We are finding more and more manufacturers are opting for the use of the Raspberry Pi to handle the compute engine duties of new synthesizer builds.
Korg’s recent additions to their synthesizer range have revealed they are using Raspberry Pi 3 controllers and their latest Multi/Poly synth uses the more recent rPi 4:
They switched to Raspberry Pi “and basically get all of what we needed, for a lot less. It’s smaller, cheaper, faster, lighter, better, all that stuff. It was a clear path for us,” says Dan Phillips.
Another compelling aspect was that with Raspberry Pi Compute Module everything was ready to go. Korg could focus on the custom aspects of their product, such as professional-quality audio hardware, the physical keyboard, and the extensive physical control surfaces, and then just plug in a single part to provide the CPU, RAM, and storage. “That part of the work is already done. It’s like any other component; we don’t have to lay out the board, build it, and test it.”
Modular and rPi
We’ve seen many boutique modular and desktop projects emerge that have implemented the rPi into the package solution. For example Maneco Labs PIKOLOOPS uses the rPi Pico co ntroller which gives it the capability to hold 8 minutes of 8-bit 33 kHz monophonic samples, run real-time effects like a resonant filter, timestretching, volume, and wavefolding, and support a 128 step sequencer.
The challenge to running these in Eurorack is the power consumption. The Pico would be the correct choice in this case.
Reddit rPi List
There’s a big list of gear (maintained over on Reddit) that show synthy devices that are using the rPi platform:
Note: some of these may not be correct. For example the Ableton Push 3 uses an Intel “NUC” style package. I believe the Akai MPCs use something similar as well.
Tasty Chips GR-1
Another well known Synth/Sampler developed is the Tasty Chips GR-1.
They’ve opted for a Pi 3 package which they say easily handles the computing power for the samples and granular synthesis duties.
The other benefits are the connectivity with audio, USB, HDMI and network. It makes it a sensible choice.
Development Support
It makes sense with a plethora of dev support out there. Lots of websites, forums and online repositories (like github) where you can find example code and DIY builds for a synthy rPi project.
Zynthian Project
A great example of this is the Zynthian project – https://zynthian.org/ . Zynthian is a compact, self-contained, music-making computer that can be used as a keyboard expander, audio effects unit, MIDI processor / router and groovebox / micro-DAW.
audio sampler engine: zynsampler is an innovative audio sampler that is being actively developed. It features crop & loop points, ADSR, pitch shifting, time stretching, varispeed and much more!
over 30 synth engines::
accurate emulations of classic instruments: pianos, electric pianos (rhodes, wurly, etc.), hammond organ, combo organ, pipe organ, yamaha DX7, oberheim OBX, …
step sequencer: zynseq is a full featured step sequencer that turns zynthian into a powerful groovebox. It features live capture, quantization, swing, humanization, playing chance and much more.
live looping sampler: the sooper looper engine, capable of immediate loop recording, overdubbing, multiplying, reversing and much more.
mod-ui: a fancy canvas environment for designing crazy arrangements of sound processors.
pure data: a visual language for sound & midi programming
multitrack audio recorder: chain’s output can be recorded independently in a multitrack WAV file.
midi file recorder/player: standard midi files can be easily recorded and played back.
MiniDexed
The MiniDexed project is a great example of what you can achieve on a Raspberry Pi. The project works as an FM synthesizer modelled after the famous Yamaha DX7, except with a twist: you get 8 of these (if your rPi can handle it). This is more like the TX816/TX802 with the ability to run multiple instances of DX7 synthesizers running on different MIDI channels.
The other benefit is that the whole project runs bare metal on the rPi without needing to boot into a Linux OS.
I’ve actually built one of these myself (pictured below)
Above – pictured as a prototype – checked and working
Below – pictured with temporary case made (a bit of a botch job on the screen cutout )
I also did a show on it here:
More information about the MiniDexed project can be found here:
Now the cool kids are using rPi – maybe it’s time for you as well! With excellent examples of what can be done, and plenty of DIY help, is the Raspberry Pi going to be your choice?
MiniDexed and Synclavier Regen as well!