Justin Van Slembrouck
//
Modern Sounds

Interfacing generative synthesis

Modern Sounds
Company
//
Modern Sounds
Designer
//
Justin Van Slembrouck
City
//
Ann Arbor
,
Michigan, US
Episode length
//
44
min
Date
//
Apr 2, 2022

What is the right amount of controls? Knobs? Switches? When designing an instrument this question can get many answers. There is no right or wrong, and that's what makes it complicated.

Pluto, from Modern Sounds, is an interesting instrument to study on that front. it combines various sound engines, two sequencers, effects and a generative composer into a little (yet quite spacious) package.

The process of making it was full of iterations. Paper prototypes, various controls and testing - striving for a balanced instrument that's simple, yet full of surprises. Bringing generative composition and modularity into a small standalone instrument.

podcast

Synthux Interview

learn more about the designer

Instrument/s by the designer

Design and engineering

Sketches and prototypes

Modern Sounds // Justin van Slembrouck // Pluto prototypes
Modern Sounds // Justin van Slembrouck // Pluto prototypes
Modern Sounds // Justin van Slembrouck // Pluto early prototype
Modern Sounds // Justin van Slembrouck // Pluto early prototype
Modern Sounds // Justin van Slembrouck // Pluto early prototype
Modern Sounds // Justin van Slembrouck // Pluto early prototype
Modern Sounds // Justin van Slembrouck // Pluto paper prototype
Modern Sounds // Justin van Slembrouck // Pluto paper prototype
Modern Sounds // Justin van Slembrouck // Early interface design
Modern Sounds // Justin van Slembrouck // Early interface design