought it as a Christmas gift for kids, but I was the first to start playing with it. Then the kids saw how cool and easy it was, and excitedly took over :D

I just received this and got to putting things together immediately. I love it, I think it's a great idea, but I had a number of issues with the product right off the bat. There doesn't seem to be enough connector cables, first off, to do anything mildly complex, and I feel a push-button would be handy as well for a drum synthesizer (I noticed the lack in the parts list, so I ordered a pressure sensor, which has worked alright. Great for other fun noises, too!). Secondly, the magnets don't hold together quite as well as one would hope, so occasionally, pressing on a key or turning a knob makes loud noises in the speakers as the connection breaks. Lastly, the octave selector on my keyboard has a bad connection somewhere, so it's always at the lowest octave (maximum resistance) unless I push on the variable resistor just right. Unfortunately, this being the main HMI in the package, it handicaps the kit rather severely.I'd love to be able to recommend the kit, but due to the issue with the magnets, I feel I can't. Great for learning, but frustrating if you want to have a working project in the end. The broken part was a huge letdown, too.UPDATE: There are mounting boards available that I was unaware of, so if you have an issue with your project coming apart too easily, a solution exists. Also, the customer service was very helpful. Getting the defective part replaced was quick and painless to say the least. I'd still recommend getting extra connectors and some sort of push button along with this product, but it seems the remainder of my gripes have been addressed. Very likely to pick up a few additional pieces.

I just love this super-simple modular kit. I'm a musician and analog synth enthusiast, so this is more than just a great toy to me. I've been making some awesome little sounds come out of this kit. It has everything you need to get started with some cool sounds. It's easy to use, takes all the guess work out of connections by using magnets and fits-only-one-way connectors. It comes with all the synth essentials: 2 oscillators, filter, envelope, delay, keyboard, sequencer, mixer, noise, speaker with headphone jack (which silences the speaker output that you can also just detach). The included manual provides a good primer for theory and history of analog synths, as well as a bunch of project ideas and easy-to-follow illustrations of suggested configurations. You'll definitely want to have some free table/desk space to layout your setup, everything stays connected on flat even surfaces, but quickly pulls apart on uneven surfaces. I recommend picking up a precision screwdriver kit from the bargain bin at the hardware store for manipulating the various knobs that are close to the board -- although the tall pot knobs are easy to handle, some of the knobs that sit closer to the board are tight and hard to turn without an extension of some kind. I think beginners/kids would like this kit, but it also holds up to regular analog synth users.

Pretty darn cool. That's the best way to sell it, without overselling it.The LittleBits Synth kit is great for desktop play and better for the busy musician who wants to compose simple loops, beats, or parts on the go, provided you work at a desk job, and one that doesn't mind sounding like they're trapped in the 80's again.The coolest thing I've done with this is hooking it up via the headphone out to record into my setup at home. We sampled the synths I'd created, made them into MIDI, and then were able to run it through a number of plug ins and filters, and do some really, really cool things with the sounds.Overall, you're only going to be limited by your own creativity. Totally worth it!

Nice little bit of kit but for some unknown reason the North American version has a back plate that the parts clip on to and the UK version don't ☹️ which makes the magnet connections on two of the filters on mine not work to well without finding a sweet spot when connecting. The only other trouble mine has is the cord of the battery adaptor is very stiff so be aware if putting it down somewhere because it wants to twist. As said nice bit of kit but over priced for what else you can get for the same money.

Did not live up to expectations, well made though, but don't expect to much.

Quick delivery and my son loved it!

Buy one, its cool.

Good fun but a bit expensive.