cyma forma ALT | Generative Analog Pin-Matrix Soundscape Synthesizer

Q: Can I plug an external instrument into the ALT and use it just as an effects processor?
A: Yes, absolutely. The ALT features a dedicated 3.5mm "Outline" input jack on the back panel that accepts line-level audio or control voltage signals. You can route external drum loops or a separate synth through this jack, which automatically maps it to the internal envelope follower. From there, you can use the pin matrix to route that incoming audio signal to modulate the filters, the BBD delay speed, or drive the analog voice cores, effectively treating the ALT as a high-end, touch-patchable stereo filter bank.

Q: How do the built-in light sensors affect the sound during live tracking?
A: The two optical light sensors behave exactly like a built-in optical Theremin. They continuously read the ambient light levels reaching the faceplate. By simply waving your hands, moving a flashlight, or changing the shadows above the instrument, you generate macro modulation cv signals. By default, these map to the master pitch and spatial volume blocks, allowing you to manipulate complex stereo panning and wild frequency vibratos without ever touching a knob.

Q: Can I play the ALT like a traditional polyphonic synthesizer using a standard MIDI keyboard?
A: Yes. When you connect an external MIDI controller via the USB-C or TRS mini-jack ports, the ALT can be toggled into a specialized "Voice Splitting" mode. In this configuration, it operates as an expressive 4-voice polyphonic synthesizer (assigning your notes across DCO2 to DCO5) that dynamically reads incoming MIDI pitch-bend, note velocity, clock sync, and channel aftertouch messages.

Product Format: Generative Analog Desktop Soundscape & Drone Synthesizer

Enclosure Architecture: High-gloss transparent Plexiglas top panel secured to a heavy-duty powder-coated steel chassis

Oscillator Core Array: 5 x Discrete Analog Oscillators (1 x Sine Wave VCO, 4 x Sawtooth/Triangle DCOs) + 1 x Analog White Noise Generator

Pitch & Tuning Framework: Harmonic Quantizer with 14 editable factory scale presets, supporting both Equal Temperament and Just Intonation

Frequency Range Response: OSC1 (Sine): 8 Hz to 8372 Hz / OSC2–OSC5 (Saw/Triangle): 16 Hz to 9000 Hz via matrix modulation

Physical Control Interface: 5 x Continuous volume sliders, 5 x Mechanical keyboard trigger switches, dual light sensors (theremin-style control)

Patching Matrix Configuration: 4 x 19 Modulation Pin Matrix (Utilizes low-profile 2mm banana pins)

Modulation Signal Sources: 2 x Morphing LFOs (Square to Triangle shapes with high-rate FM/AM switches), 1 x Sample & Hold Random Step Generator (with slew smoothing), 1 x "Outline" Envelope Follower

Acoustic Character Effects: Dual stereo Sallen-Key filters in series (High-pass/Low-pass crossfade routing) + Stereo BBD-emulation analog-core delay (30ms to 1.5s delay range with "More" infinite loop feedback multiplier button)

Audio & Control I/O: 1 x 3.5mm External Input (Audio/CV to Envelope Follower), 1 x 3.5mm CV Master Pitch In (1V/Octave), 1 x 3.5mm Master Gate VCA Input, 2 x 6.35mm (1/4") Left/Right Main Line Outputs, 1 x 3.5mm Headphone Jack

Digital Connectivity: Multi-Channel MIDI In over USB-C or 3.5mm TRS Type-A (Supports monophonic, voice splitting 4-voice polyphony, velocity, aftertouch, and clock sync)

System Power Specifications: Included external multi-region +15V DC, 2.5A power supply (Center positive)

Dimensions & Net Weight: 404 mm (Width) x 227 mm (Depth) x 57 mm (Height) / 3.8 kg

If you decide a product is not suitable within 14 days of delivery, you can return it to us for a replacement or refund. Returns must be unused and in their original, undamaged packaging.

Some items are excluded from our money back guarantee:
- Computer software that has been unsealed or registered
- Any item that comes directly into contact with the nose, ears or mouth

To arrange a return, just contact our customer service via our customer support form.

Every product at Blip comes with a full manufacturer's warranty for long-term peace of mind. As a specialist UK retailer, we fully support your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If your gear arrives faulty or develops an inherent problem in the first 30 days, we will provide a full refund or replacement. For faults developing after 30 days, we will facilitate a swift repair or replacement through the manufacturer's official service channels to ensure your gear is back in the studio as quickly as possible.