MembraneSynth is a monophonic synthesizer designed to emulate the distinctive sounds of membrane percussion instruments such as bass drums and tom-toms. Its unique tonal character is generated through a self-modulating feedback delay network (FDN), which creates rich textures and dynamic soundscapes. The instrument allows for exploration of rhythmic and percussive tones, producing both conventional drum-like sounds and unusual noise textures via controlled oscillations.

The synthesizer features a simple exponential decay envelope that shapes the excitation, contributing to its natural and responsive feel. The core 16 by 16 feedback delay network is capable of self-modulation, enabling the creation of evolving sounds and occasional oscillations when configured to do so. To maintain control over these oscillations, a modulation envelope is included, reducing unintended feedback while preserving sonic interest.

MembraneSynth is available with an experimental build for macOS and a Linux version optimized for Ubuntu 22.04, with build instructions provided for other distributions. Its source code is openly accessible for users interested in customization or development. This instrument offers a distinct approach to percussion synthesis, appealing to producers seeking organic and textured drum sounds.