Music, like making, is universal. No matter how far you travel across distance or time, you will find people creating. This act of creating—sounds, objects, ideas—is a constant that connects us all. Taking our goal of putting the power of electronics into the hands of everyone, littleBits partnered with Korg, the world-renowned electronic instrument company, to combine music and making to provide an experience that has never been seen before. Now anyone can dream up new sounds or songs and make them a reality as fast as their mind will allow. We think this could be the start of a new chapter in the history of music technology.

The *Synth Kit* is a collaboration between two seemingly different companies that share very similar ideals and principles. We embarked on creating a kit that would behave as a modular analog synthesizer but was simple enough to be accessible to anyone. Additionally, the kit would integrate with all of the other littleBits modules, allowing the user to add various kinds of light, motion and sensors to projects expanding the realm of possibility into the visual and mechanical world. The *Synth Kit* extends our mission to democratize electronics and break down complex technologies so anyone can use electronics to learn, build and invent.

We started by imagining the different modules that might be included, and picked the ones that would offer the most complete and varied experience. The *Synth Kit* includes an assortment of twelve electronic Bits that snap together with magnets to create circuits like those used in Korg’s famous analog synthesizers (like the MS-20). The modules include power, oscillators, filter, keyboard, micro sequencer, envelope, delay, mix, split, random and speaker. These combine to teach the fundamentals of sound synthesis and allow for nearly endless experimentation. The *Synth Kit* also includes a project booklet outlining step-by-step instructions for ten projects, as well as a brief history of synthesis and the science of sound.

Since the release of the *Synth Kit*, we have seen recordings and performances from across the globe (even from a twenty-piece *Synth Kit* orchestra).

The *Synth Kit* is designed for musicians, hobbyists and music lovers with an interest in making new sounds and building their own infinitely customizable and expandable analog modular instrument.

Links: www.littleBits.cc/kits/synth-kit

Paul Rothman, littleBits Electronics Inc., (US)
Geof Lipman, littleBits Electronics Inc., (US)
Ayah Bdeir, littleBits Electronics Inc., (LB)
Tadahiko Sakamaki, Korg Inc., (JP)
Tatsuya Takahashi, Korg Inc., (JP)
Engineers and Designers at littleBits Electronics Inc., (US)
Engineers and Designers at Korg Inc., (JP)

littleBits (US) is a New-York-City-based startup that builds a library of electronic modules that snap together with magnets to let anyone build, create, prototype and invent—no soldering, wiring or programming required. The company’s goal is to democratize hardware the way software and printing have been democratized. The littleBits mission is to break down complex technologies and put the power of electronics in the hands of everyone.

Korg (JP). Since it was founded in 1963, Korg's goal has been to create new experiences in music and performance. Korg is resolved to continue to create innovative and uncompromising instruments which maintain the high quality that inspires professional artists and creators, and yet are approachable enough for anyone to play. The musical instruments Korg will deliver are reflections of the ideas and values of the many artists and users who continue to love Korg products—now and into the future.