Physical Synthesis, a new hardware startup, has introduced Cicada, a sound design tool that lets you physically interact with sound in a modular way.
Cicada is made up of five primary components: AMP, PRE, Actuator, Bridge, and Soundboard.
The Actuator acts as a voiceless speaker, and generates signal vibrations supplied from up to three amplified input signals (carrier modulator and DC offset) produced by the AMP module.
These vibrations are carried across the Bridge and transformed into nonlinear tip surface interactions with the Soundboard, containing a piezoelectric pickup, where the sound is modulated.
The signal from the pickup is then attenuated, filtered, and pre-amplified via the PRE module.
By experimenting with different materials and shapes, you can use Cicada to explore interacting with sound in a tangible way.
Cicada is an expandable modular system, comprised of five primary components: AMP, PRE, Actuator, Bridge, Soundboard.
The Cicada Actuator generates vibration through two voice-coil motors, supplied from up to three amplified input signals (carrier modulator, and DC offset).
These vibrations are carried across a steel Bridge and transformed into a nonlinear tip-surface interactions with a Soundboard containing a piezoelectric pickup.The signal from the pickup is pre-amplified, filtered, and compressed to +5dB level output to either direct (speakers) or back into a DAW or effects chain.
In addition to audio, the Cicada Soundboard has four force sensitive resistors (FSRs) located beneath the four corners of the unit. When the soundboard material is compressed, the FSRs transmit CV voltages (0 to 5V+) from each of the four FSRs.
Pricing and Availability
Cicada is available now to pre-order, with a deposit of $230. Note: The pre-order deposit represents 10% of the total unit price of $2,300 USD.