My first experience with Playtime Engineering was at the NAMM show in 2020, when I met Kate, one of the founders of the company. She told me how their mission was to encourage a love of music in young children. I was immediately intrigued, and playing with their first product, the Blipblox, that they had on hand in the booth, was immediately fun. Since then, the company has continued to grow and innovate, releasing new products like the Blipblox SK2, the After Dark, and is introducing an MPC-inspired groovebox called myTRACKS.
Today, we're discussing the Blipblox After Dark, which is not just a synth – it's a gateway to a world of sonic exploration. It's a great introduction to soundscaping, whether you're a curious kid or a seasoned adult looking to dive into the realm of electronic music with something different.
While its form factor may seem tailored to kids (it is), don't let that fool you into thinking this thing can't create serious sounds. This synth is far more sophisticated than a mere toy and can keep adults entertained for hours on end (I know from personal experience). Its playful design is not only fun to interact with but also less intimidating than traditional synthesizer interfaces, making it more accessible to beginners.
Blipblox After Dark Unboxing
The Blipblox After Dark comes with a user manual, quick start guide, a USB-DC cable and included batteries.
One notable improvement over its V1 predecessor is that each knob is now labeled with its function, streamlining the tweaking process and enhancing the overall experience. It's a fun way to introduce kids to the idea of synthesis and parameter tweaking without delving into complex programming sequences.
Now, let's talk core features. With 16 oscillator models, each boasting two selectable modulation inputs for pulse width modulation, detune, FM, oscillator synchronization, wavetable scanning, and more, the sonic possibilities are vast. Add to that two LFOs, two envelope generators, and a 3-by-3 modulation matrix, and you've got yourself a powerhouse of sounds.
And let's not forget about the drums. With 100 kick and snare samples with editable pitch, the Blipblox After Dark delivers punchy percussion that's sure to get heads nodding.
The integrated 4 Watt speaker serves its purpose well, adding a layer of practicality to this portable device. However, when plugged into a larger speaker, the Blipblox After Dark unleashes a completely different sound, with much fuller drum tones and richer textures.
The option to power it through either the included USB-DC cable or 3 AAA batteries makes it the perfect musical companion on the go. My son loves to take it with them in the car, throw on a pair of headphones and vibe.
Playing with the Blipblox After Dark
The After Dark's controls are intuitive enough to entertain my 11-year-old, who has no experience with synthesizers, for long soundscaping sessions.
It's intuitive enough to get started with the quick start guide, yet deep enough to provide endless hours of tweaking and experimentation. Having said that, I highly recommend you check out the Owner's Manual as you get started, especially if you're new to synthesis. While the knobs are labeled, it can still be helpful to reference the manual.
Beyond that, the folks at Playtime Engineering really went above and beyond and created Blipblox EDU, a content hub with advanced manuals, tutorial videos, and tech support specifically for the Blipblox. This is huge.
With a price point that's incredibly reasonable given its feature set, the Blipblox After Dark offers extra value for money by providing free top-notch educational content to help kids really learn the instrument.
But enough of what I think of it. What did my kids, ages 9 and 11, think? My 9 year old was interested when we unboxed it, and enjoyed his brief turn with the After Dark, but ultimately lost interest after the initial 15 minutes of play. My 11 year old was a completely different story. He immediately started playing with it as I was flipping through the manual. Once we got down that's it's a good idea to find a sequence you like, and then start flipping through oscillators to change the synthesizer sound, he was all in. I had to stop him to go to an event we had scheduled, and when we returned, he picked it up at least 3 other times that day.
In fact, he was so enthused he asked to make a video showing some of the features, so here is my 11-year-old's quick runthrough of the features on the After Dark.
When I asked him what he likes about it, he told me it was the ability to make and combine so many sounds, along with its cool looks. Dislikes? He says he wishes he could save his favorite settings to come back to later.
If his enthusiasm is any indication, I think this product is a great way to introduce first-timers to sound manipulation. Yes, it's serious enough where he can get lost in creating sounds that are different enough to keep him creating for hours. But more importantly, it's just plain fun! That's what really makes it feel special.
The Blipblox After Dark can be hours of musical delight. Just remember, it is not the same as entry-level offerings from industry giants like the Roland Compact S-1 Tweak or Korg Volca Modular, but that's not what this is about (even though they are close in price). As long as you're not expecting that, you're in for a fantastic time.
The Blipblox After Dark is a powerful and versatile synth disguised in a playful and accessible package. While it might not be on par with premium synths, it offers incredible value for its price, especially considering the included Blipblox EDU resources. If you're looking for a fun and educational way to introduce yourself or your child to the world of sound creation, the Blipblox After Dark is a fantastic choice.