M0SS-101- A Compact, Powerful Virtual Analog Monosynth for Hands-On Sound Design

 The M0SS-101 is a virtual analog monosynth designed to deliver a hands-on, menu-free synthesis experience in a rugged and compact pedal-style enclosure. Powered by a Bouffalo Labs BL616 RISC-V microcontroller, and featuring a 42-parameter subtractive synthesis engine, it’s an affordable and modder-friendly instrument aimed at both studio use and DIY electronics enthusiasts.

The synth is now available on Kickstarter, offered both fully assembled and as a DIY kit with all SMD components pre-soldered.

M0SS-101 specifications:

Main MCU – Bouffalo Labs BL616 RISC-V microcontroller

• 32-bit RISC-V architecture with integrated analog DAC

• High clock speed with DSP/FPU instruction support

• Runs Faust-generated DSP code

Synthesis Engine – 42 parameters with subtractive synthesis architecture

• Oscillators (x2): Square or Sawtooth waveforms

  • Detune and pulse width modulation (PWM)

  • 3-octave toggle, transpose, pitch-bend, and fine-tune controls

  • 10-octave pitch range

• Noise Generator: White or pink noise

• XOR Module: Ring-mod-like effects using square wave logic

• Filters:

  • High-pass (Moog-style ladder)

  • Low-pass (Korg 35)

  • Band-pass (Oberheim-inspired)

  • Cutoff and resonance, with key-tracking toggle

Modulation

• 1x LFO: Triangle, square, or S&H waveform

  • Range: 0.1Hz to 10kHz

  • Low (0.1–20Hz) and High (20Hz–10kHz) modes

  • FM-capable

• 1x ADSR Envelope Generator:

  • Attack, Decay, Release from 1ms to 20s

  • Triggered via MIDI, LFO square, or encoder

  • Logarithmic to exponential slope control

• 9 routable modulation paths:

  • Includes routing to pitch, filter, VCA, PWM, and envelope trigger

  • Each path independently attenuated and multiplexed

Memory – 17 user presets

• Store and recall all parameter settings

• Save per-preset MIDI CC mappings

• Visual indication of preset slots via RGB LEDs

User Interface

• 26 backlit RGB buttons for parameter selection

• 1x encoder for parameter editing

• 11-LED parameter readout for current value

• LED matrix shows modulation paths, signal flow, and state using color and brightness

MIDI Connectivity

• USB Type-A MIDI Host – Power and control from class-compliant devices

• TRS MIDI In/Thru – Type-A 3.5mm MIDI standard

• MIDI Learn system for easy CC mapping

• Pitch-bend support with configurable ranges

• OMNI and channel 1–16 operation

Audio & Power

• Mono 1/4" Audio Output

• 9V DC center-negative power input

• Power consumption: ~130mA (plus USB device load)

Build Options

• DIY Kit: Includes all through-hole components, case, and hardware

• Pre-soldered SMD parts

• Beginner-friendly soldering, requires only basic tools

• Firmware flashed via Python and USB-B port

M0SS-101 is the culmination of over two years of development by Andrew John March, a seasoned embedded engineer known for his work on Midinome, Midithrone, and WVR. The synth leverages open-source DSP language Faust and the rarely-used analog-capable BL616 microcontroller, demonstrating what’s possible when accessible tech meets deep audio knowledge. Back the M0SS-101 on Kickstarter.