New from MTI's John Richards: Polytik synth!

"Dirty Electronics’ John Richards and graphic designer Jack Featherstone have created a new hand held synth"

http://www.thewire.co.uk/news/45334/new-modular-synth-set-to-hit-the-market

"A new hand held synth called Polytik is about to go public. The hybrid analogue/digital device was designed by Dirty Electronics’ John Richards and designer Jack Featherstone in collaboration with Artists & Engineers production and technology studio. It will be available as four separate colour-coded modules: blue (Core) is a sequencer, programmer and mixer; red (VCO) features voltage controlled feedback and voltage controlled oscillator; black (combi) features the same as red and includes filtering; and yellow (noise) has a noise generator, patchable feedback networks as well as VCF.

“Polytik is born out of a DIY ethos and the maker community,” state the manufacturers. “It uses open-source hardware and encourages users to make new modules and hacks, but Polytik has been crafted into something very different – a series of beautifully designed objects in their own right.”

The Core module is loaded with 30 pre-programmed sequences and more modules can be added. Furthermore there is a Golden Chip special edition pack which comes with an additional 20 sequences programmed by John Richards and a further 10 sequences with interviews and comments embedded in the code from musicians and artists including: Simian Mobile Disco, Mark Fell, Frieder Nake and Nik Colk Void & Gabe Gurnsey aka Factory Floor. The first modules will be available to buy this spring and available for pre-order via a Kickstarter campaign set for launch on 31 January. London Modular will also hold workshops with the synths. Details yet to be confirmed."