nanoloop mono

Nanoloop mono is an analog synthesizer cart for the original monochrome Game Boy models.

(video by James Chip)

Bass sound example:

Percussion sound example:

Availability

nanoloop online shop

Specs

3 channels:

r = Rectangular Wave

c = Click

n = Noise

Analog Synth

In the nanoloop mono cart, the analog components (op-amps, comparators, logic cells etc) of a PIC microcontroller are connected and configured in such a way that they form a hybrid soundchip with 3 analog filters and a true random noise generstor, using only a few passive external components.

Hardware

The cart is covered with standard 8mm grid plastic tiles in random colors that can easily be replaced with compatible parts such as LEGO®, BlueBrixx etc.

Software

Nanoloop mono is a stepsequencer with per-step control for all parameters. There are 8 banks of flash memory each of which can hold 15 patterns per channel and a song structure.

user manual

Internal Audio

On the original Game Boy models, one pin of the cartridge connector functions as audio input, connected to the built-in amplifier. This unique feature allows to generate sound on the cart and play it through the headphone output on a completely analog signal path.

External Audio Port

Additionally, audio is also available through a mini jack port on the cart. The raw signal is rather strong and there is no volume control, it is hence best used as input for a mixer, active speaker etc.

Compatibility

Model	Internal Sound	External Sound
DMG (original Game Boy)	clean and bassy	OK
Game Boy Pocket	less bass, hiss	OK
Game Boy Color	thin, distorted	OK
Game Boy Advance / SP	-	OK
DS is not compatible	-	-
Analogue Pocket is not compatible	-	-

For use with headphones, only DMG can be recommened.

Sync

Nanoloop mono offers the same sync options as nanoloop one.