Cyma Forma ALT Synthesizer

Cyma Forma ALT — Analog Soundscape Synthesizer with Pin Matrix Modulation

The Cyma Forma ALT is an analog synthesizer purpose-built for drones, soundscapes, and generative melodies. Designed and hand-assembled in Paris by Vincent and Victor, this desktop instrument pairs a fully analog signal path with a banana-pin modulation matrix that replaces patch cables. Players can sculpt precise melodic lines or hand the controls over to the instrument's own modulation sources for ever-evolving textures. The ALT is the right choice for ambient composers and sound designers who want an instrument that responds to its environment through light sensors, a built-in microphone, and external CV.

What Makes the ALT Different from Other Desktop Synthesizers

Two rare features set this instrument apart. The modulation pin matrix uses 2mm banana pins to route four sources — two LFOs, a sample-and-hold Random generator, and an envelope follower called Outline — across 19 destinations, with no cables and no menu diving. The Outline follower can also listen to the built-in electret microphone or any signal patched into the 3.5mm jack input.

Five-Voice Analog Engine with Harmonic Quantizer

The Voices section is the birthplace of every sound. One analog VCO delivers a fixed sine wave from 8 Hz to 8372 Hz with 8 octaves of coarse tuning, while four digitally controlled oscillators cover 16 Hz to 9000 Hz in saw or triangle shapes. OSC2 through OSC5 can be quantized individually to any of 14 editable scale presets with equal temperament or just intonation.

• Sound Sources: 1 VCO sine + 4 DCOs (saw/triangle) + white noise generator — five independent voices plus a noise layer
• 14 editable scale presets with per-oscillator quantization — chromatic, minor pentatonic, hijaz, balinese pelog, whole tone, and more

Dual Stereo Filters and BBD-Style Delay for Shaping Texture

The Alter section gives the ALT its character. Two stereo Sallen-Key filters run in series and morph continuously from low-pass to high-pass, allowing band-pass, 4-pole low-pass, or 2-pole high-pass configurations. At maximum resonance both filters self-oscillate, adding two more voices to the engine. The stereo delay uses a BBD-based emulation with digital repeats from 30 ms to 1.5 s.

• Filters: 2 stereo Sallen-Key in series, LP/HP crossfade, self-oscillating — MS-20-inspired character with band-pass morphing
• Stereo delay with BBD emulation, analog core, and 30 ms to 1.5 s repeats — capable of infinite, ever-growing feedback tails

Pin Matrix Modulation and Full CV/MIDI Integration

The Movement section is where the ALT comes alive. Four modulation sources — two LFOs with square-to-triangle morphing and a high-rate FM/AM switch, a Random sample-and-hold generator, and the Outline envelope follower — connect to 19 destinations through the pin matrix. LFO range spans 0.01 Hz to 1190 Hz; Random covers 0.1 Hz to 30 Hz. Two light sensors add theremin-style gestures.

• Modulation Sources: 2 LFOs + Random S&H + Outline envelope follower — four independent sources for movement and generative patterns
• Connectivity via 3.5mm CV (1V/oct, gate, Outline in), 3.5mm TRS or USB-C MIDI, and 6.35 mm outputs — full eurorack and studio integration

For Ambient Composers, Sound Designers, and Experimental Performers

The ALT is the right choice for musicians who want a hands-on, exploratory instrument that rewards curiosity over preset recall. Ambient composers will appreciate the dual self-oscillating filters and BBD-style delay for sustained drones, while sound designers route the built-in microphone, light sensors, or external CV into the envelope follower. Experimental electronic artists will find the 4×19 pin matrix a faster alternative to modular patching.

Cyma Forma — A Two-Person Workshop in Paris

Cyma Forma is an electronic music instrument company based in Paris, founded by two creators known as Vincent and Victor. The ALT was introduced at Superbooth 2024 and went on to a successful Kickstarter campaign. Every unit is carefully built and tuned by hand in the company's Paris workshop, finished in hi-gloss transparent plexiglas and powder-coated steel.