A UK synthesizer manufacturer that existed from about 2007 to 2011. Their notable product was the BC16, a very small, hand-held, monophonic, semi-modular analog synthesizer. The top of the unit contained 15 color-coded knobs around the case perimeter that controlled parameters for two voltage-controlled oscillators, a voltage controlled filter, a voltage controlled amplifier, a low frequency oscillator, and an ADSR envelope generator. The two VCOs shared their controls; a detune control allowed VCO2 to be offset from VCO1. A inner circle of mini-banana jacks provided signal inputs and outputs. The synth came with a small set of patch cords. An even smaller unit called the BC8 was eventually offered, containing one VCO, one VCF, one VCA and an envelope generator.
The unit was battery powered. It contained a minimal MIDI interface for control, or the signal jacks could be used to interface via CV/Gate. (For this, the user had to fabricate an adapter cable.) The VCO scaling was odd: 0.586 volts/octave, which complicated interfacing to other equipment. (This was a design constraint imposed by the limited voltage available from the battery.)
The intent of the BC16 was mainly to be used as a noisemaker, in improvised stage performances and performance art. Reviews from users who managed to obtain a working example were generally positive. However, Chimera had a number of business and customer service issues. The company eventually collapsed in 2011, among allegations that users never received products that they paid for, and some users who sent units in for service never got them back.