Hardware Design

Portable music instrument with location-aware sampling, synthesis, and AI composition

120 BPM
TAP
40.4168, -3.7038
14:32
SEQ
MIX
SYN
SCN
AI
FX
RAD
EQ
SEQ SMP SYN RAD MIC RND CLR EUC DUB
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
PICTURE
SOUNDSCAPE
INTERACT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
VOL 80
SWG 0
LEN 16
BPM 120
+
GPS 40.4168, -3.7038
Audio Out
Headphones
Audio In
Piezo Vibration sensor
Mic Condenser
WiFi 802.11
Radio FM Antenna
Enclosure: 200x140x45mm
Display: 5" Touch
Pads: 8x MPR121
Encoders: 4x Rotary

Technical Specifications

Audio Engine

  • Sample Rate: 44.1kHz
  • Bit Depth: 24-bit
  • Latency: <10ms
  • 8 Sample Slots (30s each)
  • 8-Track Step Sequencer
  • 24 Effect Types

Inputs

  • Stereo Line In (3.5mm TRS)
  • Microphone In (3.5mm TRS)
  • MIDI In (TRS-A)
  • USB-C (Data + Power)
  • GPS Antenna (internal)

Outputs

  • Stereo Main Out (3.5mm TRS)
  • Headphone Out (3.5mm TRS)
  • MIDI Out (TRS-A)
  • USB Audio (Class Compliant)

Controls

  • 8x Touch Pads (MPR121)
  • 4x Rotary Encoders (context-sensitive)
  • 3x Transport Buttons (Play/Stop/Rec)
  • 3x Mode Buttons (Picture/Soundscape/Interact)

Connectivity

  • WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
  • Bluetooth 4.2
  • GPS (NEO-6M)
  • AI API (Claude)

Physical

  • Size: 200 x 140 x 45mm
  • Weight: ~600g
  • Display: 5" IPS Touch (800x480)
  • Battery: 5-7 hours

Teensy 4.1 Pin Assignments

FunctionPinsProtocolNotes
Audio Shield (I2S)7, 20, 21, 23I2SSGTL5000 codec
Touch Sensor (MPR121)18, 19, 2I2C + IRQAddress: 0x5A
Encoders 1-43-12, 24-25GPIOCLK, DT, SW per encoder
Buttons26-29GPIOMODE, SHIFT, REC, PLAY
NeoPixel LEDs30WS28128x RGB
ESP3216, 17UARTSerial2 @ 115200
SD CardBuilt-inSDIO64GB for samples

Bill of Materials v3.0

European suppliers (Mouser.es, Farnell, Bricogeek)

ComponentDescriptionQtyPrice
PROCESSORS & AUDIO
Teensy 4.1600MHz ARM Cortex-M71$29.75
Audio ShieldSGTL5000 codec1$13.75
ESP32-WROOMWiFi/BT module1$8.00
microSD Card64GB sample storage1$12.00
DISPLAY
5" IPS Display800x480 Capacitive Touch1$35.00
Display DriverSSD1963 board1$8.00
USER INTERFACE
MPR121 Breakout12-ch touch sensor1$7.95
Copper TapeConductive, for pads1$6.00
Rotary EncodersWith push button4$11.80
Encoder KnobsAluminum 18mm4$6.00
Tactile ButtonsTransport + Mode (6x6mm)6$3.00
CONNECTIVITY & POWER
GPS ModuleNEO-6M with antenna1$12.00
Audio Jacks3.5mm stereo3$4.50
USB-C ConnectorPower + data1$2.00
LiPo Battery3500mAh 3.7V1$18.00
TP4056 ChargerUSB-C charging1$2.00
5V BoostBattery converter1$3.00
ENCLOSURE & MISC
EnclosureAluminum 200x140x45mm1$28.00
Acrylic PanelLaser-cut top1$12.00
HardwareScrews, standoffs, feet-$7.00
Wire/ConnectorsInternal wiring-$8.00
TOTAL (Parts)~$240
+ Shipping/Tax~$40
GRAND TOTAL~$280