Randomwaves Drumboy and Synthgirl are Open-Source, ARM-Powered Grooveboxes for Music Creation

Randomwaves introduces Drumboy and Synthgirl, two new handheld instruments designed to make music creation accessible and fun. These devices are built around an ARM Cortex-M7 processor which includes a 24-bit true audio generator and a 5.0″ LCD TFT screen, along with open-source code for customization. Drumboy focuses on crafting beats and percussion with 10 instrument layers and effects, while Synthgirl offers a versatile wavetable synthesizer with 2 oscillators, LFOs, and effects. Both instruments prioritize ease of use and seamless synchronization, empowering users to explore their creativity and craft unique sonic signatures.

Highlights

• 24-bit True Audio: To ensure the highest sound quality, we designed the entire audio architecture using the powerful 550MHz ARM Cortex M7 processor, delivering pristine 24-bit audio.
• 5” Color LCD: We prioritized a large, vibrant screen that allows users to visually engage with the process of creating beats and songs, enhancing the overall user experience.
• Capacitive Touch Controller: Moving away from conventional buttons, we opted for durable and reliable capacitive touch controls to provide a more responsive and modern interface.
• SD Card Input: Understanding the need for flexibility, we included an SD card input that lets users load all samples and wavetables, save their files, and easily perform firmware updates.
• Open Source Code: As part of the Maker community, we committed to providing open access to all hardware and software files. Developed on the widely used STM32 platform, our devices allow for easy customization and software installation using the STM32 Link dongle.
• Sync In & Out: To ensure seamless integration, we designed our gadgets to synchronize effortlessly with each other and with other devices, offering versatility and adaptability in various setups.

Some other features include a capacitive touch controller for a responsive and modern interface, an SD card input for loading samples, wavetables, and Sync In & Out ports for effortless synchronization between the devices or with other external equipment.

Previously we have written about similar synthesizers like PiOSCBOX, the Tiny TS synthesizer, and even some DIY! ones like VXO-based synthesizer and Polyphonic FM Synthesizer so check those out if you are interested in the topic.

Randomwaves Drumboy and Synthgirl Specifications

• Audio Quality:
  • 24-bit true audio with 550MHz ARM Cortex M7 processor
• Display:
  • 5-inch color LCD
• Controls:
  • Capacitive touch controls
• Storage:
  • SD card slot for samples, wavetables, files, and firmware updates
  • Drumboy: 5 banks, up to 100 files/drumkits
  • Synthgirl: 7 banks, up to 100 files/synthkits
• Connectivity:
  • USB-C port for power and data transfer
  • Sync-In & Out ports for device synchronization
  • STM32 interface for firmware customization
• Rhythm & Composition:
  • Adjustable parameters for bar, measure (up to 8), and quantization (up to 1/64)
  • Metronome with four sound options, pre-count, enable/disable, and volume control
• Sound Design:
  • Drumboy:
    • 10 instrument layers with .wav samples (up to 8 seconds)
    • Parametric EQ: 1 low shelf, 1 high shelf, 4 peak filters
    • 2 filter channels: Low pass, high pass, band pass, band stop
  • Synthgirl:
    • Key and arpeggiator settings (rate, pattern, chord, order, octave)
    • 2 wavetable oscillators (up to 256 steps) with .wav sample support
    • 4 shaping LFOs with 25 prebuilt types
• Effects:
  • 2 effect channels with 8 options: Delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, compressor, expander, overdrive, distortion, bit crusher
  • Reverb engine with room size, decay, pre-delay, surround, dry/wet control
• Synchronization:
  • RW Mode: Sync between Randomwaves devices
  • Global Mode: Sync with third-party devices
• Customization Tools:
  • STM32 Link connector for firmware hacking and updates

The project is built around the STM32 platform and completely programmed in C++, it’s also completely open source and all the related hardware and software files can be found on GitHub.

At the time of writing the Randomwaves Drumboy and Synthgirl are not available for sale but it’s launching on Kickstarter on Sep the 20th 2024 where the Drumboy and Synthgirl will cost you $179. For more information about the product, you can check out the randomwaves official website.

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