SOMA laboratory / RoAT

RUMBLE of ANCIENT TIMES (RoAT) is an 8-bit noise synthesizer and sequencer (synchronized to an external clock) inspired by the clever programming of the early PC era.

Back then, entire video games fit on floppy disks, and RoAT could create sounds ranging from dense noise scapes to diverse glitchy rhythmic patterns, and this compact, easily portable instrument could combine many elements to produce surprising musical The compact, portable instrument combines many elements to produce stunning musical results.

At the “heart” of the synthesizer are four sound oscillators, each with an adjustable waveform and an individual LFO that can modulate the oscillator's timbre and volume. Each oscillator's modulated signal is mixed with the others using 1,536 complex additive algorithms, including FM, ring modulation, and bitwise logic operations.

The synth features an 8-bit resonant low-pass filter with a unique Lo-Fi character.

The built-in sequencer can be synchronized with external devices and provides a clock output.

RoAT is battery powered and can run for up to 130 hours on one set (4 x 1.5v AAA alkaline batteries).

RoAT is made with a very simple 8-bit microcontroller, like those used in the “brains” of old refrigerators and other simple electronic devices. Thanks to very clever programming, it can also drive very powerful synths with many functions.

We also commend and emphasize that, in stark contrast to modern consumer electronic products, this synthesizer is made with a streamlined use of code on a chip that industry leaders consider obsolete. We live in an age where text editors can be over 1 GB and even simple tasks like checking email require modern operating systems and powerful processing power. The core tasks are no different than they were 15 years ago, but with a fraction of the computing power.

So instead of trashing millions of tons of chips developed and manufactured decades ago, RoAT offers a new kind of ecological thinking with innovative uses. The technology that industry has forced us to consider obsolete can still be used, and it has the added benefit of very low power consumption. This is a greener approach than rushing through the rush to planned obsolescence, which damages the earth and wastes precious resources.

RoAT was designed and programmed by Kakos Nonos, a new creative mind joining the SOMA development team. His very unique style of electronic instrument making combines quality craftsmanship, advanced programming, and a love of medieval acoustic instruments such as the guthrie, hurdy-gurdy, and bagpipes.

Product Specifications
Sink output voltage: 5 V
Minimum sink input voltage : 0.2 V
AC input current : 20 mA
Maximum output voltage : 5 V
Audio output terminal: 3.5 mm jack
Sink out terminal: 3.5 mm jack
Power supply: 1.5 V AAA alkaline batteries x 4 pcs.

Dimensions
Width : 122 mm
Depth : 136 mm
Height : 40 mm
Weight : 145g