Ploytec Releases Pi L Squared Duophonic Mono Synthesizer

Expanding their audio capabilities to the hardware realm, Germany-based company Ploytec has released their first synthesizer and it’s small enough to fit into our palm. The mostly digital PL2 packs surprising capabilities within its compact architecture. The synth comes complete with two oscillators with four waveforms each, digital filter, analog filter, pulse width modulation, MIDI clock synced LFO, analog saturation and more. All of the parameters are controlled via MIDI.

Satisfy your synth appetite with a slice of Pi L2.

The PL2 is available now for $129 MSRP. Here are more details from Ploytec:

Despite its small housing the PL2 is a complete duophonic mono synthesizer.
 
The PL2 generates an enormous variety of sounds with the help of two square wave (pulse) oscillators which can be interconnected in variable and innovative ways – these are fun to experiment with. Not only the classic waveforms such as saw-, sine- or pulse-waves will be simulated, rather newly and interesting sounds – from warm to destructive – are also generated.

The PL2 receives its data always via MIDI channel 1 and all setting parameters can be edited by MIDI controller commandos.
Up to 32 of your own self-programmed sounds can be stored in the user memory area. In addition, further 32 factory sounds are located within a fixed memory area which provides ideal starting material to experiment with.

Generally the PL2 follows the principle of subtractive synthesis in which the waveform (generated by the oscillators) first runs through a wide range adjustable digital filter stage (low- high- and band-pass) to edit the frequency spectrum and/or amplify the resonance area if desired. After the digital filter an additional analog low-pass filter follows which particularly ensures the necessary warmth especially for destructive- and digital-like sounds.

Wait, there’s more: a dedicated analog saturation stage at the output provides dynamic compression and therefore a respectable bass punch is created.

Of course the PL2 includes several additional options in terms of sound and playing manipulation like LFO modulation, PWM, ADSR envelope and various play modes. Another interesting detail: LFO- and envelope-speed synchronise automatically to an external applied MIDI clock – whereby the PL2 perfectly adjust to your song tempo.

Thanks to the memory flash technology: future PL2 synthesizer extensions or new features can be integrated by updating the firmware via MIDI system exclusive (SysEx) transmission.

The Pi L2 block diagram of signal flow.

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