Superlative SB01 (Space Bee)

Could we take the sound of an analog legend and reimagine it for the future? The answer–after years of development–was the creation of the SB01 analog synthesizer. An instrument that puts classic sound in a modern package and adds a number of essential upgrades.

Some of the distilled points on SB01 over the original, from the starting point of having a true recreation of the classic synth voice and controls as baseline:

• First rechargeable and thinnest analog synth ever, durable 1” machined aluminum body for portability paired with 24hr battery life
• Unique dual sequencer / arpeggiator / keyboard tracks for independent control of onboard and external synths for building layered compositions
• Store 64 sequences of 256 steps with live chaining and jumping saved patterns
• New sequencer directions (forwards/backwards/random/more), arp modes, and microtonal tuning support and CV modulation inputs
• Ultra low-latency USB MIDI and TRS MIDI along with with USB host mode

While the SB01 is a new form of synthesizer, it may sound familiar to many–our inspiration was one of the sonic engines that laid the foundation of electronic music. We worked with Open Music Labs to create and carefully hone a 1:1 version of the signature circuits that bring it to life.

A 3340 voltage controlled oscillator feeds into a 3109 4-pole OTA filter that makes for an iconic and unmistakable sound. Make it snap and sing with responsive analog envelopes, modulation, and portamento, or bring in external CV for deeper VCO and VCF control.
For us, true portability meant incorporating fully rechargeable battery power. The ability to take the SB01 anywhere is reinforced by a generous 24-hour battery life for extended usage between charges and optional output for powering external gear. In addition, the battery is user-replaceable to ensure an instrument that lasts many years into the future.
We created a flexible new step sequencer for the SB01, centred around fluid live performance and intuitive for all skill levels. Simply load a sequence by entering notes in order, along with rests or slides, and hit play. Patterns with up to 256 notes can be saved in 64 different locations, with live chaining and jumping saved patterns.

While playing, queue up a stored sequence with CHAIN mode or start it immediately with JUMP. A sequence direction modifier and transpose latching enable new possibilities, while the arpeggiator gives you seven creative modes including random play.
Our instrument not only reimagines what a modern synthesizer can do, but how it can be made. Machined out of a single block of aluminum, the SB01 was an exercise in distilling a synth to its most essential form.

Full-size tactile keys rise from a rugged, yet portable casing that is compact enough to fit into a carry-on suitcase, or our upcoming accessory tote bag.
With the musician at the center of every decision we made, the design of the SB01 takes playability and portability to new levels. Ultra-compact form was enabled by a newly-developed keyboard design based on a quiet, fast-action rubber dome switch. Each tactile and electronic element was custom developed for optimal performance, using the highest quality components. From the individual component selection to the overall metal construction, every aspect of the SB01 was designed to be long lasting and repairable.

• Dimensions:  W 491MM / 19.3" x L 249MM / 9.8" xD 24MM / 1.0"
• Weight: 2.6KG / 5.8LB

Features:

MATERIAL

• ALUMINUM CNC-MILLED UNIBODY CHASSIS
• SPACE GRAY ANODIZED FINISH

SEQUENCER / CONTROLLER

• DUAL SEQUENCER AND ARPEGGIATOR
• BI-COLOR LED LAYER INDICATION
• 256 STEPS PER SEQUENCE
• 2 BANKS X 32 PATTERN MEMORY LOCATIONS
• SEQUENCE CHAINING MODES (JUMP / CHAIN / MODULO)
• ARPEGGIATOR MODES (UP/DOWN/U&D/RANDOM/MORE)
• SEQUENCER PLAY DIRECTIONS AND LIVE EDITING
• KEY TRANSPOSE LATCHING AND HOLD MODES

INPUT

• CV (1V / 1OCT, 0 ~ 7V)
• GATE (+2.5V OR MORE)
• TRIGGER (+2.5V OR MORE)
• MOD CV INPUT FOR VCO / VCF (0 ~ 5V)

OUTPUT

• AUDIO (ODBM MAX.)
• PHONES (8Ω)
• CV (1V / 1 OCT, 0.415V ~ 5V)
• GATE (0V OFF, 14V ON)

ACCESSORIES

• KEYTAR PERFORMANCE GRIP
• SHOULDER CARRY CASEMaterial
• ALUMINUM CNC-MILLED UNIBODY CHASSIS
• SPACE GRAY ANODIZED FINISH

KEYBOARD

• 32 KEY / 2.5 OCTAVE, F-SCALE
• FULL SIZE LOW-PROFILE KEYBOARD ACTION
• PORTAMENTO WITH AUTOMATIC MODE (0-5S)
• OCTAVE TRANSPOSITION (L/M/H)

POWER

• 24 HOUR BATTERY LIFE
• USB TYPE-C FOR CHARGING AND DATA
• USER REPLACEABLE LI-ION CELL

OTHER FEATURES

• TRS MIDI IN / OUT
• USB MIDI IN / OUT
• MIDI CLOCK IN / OUT
• CHARGE STATUS INDICATOR
• 360° BENDER JOYSTICK
• EXTERNAL CV MODULATION
• WEB CONFIGURATION TOOL
• MICROTUNING TOOL