Hardware¶
The TBD-16 is a compact desktop audio DSP instrument powered by an ESP32-P4 (400 MHz dual RISC-V) and an RP2350B (150 MHz dual Cortex-M33). Plug in power and start making music — no computer or Eurorack case required.
Audio |
44.1 kHz · 32-bit float · stereo in/out · headphone out |
MIDI |
4× TRS (Type-A) · USB MIDI · USB Host MIDI · Ableton Link |
Interface |
30 buttons · 4 endless pots · 2.4” OLED · 19 RGB LEDs |
Plugins |
50+ synths, effects, drum machines |
Full TBD-16 specs and connectivity →
The TBD Platform¶
The TBD-16 is the flagship product of the TBD platform — a modular hardware architecture built around the same ESP32-P4 DSP engine. Whether you want a ready-made instrument, a core board for a custom enclosure, or a fully custom PCB, all tiers run the same CTAG TBD audio engine with 50+ plugins, WiFi, MIDI, and Ableton Link.
Product |
What It Is |
For Whom |
|---|---|---|
Complete desktop instrument, ready to play |
Musicians, developers, anyone who wants to start immediately |
|
Core DSP board with all I/O assembled + 30-pin FFC for custom UI |
Instrument designers, product developers |
|
ESP32-P4 + RP2350B + codec fully integrated on your own PCB |
Manufacturers, OEMs, collaborators |
Which Tier Is Right for You?¶
Requirement |
TBD-16 |
TBD-Core |
Custom Integration |
|---|---|---|---|
Ready to use out of the box |
Yes |
— |
— |
Custom UI / enclosure |
— |
Yes (via FFC) |
Yes (full control) |
All I/O jacks on board |
Yes |
Yes |
You choose |
Custom connector layout |
— |
— |
Yes |
Custom codec / channels |
— |
— |
Yes |
Optimized BOM at scale |
— |
— |
Yes |
Same DSP engine & plugins |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Proven Lineage¶
The TBD audio engine has been shipping in hardware for years across multiple form factors:
TBD-16 — Current-generation desktop instrument by dadamachines
CTAG TBD Eurorack — The original open-source module (upstream repo), commercially sold by Instruments of Things
AE Modular TBD — Compact adaptation by tangible waves (wiki)
Open-source core — Upstream repository: ctag-fh-kiel/ctag-tbd
See Custom Integration for details on building your own product on this platform.