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The open audio platform
for musicians and developers.
The dadamachines TBD-16 is a standalone desktop instrument built on CTAG TBD, an open-source audio DSP engine. It combines 50+ synthesizers and effects with standard MIDI, a browser-based UI, and Ableton Link. Plug in power and start making music — no computer required.
An instrument you can truly make your own.
Most electronic instruments are closed boxes — you get the sounds the manufacturer chose, and that's it. TBD is different. The DSP engine, firmware, and plugin system are fully open source (GPL/LGPL). You can play it out of the box, or dive into the code and shape it into exactly the instrument you need.
Ready to Play
Ships as a complete instrument. Plug in USB-C power, connect speakers, and you're making music in seconds.
Open-Source Software
The core DSP engine is GPL 3.0. Web UI, tools, and docs are LGPL 3.0. Full source access — study, modify, and contribute.
No Lock-In
Standard MIDI, standard audio jacks, SD card storage. Your instruments and sounds belong to you.
Built on CTAG TBD
The audio engine and 50+ plugins come from the CTAG TBD project by Robert Manzke.
Multicore architecture. Three processors, one open platform.
The TBD-16 runs three purpose-built processors in parallel: the ESP32-P4 (dual-core RISC-V) handles real-time audio DSP, the RP2350 (dual-core ARM/RISC-V) drives the hardware UI, MIDI, and sequencing, and the ESP32-C6 manages WiFi & Ableton Link. Each layer is independently programmable — change one without touching the others.
Controller Apps
Build MIDI controllers, sequencers, or control surfaces on the RP2350 using Arduino & PlatformIO.
DSP Plugins
Write audio code in C++ that runs on the ESP32-P4. Test in the desktop simulator before flashing to hardware.
Web UI
Built-in WiFi serves a web interface for preset management, plugin configuration, and firmware updates.
Ableton Link
Wireless tempo sync with Ableton Live, iOS apps, and any Link-enabled device on the same network.
Jump in wherever you are.
Whether you're a musician, a developer, or both — there's a path for you.
Make Music
Your TBD-16 ships ready to use. Switch apps, tweak 50+ DSP plugins from your browser, sync with Ableton Link.
Build Controller Apps
Create custom MIDI controllers, sequencers, or control surfaces on the RP2350 — Arduino & PlatformIO. No audio programming required.
Write DSP Plugins
Write audio code in C++ for the ESP32-P4. If you already ship VST, AU, or LV2 plugins, the workflow is familiar — start in the desktop simulator, no hardware needed, then flash to the device.
Hardware & Platform
The TBD-16 Devkit ships with 50+ plugins and full multi-app support. Products built on the platform can run the same broad palette or focus on a single dedicated plugin — the architecture supports both.
Shape the platform.
TBD is built by a growing community of developers, musicians, and manufacturers. Here's how you can contribute.
Contribute a Plugin
Write a synthesizer, effect, or drum machine in C++. Test it in the desktop simulator, then submit a pull request.
Create a Plugin →Build an App
Create a MIDI controller, sequencer, or performance app for the RP2350 — Arduino & PlatformIO, no audio code needed.
App Dev Guide →Build Your Own Hardware Product
Already shipping VST, AU, or LV2 plugins? Your C++ DSP code can run on TBD hardware. Use the TBD-Core module or work with dadamachines on a fully custom PCB integration. Your product can focus on a single signature sound, offer a curated collection, or ship the full multi-plugin TBD experience — same open engine, your hardware, your brand.
Talk to dadamachines →