Imagine a compact sound computer that transforms raw audio signals into experimental sonic landscapes, blending synthesis, sampling, and looping in one enigmatic device. Released in 2011 by monome, the Aleph packs dual processors—an Atmel AVR32 for control and a 533 MHz Analog Devices Blackfin BF533 DSP with 64 MB SDRAM—driving its grayscale OLED display, high-resolution optical encoders, and bank of switches for intuitive, hands-on manipulation.
Dive into its digital heart with monophonic FM synthesis via the waves module, dual delay lines and looping in lines, or noise-driven percussion in dsyn, all enhanced by a multimode filter, arpeggiator, sequencer, and mod matrix. Connect seamlessly with 4 balanced 192k/24-bit audio ins/outs, 4 CV/Gate ports (0-10V, Eurorack-compatible), USB MIDI, SD card, headphone jack, and footswitch inputs. The open-source Bees environment lets you patch custom mappings without code, while community apps expand its possibilities—only about 100 units were ever made, making it a rare gem for modular tinkerers and sound designers.
