Dato DUO – Kick Out The (Synth) Jams

Raymond Scott would have loved this one… Just yesterday we mentioned the latest interesting news from Skoog and today we’re introducing the Dato DUO, a unique and fun electronic instrument aimed at children (and adults alike!).

Why unique?
Most instruments are designed to be played alone, but DUO does exactly what it says on the tin: it’s been designed to be playable by two users!
In the company’s words ‘synthesizers are too much fun to be left to grown-ups alone. But existing synthesizers are often too complicated or precious to be used by kids. Also, jamming with each other is better than making music alone.’.

How does it work?
It’s really simple: one player creates the melody using the pentatonic keyboard and handling the circular sequencer, the other sculpts the sound. Basically, you can’t go wrong. No screens and menus or complicated settings.

However, to make things more interesting, you can connect the DUO to devices like pedals or portable gems like the Korg Volca or the Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators.

Specifications

• 2 oscillators: 1 pulse (variable width) and 1 sawtooth
• Digital low pass filter with resonance
• Amp envelope (note length and release time)
• Sample rate reductor
• Noise-based percussion synthesizer
• Sequencer
• 8-step circular sequencer
• Pentatonic keyboard. Two octaves
• Inputs and outputs
• Audio out capable of driving headphones
• Sync input and output, compatible with Korg Volca, Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators
• Micro USB for power and firmware update. 5V, 2A max.
• The synthesizer generates sound digitally and has a nice gritty 12-bit sound.

Hooked? Then read more and support the Dato DUO Kickstarter campaign!