MegaCommand Live (MCL)¶
MegaCommand Live is a high-performance MIDI sequencer originally created by Justin Mammarella (jmamma) for the Elektron MachineDrum. On the TBD-16, it runs natively on the RP2350 while the ESP32-P4 provides Ableton Link sync.
At a Glance¶
What It Does¶
MIDI sequencing with tracks for external hardware (MachineDrum, Monomachine, Analog Four, or any MIDI instrument)
Song mode for chaining patterns into arrangements
Live performance tools – real-time transpose, mute groups, parameter locks
Ableton Link – the ESP32-P4 runs Link and provides a shared tempo to the RP2350, so MCL locks to your DAW or other Link-enabled devices
Full hardware UI – the TBD-16’s 30 buttons, 4 encoders, and OLED display are mapped for hands-on sequencing
How It Works¶
- RP2350 (MCL firmware)
Runs the complete MegaCommand Live sequencer engine. Drives the OLED, reads buttons and encoders, sends and receives MIDI data via USB and TRS connectors.
- ESP32-P4 (Ableton Link provider)
Does not run DSP plugins in this App. Instead, it connects to the local WiFi network and runs an Ableton Link session. The shared tempo is relayed to MCL on the RP2350 so everything stays in sync.
This is a good example of how the TBD-16’s dual-processor architecture works: the ESP32-P4 does not always run synth engines. Here, it contributes network connectivity and Link sync while the RP2350 does the heavy sequencing work.
About the MCL Project¶
MegaCommand Live started as firmware for the MegaCommand MIDI Controller hardware, designed to extend the Elektron MachineDrum with pattern management, song mode, and advanced MIDI features. Justin Mammarella (jmamma) ported it to the RP2350 for the TBD-16.
The MCL source is available on GitHub under the GPL license.