*** FAQ *** General ======= .. dropdown:: What is TBD-16? TBD-16 is a standalone desktop audio DSP instrument by `dadamachines `_. It runs the open-source `CTAG TBD `_ audio engine and includes 50+ synthesizers and effects. Just plug in USB-C power and start making music using the built-in hardware interface (buttons, encoders, OLED display, RGB LEDs), no computer required. .. dropdown:: What does TBD stand for? **To Be Determined**, reflecting the platform's open, extensible nature. The sound engine is not fixed; you choose and combine processors from a growing library, or create your own. .. dropdown:: What is the relationship between CTAG TBD and dadamachines? `CTAG TBD `_ is the open-source audio engine developed at the Creative Technologies AG (CTAG) at Kiel University of Applied Sciences. `dadamachines `_ builds the TBD-16 hardware product around that engine and maintains this documentation. .. dropdown:: Do I need a Eurorack system? No. The TBD-16 is a fully standalone desktop device with TRS MIDI (3.5 mm Type-A), USB MIDI, audio I/O, and a full hardware interface. No Eurorack case, no computer, no power supply needed, just USB-C power. It even works with a USB power bank for portable use. .. dropdown:: What processors / chips are inside? - **ESP32-P4** -- Main DSP engine and WiFi web server - **RP2350** -- User interface, MIDI, and hardware I/O - **ESP32-C6** -- WiFi co-processor - **STM32F030R8T6** -- UI board I/O controller (buttons, encoders, on the separate UI board connected via FFC) See :doc:`TBD-16 Hardware ` for more details. .. dropdown:: Can I use TBD-16 in a commercial product? Yes. If you want to build a product around the TBD platform, two options are designed for you: - The :doc:`TBD-Core ` -- our core DSP board with all audio, MIDI, and USB I/O assembled. Connect your own UI board via the 30-pin FFC and design your own enclosure. - :doc:`Custom Integration ` -- we integrate the ESP32-P4, RP2350, and codec directly onto your PCB. We also work with companies on licensed special editions of the TBD-16. The core DSP engine is licensed under **GPL 3.0** (upstream). The dadamachines additions (web UI, tools, documentation) are licensed under **LGPL 3.0**, which is more permissive: individual developers can contribute freely, while companies must share back any modifications they distribute. If you want to keep modifications proprietary, dadamachines offers commercial licensing. The TBD-16 hardware design itself is proprietary. See :doc:`Open-Source Licenses ` for full details. Audio & Sound ============= .. dropdown:: What sample rate and bit depth does TBD-16 use? The firmware ships at **44.1 kHz** sample rate with **32-bit float** internal processing over a **32-bit I2S bus**. The `TLV320AIC3254 `_ audio codec supports sample rates from 8 kHz up to 192 kHz and word lengths up to 32 bit --- the firmware can be reconfigured if a different rate is needed. See :doc:`TBD-16 Audio Performance ` for full measured specs. .. dropdown:: How many plugins can run simultaneously? Two, one per audio channel (Slot 0 and Slot 1). Each channel independently runs a plugin from the library. In **Groovebox** mode, plugins are assigned per track. In **MultiEffect** mode, you select plugins for each slot using the hardware interface or the web interface. .. dropdown:: Can I process external audio? Yes. The audio inputs accept line-level signals. Any effect plugin can process incoming audio in real time. .. dropdown:: What is Ableton Link? Ableton Link is a technology for synchronizing tempo across devices on the same WiFi network. TBD-16 has built-in Link support, allowing it to sync with Ableton Live, iOS apps, and other Link-enabled tools. See :doc:`Ableton Link ` for details. Connectivity ============ .. dropdown:: How do I connect to the web interface? Connect the TBD-16 to your WiFi network, then open its IP address in a browser. See :doc:`WiFi & Ableton Link ` for setup instructions. .. dropdown:: What MIDI connections are supported? - 2x TRS 3.5 mm MIDI In Type-A (2nd input doubles as Clock/Reset) - 2x TRS 3.5 mm MIDI Out Type-A - USB MIDI (via USB-C) All connections follow the `TRS Type-A standard `_. The RP2350 processor handles MIDI and makes it available to the DSP engine. See the `MIDI section `_ of the TBD-16 page for details. .. dropdown:: Can the TBD-16 run multiple RP2350 firmware images? Yes. All Apps ship pre-installed on the SD card and you switch between them from a boot menu -- no flashing required. See the :doc:`Apps ` catalog and :doc:`Bootloader ` for technical details. Troubleshooting =============== .. dropdown:: I can't connect to the web interface :open: 1. Ensure the TBD-16 is powered on and connected to your WiFi network. 2. Check that your computer is on the **same network**. 3. Try accessing the device at its IP address directly. 4. If the device isn't connecting to WiFi, see :doc:`WiFi & Ableton Link `. .. dropdown:: Firmware flash failed - Make sure the USB cable supports data (not charge-only). - Try a different USB port. - Use the browser-based flasher at :doc:`Flash DSP Firmware ` or :doc:`Flash UI Firmware `. - For full device recovery, see :doc:`Device Recovery `. .. dropdown:: No sound after changing plugins - Check that the plugin is loaded on the correct channel. - Some plugins require an external audio input or a MIDI trigger to produce sound. - In Groovebox mode, make sure the track is unmuted and the sequencer is running. - Verify that your audio cable is connected to the correct output jack. Development Questions ===================== If you're developing custom firmware or plugins, the relevant troubleshooting is in each development section: - **DSP / plugin development** -- :doc:`Plugin Development Setup ` (Troubleshooting section) and :doc:`Building & Flashing ` - **App / RP2350 development** -- :doc:`App Development Setup ` and :doc:`Debugging with SWD ` (Troubleshooting section) Still Stuck? ============ - `dadamachines Forum `_ -- Ask the community - `GitHub Issues `_ -- Report bugs or request features .. include:: /_includes/footer-links.rst