The world’s smallest synth created by Mitxela. In the ever-evolving landscape of music technology, one individual continues to challenge the boundaries of possibility. Tim Alex Jacobs, known as Mitxela, has once again embarked on a quest to redefine the limits of synthesizer miniaturization. This time, he presents to the world the ‘Smallest USB-C MIDI Synth’ – a creation that sparks both fascination and skepticism.
The ingenious design
Mitxela begins his journey with the world’s smallest MIDI synthesizer, a design so small and limited that it forced us to question the very definition of what it means to be a synthesizer. Comprising only a MIDI connector, a piezo buzzer, and a teeny-tiny circuit, this design, while brilliant, left Mitxela discontent. Undeterred, he dives deeper into innovation.
Evolution of the synth
Not content with his initial creation, Mitxela takes it a step further and introduces the world’s smallest USB MIDI synthesizer. Essentially the same concept as its predecessor, this version boasts a USB B port, opening up possibilities for more functionality. However, Mitxela remains steadfast in his vision – a monophonic square wave out of a piezo buzzer.
Crafting a niche
Mitxela humorously acknowledges that he has carved a niche for himself – a very small niche, a micro-niche, where he builds the smallest and, in his words, “worst” synthesizers. He emphasizes that no one is competing for the title of the smallest and worst MIDI synthesizer, but that won’t stop him.
Introducing the world’s smallest USB-C MIDI synth
And now, the pièce de résistance – Mitxela proudly introduces the world’s smallest USB-C MIDI synthesizer. The device may seem utterly pointless to some, as there is no device it can plug into that doesn’t already have a speaker. Mitxela acknowledges the limitations, stating that it enumerates as a USB 1.1 low-speed MIDI interface, producing a monophonic square wave.
Mass-production and musical whimsy
Remarkably, Mitxela chose to build this not by hand-wiring, but on a circuit board, hinting at the potential for mass production. While he clarifies that he’s not trying to sell it, the reason for mass-producing it becomes apparent as he demonstrates its whimsical musical capabilities.
