Eskite is a granular synthesizer based on the Auduino synthesizer. His heart is an Atmega 328 microcontroller and is programmed using the Arduino platform.

Using the technique of granular synthesis, the sound is generated by playing the same noise ('sound grain') repeatedly at a very high speed. This merges into a tone that is an audible hybrid of the repetition rate and the original grain. It sounds quite similar to an oscillator with two resonating bandpass filters, although the different architecture means there are lots of additional interesting noises at parameter extremes.

The grain consists of two triangular waves of adjustable frequency, and adjustable decay rate. This is based on FOF synthesis model, but using triangle waves instead of sine and using a rectangular window.

The repetition rate is set by another potentiometer. Eskite has six different modes or scales: logarithmic, diatonic, C major and minor and C pentatonic major and minor switchable between modes by a button which cycles through them and differentiates by blinking an LED according to the mode number. The sound also controls a LED that allows the output signal to be displayed.

Eskite is the name of a dish of Mexican street food consisting of corn grains served in a glass and seasoned with chile and lemon.

The name is a tribute to street food.

The Synth comes full asembled.

The circuit board illustration of this version of Ekite was made by the artist Eduardo Aravena

In the video below you can see its operation (the chassis is different but it is the same instrument)

Eskite is ideal for experimental music, drone and noise, although when you connect a sequencer to your CV input you can generate melodies. Here are some samples of projects that have used Eskite in their compositions:

Quim Font

Assumption

Los Laberintos

Specifications

• Power supply: 9 volts, negative center (not included) or 9 volt battery (connector included)
• Output: 3.5 mm mono jack
• Inputs: CV for Pitch control (scale notes)
• Filter cutoff frequency control input (VCF)
• Controls: 1 pitch control
• 2 cutoff controls
• 2 resonance controls
• 1 volume control 1