Pipsqueak

Some demonstration videos on Instagram
A new portable touch-controlled noisy synthesizer from Mroztronium. Spiritually inspired by the Cracklebox, Bugbrand Weevil and other touch-controlled instruments, but using a unique circuit developed by Mroztronium that is designed for unpredictable results, wide frequency range (from sub-audio to above human hearing), sensitive touch control and stereo operation.

It is a touch-sensitive electronic instrument that directly interfaces with your fingers and takes advantage of the many quirks of the CD4046 Phase Locked Loop. Pipsqueak uses a pair of these chips cross-connected and set up in such a way that they are generally silent unless provoked via the touch pads. The touch pads enable a very convoluted cross-modulation scheme that make the two outputs related in a stereo way. You can also think of it as a standalone "noise machine" if you wish.

It features a pair of 1/4" outputs that emit rectangle waves, complex pulse trains, triggers or complex noisy waveforms in the region of 0-9V depending on how it is touched. In addition to listening to the raw stereo output, you can also use it as a complex controller to gate/trigger and frequency modulate external CV/Gate equipment. It is an interesting way to spice up a modular synth patch or to turn an otherwise predictable synthesizer into a freakish improvisational instrument.

Pipsqueak is available for $100 including shipping in the US. By default, these ship with 1/4" output jacks, but 3.5mm "minijack" versions are available upon request.

It is also intended as an instrument that we can build together in a workshop and is suitable for both beginners and more advanced builders. If you are interested in hosting a small group workshop in your town, please get in touch.