Multi Effect / Synth¶
The Multi Effect / Synth App lets you browse, load, and play any of the 50+ DSP plugins using the TBD-16’s hardware interface – no computer or web UI required.
At a Glance¶
Status |
Shipping |
RP2350 firmware |
Plugin browser firmware |
ESP32-P4 |
Standard DSP firmware with 50+ plugins |
SD card file |
|
Tags |
Synth, FX, MIDI, Ableton Link |
What It Does¶
Browse plugins on the OLED with encoders – scroll, select, load
Two independent channels – run any two plugins at the same time
Mono or stereo routing per channel
Preset management – save and recall parameter snapshots
MIDI mapping – assign knobs and buttons to plugin parameters via MIDI CC
Ableton Link for tempo sync
Dual-Channel Architecture¶
The ESP32-P4 DSP firmware always has two plugin slots (Slot 0 and Slot 1). The Multi Effect / Synth App gives you direct hardware control over both:
Slot 0 |
Slot 1 |
|
|---|---|---|
Use case |
Main synth or input effect |
Second synth, effect chain, or parallel processor |
Routing |
Mono or stereo |
Mono or stereo |
Control |
Encoders + buttons + MIDI |
Encoders + buttons + MIDI |
This means you can run a synthesizer in Slot 0 and a reverb in Slot 1, or two completely independent effects, or two synths layered together.
See the full list of 50+ plugins available for each slot.
How It Works¶
- RP2350 (plugin browser firmware)
Displays the plugin list on the OLED. Reads encoder input to scroll through plugins and adjust parameters. Sends load commands and parameter updates to the ESP32-P4 via SPI.
- ESP32-P4 (standard DSP firmware)
Runs the same DSP engine used by all Apps. Receives plugin load and parameter messages from the RP2350. Processes audio in real time with sub-millisecond latency.
Why This Exists¶
The Groovebox is great when you want a complete instrument. But sometimes you just want to plug in a guitar and dial up two effects, or play a single synth with full hands-on control. The Multi Effect / Synth App is that stripped-down, direct-access mode.