Attention
This is the documentation stub to the upcoming TBD V2 release.
It is incomplete and subject to future changes.
CTAG TBD hackable audio processor¶
Hardware reference designs and software suite for a series of highly hackable electronic musical devices, built around the ESP32 family of systems on a chip (SoC).
Everything to build your own audio processor device for MIDI or Eruorack. Add sounds and plugins, extend, hack, redesign - all the freedom you need!
eierlegende Wollmilchsau
an all-in-one device or person which has (or claims to have) only positive attributes and which can (or attempts to) do the work of several specialized tools
—wiktionary.org
What is CTAG TBD¶
TBD is the latest iteration in family of musical tools and instruments based on versatile cheap system on a chip (SoC) commonly used in Internet of Things devices.
The CTAG project was started as a space to explore technology for creative use with a strong emphasis on music and sound. It aims at creating usable creative tools and devices, exploring upcoming technolgies for creative playful use and foster students creative potential. CTAG is both an idea and also a real lab at the University of Applied Science Kiel (FH Kiel). CTAG has seen many different contributors and projects over the years, from educators to volunteers to students, from class attendees to large contributors to projects like TBD.
How to Use¶
The bare minimum required to get started is:
one of the required ESP32 development boards
the desired TBD device reference circuit board (PCB)
a web browser that supports Web Serial
After installing the default software onto the device you are ready to explore the default plugins, play with the settings and make some music.
Ready to Build Devices¶
- CTAG TBD MIDI
play notes from digital MIDI input
- CTAG TBD Eurorack
play notes from input voltages
- CTAG Strämpler https://github.com/ctag-fh-kiel/ctag-straempler
eurorack sample streaming and sound synthesis module
Creating Custom Sounds¶
To create your own plugins you should have some basic understanding of the C++ programming language. The TBD software suite provides you with a plugin system, so you do not have alter any of the core software to create new sounds. To create new sound plugins you will need:
the TBD source code (preferably using GIT version management)
the ESP32 development tools or the docker container engine installed
Extending the Hardware¶
If you are familiar with basic electronics, the TBD reference PCB has a spare free spare connector for every input/output (used and unused) of the ESP32 development board. Even without a complete redesign of the reference board, this allows you to:
connect analyzers (oscilloscope or logic analyzer)
use an additional bread board, to wire up some additional chips and components
design a hat PCB, to plug be plugged on top of the ESP32 board