Learning a musical instrument provides a lifetime of enjoyment. While today’s music increasingly relies on synthesizers, drum machines and samplers to create new and exciting sounds, the complexity of these tools makes them hard to get into the hands of children. Blipblox aims to change that by making electronic instruments fun, easy and safe for all ages. We feel that if intrigued and entertained, children have the ability to understand powerful music creation tools, inspiring them to create the music of tomorrow.

All Blipblox products have been tested by hundreds of kids from a variety of backgrounds and ages.  At numerous live events of all kinds, we’ve witnessed first hand the variety of kids who love playing with the Blipblox. Many, even those with no music experience, take to the Blipblox quickly and continue a focused play for an extended period of time without the need for advanced instruction.

While every kid is different, these are our general observations for what aspects of the Blipblox will attract which age groups:

Under 3
Blipblox products are safety certified for kids 3 years and older.  While some children under 3 may enjoy them with close parental participation, we have found that the device is a little advanced for them.

3-4 years
Younger kids are attracted to the Blipblox light show and brightly colored knobs and buttons.  But the most popular controls are the signature vibrant levers.  Many kids love to incorporate the Blipblox into imagination play, so it becomes a spaceship controller or “lava flow meter” (actual quote from a kid).  We have seen some more musically-oriented kids at this age start to twist the knobs in a more deliberate way and are able to get some really cool sounds from the Blipblox.

5-8 years
Kids at this age still like the lights and levers, but many are also starting to understand that they are controlling and creating sound.  As kids start to use the Blipblox more, they develop the skills to follow the signal flow lines and connect them to the sound they are hearing. They also love the kick and snare drum beatbox controls.

9-12 years
While the kids at the older end of this age range may at first think a Blipblox looks like a kid’s toy, it doesn’t take much for them to realize they are real musical instruments.  This is also the age where they can think about incorporating any music gear like MIDI keyboards, drum machines, and other synths into their music setup.  Kids who already have experience with a DAW will soon realize that Blipblox products can be used for music production.  

13 years-Adult
Teens and adults that are into electronic music or music production are attracted to our products because they look fun but are also legitimate tools.  Blipbloxes become studio devices used to create new synthesized sounds and beats that can be incorporated into a more layered song.  MIDI In means you can connect them to other pro music gear.  Audio Out means they can be recorded and layered into a hit track.  Musicians of all ages find our products uniquely inspiring for producing new sounds.

Blipblox products have been proven as an effective learning tool for early childhood development.  They quickly engage kids and teach them how they can control sounds and create music.  It teaches them the basics of signal flow, understanding how sound gets modulated as it moves through different stages.  Blipbloxes have also been effective in helping special needs kids express themselves in an innovative, non-verbal way.  The Blipblox Synthesizer was the winner of the SBO Best Teaching Tool for Pre-School students.

• Blipblox After Dark and SK2 are fully functional synthesizers, and our most toy-like, easiest products to use.  Just turn them on, and the music starts playing, inviting interaction and creativity.
• The Blipblox myTRACKS is a sample-based music production studio.

Blipblox Synthesizers are designed to make exploring soundwaves fun.  They use the same signal flow as a real synthesizer, creating sound with oscillators, and then modifying the sound with a filter.  There are different ways to “modulate” a sound using Low Frequency Oscillators and Envelopes.  Although these may sound like complex terms, Blipblox makes using these synthesis building blocks easy and fun.  The synthesized sound is generated by mathematical algorithms.  

The Blipblox myTRACKS uses clips of real sounds (called Samples) played by melodies (called Clips) to create layed, full songs.  Since it is sample-based, it can play acoustic sounds such as pianos, guitars, horns, etc.  It has 48 different instruments that can be selected across 5 tracks.  It has a built-in microphone for recording any audio.  The myTRACKS a bit more complicated and sophisticated compared to the synths, so it is recommended for older kids. 

Why not both?  The myTRACKS and our synthesizers are specifically designed to work together when connected with a handsome Blipblox Purple MIDI cable.

Both Blipblox After Dark and SK2 models have the same synthesis engine and controls, so the sounds they create are identical.  The After Dark is designed for adults and older kids who want a product closer to a real synthesizer.  The SK2 is designed for kids (as young as 3!), offering a more toy-like experience.

The After Dark has labeled LED indicators showing exactly what is happening with all of the modulations.  The SK2 uses the LED to make a fun light show synchronized with the music.  Both units have “smart LED animations”, helping to show you what modulation sources you are selecting.

The SK2 ships with 400 built-in melodies, while the After Dark has 300.  However, you can upgrade the melodies: you can upload the SK2 melodies into the After Dark, and vice versa..

The SK2 has some different drum samples, adding some sound effects and goofiness.  The After Dark has more straightforward kick and snare samples.

While both units are extremely durable, the SK2 is slightly more rugged than the After Dark.