Future Sound Systems has introduced the Portland modular percussion synthesizer, described as a “sandbox” for percussion and drum synthesis.

The system offers several different analog sound generation and shaping elements in a patchable unit. The elements are normal led together on the patchbay, allowing for minimal patching to arrive at a kit of drum sounds, but this can be overridden for more complex drum sound synthesis.

Features:

Bass Drum semi-linear resonator

2x Twin-T resonators

“Ring” generator, formed from 6 XOR’d oscillators

Noise generator

Dynamic hi-hat shaping circuit

2x decay envelope generators

2x discrete audio VCAs

Four channel audio mixer with Baxandall tone circuit

Portland is compatible with modular synthesizers and standalone sequencers.

Audio Demos:

Note: Portland can be powered from two PP3 9V batteries. The forthcoming FSS Battery Simulator will allow Portland to be powered from DC or Eurorack power supplies. A Eurorack panel for Portland will be available soon.

Pricing and Availability

Limited quantities of assembled units are available to purchase for £330.00 (incl. 20% VAT) + shipping from FSS. Full kits of the Portland percussion synthesizer will be available from Thonk in May 2019.