FAQ¶
General¶
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 TBD-16 Hardware for more details.
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 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.
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 Open-Source Licenses for full details.
Audio & Sound¶
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 TBD-16 Audio Performance for full measured specs.
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.
Can I process external audio?
Yes. The audio inputs accept line-level signals. Any effect plugin can process incoming audio in real time.
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 Ableton Link for details.
Connectivity¶
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 WiFi & Ableton Link for setup instructions.
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.
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 Apps catalog and Bootloader for technical details.
Troubleshooting¶
I can’t connect to the web interface
Ensure the TBD-16 is powered on and connected to your WiFi network.
Check that your computer is on the same network.
Try accessing the device at its IP address directly.
If the device isn’t connecting to WiFi, see WiFi & Ableton Link.
Firmware flash failed
Make sure the USB cable supports data (not charge-only).
Try a different USB port.
Use the browser-based flasher at Flash DSP Firmware or Flash UI Firmware.
For full device recovery, see Device Recovery.
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 – Plugin Development Setup (Troubleshooting section) and Building & Flashing
App / RP2350 development – App Development Setup and Debugging with SWD (Troubleshooting section)
Still Stuck?¶
dadamachines Forum – Ask the community
GitHub Issues – Report bugs or request features