Do you love to mess around with music? Unfortunately, some of us are tone-deaf, with no skill whatsoever when it comes to composition. Nevertheless, modern technology can lend a hand. If you want to learn the basics, the NES-SY2.0 injects a helping of retro fun into the process. Once more, credit goes to Love Hultén for this whimsical yet cool contraption.
The Swedish designer maintains his signature theme. This portable synthesizer is more than just an acoustic instrument, as it doubles as a retro game system, albeit with some limitations. Still, the presentation is as awesome as it gets, with plenty of old-school cosmetic elements. Everything about it combines tactile interfaces with digital wizardry.
A huge caveat regarding the NES-SY2.0 is availability. As of this writing, it’s unclear if this piece of tech will ever see mass production. Therefore, it’s best to treat it as an interactive work of art. Sources tell us the enclosure is handcrafted out of wood. In fact, the housing evokes a classic gaming gem — the Nintendo Entertainment System.
However, open the clamshell lid at the front to reveal an Arturia KeyStep MIDI controller keyboard. To customize your audio, it features a Flamma FS22 tri-mode delay/reverb stompbox module, vibrato pre-delay, real-time waveform switching, 4 vibrato LFO (low-frequency oscillator), and a 4-voice polyphonic synthesizer.
Since this is Love Hultén we’re talking about, the NES-SY2.0 is packing bespoke capabilities such as a custom MIDI visualizer, a front-facing NES cartridge slot, standard NES controller ports, and an integrated screen. Users are sure to enjoy the collection of push buttons and dial knobs.
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Images courtesy of Love Hultén
