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.
