Quick answer

The littleBits i31 oscillator generates audio tones for sound experiments, while the i8 proximity sensor detects nearby objects without touch. Choose the oscillator for synth or music projects, and the proximity sensor for hands-free triggers or self-navigating builds.

What each Bit does

The littleBits i31 oscillator is a sound source that creates audio tones used in almost every sound experiment with littleBits. It is the main sound source for the Synth Kit and Music Inventor Kit, making it essential for any project that needs variable pitch or tone generation.

The littleBits i8 proximity sensor senses objects in front of it and can detect whether an object is far or near. This makes it ideal for creating hands-free instruments, self-navigating cars, or any circuit that responds to proximity without physical contact.

Comparing capabilities

The oscillator excels in projects where you need to generate or modulate sound—think theremin-like instruments, alarm tones, or musical sequences. It does not detect objects or trigger actions based on distance.

The proximity sensor shines when you want a touchless trigger: wave your hand to change a sound, start a motor, or light an LED. It does not produce sound on its own, so you would pair it with an output Bit like the oscillator or a DC motor to create a response.

Practical tradeoffs

If you are building a sound-focused project, the oscillator gives you direct control over audio frequency. But it cannot sense the environment—you would need a sensor Bit like the proximity sensor to make your sound react to movement or distance.

If you need touchless interaction, the proximity sensor is the right input. However, it requires an output Bit (such as the oscillator or a DC motor) to produce a visible or audible result, adding complexity to your circuit.

Tradeoffs at a glance

  • Sound generation vs. object detection: The oscillator creates audio tones; the proximity sensor detects nearby objects. They serve fundamentally different input/output roles. Choose the oscillator if your project needs sound; choose the proximity sensor if it needs touchless sensing.
  • Standalone vs. paired use: The oscillator can directly drive a speaker or output. The proximity sensor must be paired with an output Bit to produce a visible or audible result. The proximity sensor adds an extra step in circuit design but enables interactive, responsive projects.
  • Kit compatibility: The oscillator is the main sound source for the Synth Kit and Music Inventor Kit. The proximity sensor is not tied to a specific kit but works with any littleBits system. If you own a Synth or Music Inventor Kit, the oscillator is already central to your builds.

Product facts at a glance

  • littleBits i31 oscillator: The oscillator is a sound source that is capable of creating audio tones that will be used in almost every sound experiment you create with littleBits. This is the main sound source for the Synth Kit and Music Inventor Kit! If you want to generate variable tones for music or alarms, this Bit is your primary building block.
  • littleBits i8 proximity sensor: The proximity sensor Bit senses objects in front of it. It can sense if an object is far or near. Try using it to create your own self-navigating car, or a hands-free instrument! For projects that need to detect motion or distance without touch, this Bit provides the input signal to trigger other actions.

Which Bit fits your project?

Best for

  • Sound experiments, synth projects, and music invention kits (i31 oscillator)
  • Touchless triggers, self-navigating vehicles, and hands-free instruments (i8 proximity sensor)

Not ideal for

  • Projects that need to detect objects or distance without touch (choose the proximity sensor instead)
  • Projects that need to generate audio tones or variable pitch (choose the oscillator instead)