Twisted Electrons BlastBeats
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Twisted Electrons
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A Modern Tribute to the "DOS" FM Sound by Twisted Electrons
The BlastBeats brings back the legendary FM chip, the YMF-262 (OPL3), known for powering vintage sound cards in early 90s computers. Renowned as difficult to program, this FM chip reveals a surprisingly musical palette once the right parameters are at hand. Here, Twisted Electrons designed a machine intended to quickly explore this retro character and push it far beyond clichés, blending lo-fi textures, metallic percussion, and digital pads.Who Is This FM Groovebox For?
The BlastBeats targets experienced musicians as well as curious experimenters: the interface is straightforward thanks to the faders and illuminated buttons, while offering ideal depth for enthusiasts of FM, chiptune, electro, techno, IDM, synthwave, and sound design. In the studio, its multiple outputs and low noise facilitate integration into a production setup. Live, step automation, tricks, and per-instrument probability make it a lively machine, perfect for improvising and evolving a set.Features and Innovations
At its core, the FM OPL3 synthesis engine offers a 4-operator engine with 8 waveforms, capable of sharp timbres, percussive basses, and complex digital textures. The rhythm section is based on 6 drum tracks (kick, snare, tom, closed and open hi-hat, cymbal), which can also be repurposed for melodic parts. On the synth side, you have 4 tracks: two monophonic (2x2op or 1x4op) and two duophonic (4x2op or 2x4op), allowing stacking of chords, leads, and counterpoints.The sequencer is designed for precision and performance: up to 160 songs, 16 patterns, and 64 steps, arbitrary step length, micro timing, quantized or unquantized recording, rotation, cloning, and transposition. The faders feature real-time and step automation, with modulation at each step, automatable swing, probability, randomizers (kits, patterns, "Fader Wiggling"), and 3 tricks (spin down, freeze, stutter) automatable. Connectivity is comprehensive: MIDI DIN5, customizable input channels, all tracks transmit MIDI (multitrack MIDI sequencer), analog sync, audio outputs on 6.35 mm jacks, plus mono mix and dual mono headphone outputs with step volume control.
Technical specifications
| Category | groovebox | Number of Midi tracks | 0 |
| Sampler | No | MIDI I/O | IN, OUT (DIN) |
| Max polyphony | 10 | USB to Host port | Yes |
| Technology | digital | Inputs | USB, Midi, sync in |
| Synthesis type | Digital, FM | Outputs | USB, headphone, Midi, sync out, 2 x jack |
| Number of audio tracks | 10 | ||
| 10-voice groovebox | 6 drum voices and 4 synthesis instruments | Dimensions | 29.5 cm x 16.5 cm x 4.5 cm (11.6" x 6.5" x 1.8") |
| 4 synth tracks | two monophonic (2x2op or 1x4op) and two duophonic (4x2op or 2x4op) | Weight | 944 g (2 lb) |
| Fader Wiggling | randomizer with adjustable depth per step | ||
Questions frequently asked
What FM sound does the Twisted Electrons BlastBeats offer?
The synthesis is based on the YMF-262 (OPL3) chip, used in early 90s computer sound cards. Its 4-operator FM engine with 8 waveforms produces lo-fi textures, metallic percussions, and complex digital timbres.
How many tracks are available?
The machine features 10 audio tracks: 6 drum tracks and 4 synth tracks. Two synth tracks are monophonic, configurable as 2 x 2-operator or 1 x 4-operator, while the other two are duophonic.
Does the sequencer allow creating evolving patterns?
The sequencer manages up to 160 songs, with 16 patterns of 64 steps. Micro timing, arbitrary step length, automatable swing, and per-instrument probability allow sequences to evolve. Faders can be automated in real time or step-by-step, with modulation at every step.
What audio and MIDI connections are available?
Connections include MIDI DIN5 inputs and outputs, USB to Host, Sync In and Sync Out. Two audio outputs on 6.35 mm jacks, a dual mono headphone output, and a mono mix are provided.
Can external MIDI gear be controlled with this groovebox?
All tracks send MIDI via a multitrack MIDI sequencer, with customizable input channels. MIDI DIN IN and OUT ports allow integration with external equipment.
