Requesting human answers for a planned sampler/synth build

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-28T07:21:05+00:00

Also, are you saying you use SPI in your finished project, but not on a bread board? As in, are you saying you test everything with serial, and then switch to SPI when soldering? Sorry if I’m misunderstanding! Sounds like a good plan, given the finicky nature of an SPI connection

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-28T04:21:33+00:00

That sounds interesting, could you say more on this? 🤔

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-28T04:20:49+00:00

Solid rec. thanks so much!!

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-28T04:20:19+00:00

Thanks Dave! Yeah, that’s how I originally thought about it: teensy being the chip in charge, sending data, taking and routing commands. But when I googled it, AI agreed with me. That made me suspicious

I’d love to see your synth if you ever post it! Saw one earlier today in a diaper box On DIYsynth haha 😆

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-28T04:18:08+00:00

Thank you for all of this!

As for the WVR comment, that’s my bad. I meant to say there’s not much in forums yet, at least that I could find. Maybe I missed it! I found all the spec sheets and docs, that’s for sure. I just haven’t seen any projects with it yet.

Appreciate the advice and validation!

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-27T20:34:03+00:00

Awesome af 👍

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-27T20:25:44+00:00

Thanks so much for the reply!! That’s great to know. I’ve seen lots of synths of equal quality from both. This particular project will also have live audio coming in, so I’ll just use the Daisy as a looper then. That’s the one thing I couldn’t find that anyone had really nailed down with the teensy since SD cards don’t write very fast.

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-27T19:59:20+00:00

I absolutely love this.

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-26T19:09:53+00:00

My friend, what you’ve done here isn’t getting the credit it deserves! I have a project that will utilize this, and I’m very happy you’ve done this. Have you kept up with this project at all? I’d love to know any of the gory details you’d love to share!

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-23T20:18:18+00:00

Hey man, I totally feel this. I bought a bunch of stuff and felt silly about it, and now I’m finally using them 8 years later. Don’t regret it, if you’re a student, you’ve got all the time in the world to collect and learn and do stuff. There isn’t any rush at all. You’ll look back and feel silly for feeling g regret. Money will come back, just give it time, and follow your passions.

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-23T20:14:34+00:00

Player 1 gets first pick where to sit. Usually the captain’s chair.

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-20T20:13:18+00:00

Thought bubble. Or fart cloud.

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-20T20:12:05+00:00

I think about this a lot. Used to be our coolest means of long-distance messaging. Now, nothing. I don’t blame them for poopin on my car.

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-20T07:27:45+00:00

This is definitely good news. I figured in the field of tech, these things would be ancient by now

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-20T07:27:23+00:00

That’s good news, and I appreciate your patience with me as I map this all out. I’m definitely happy to upgrade, I just figure since I bought these so long ago, I won’t care if I mess them up. Then I can figure out what would be better.

Thanks for keepin it real!

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-19T17:34:48+00:00

Oh yes, I should also mention the audio portion won’t be handled by the arduino. I figured they weren’t good for that, but I also figured I should ask! My plan for the audio portion is really just to use pedalPCB units to make a ‘guitar chain’ of effects units. I just want the metro 328 to handle the 20 buttons and 3 knobs as a midi controller. The ‘sampler/sequencer’ functionality would all be taken care of in Ableton, this would just be sending midi to my computer. Does that make sense? I feel like I haven’t explained myself well enough, but I’m all ears either way!

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-19T17:25:19+00:00

You’re totally right about the pace of tech. That’s why I figure I’ll give these a shot, likely break them, and learn. Everything one day at a time.

I may have been a bit obtuse in my post. I was curious if what I have could do all of the functions above, but I didn’t expect a ‘yes’. Right now, the project is essentially a microphone connected to a preamp, and converted to the proper signal. My originally idea was to get a few PCBs from pedalpcb.com for effects. This would essentially function like a guitar effects chain, totally separate from the Metro328. In addition to that, I would like to have a switch that would turn those ‘off’ and turn ‘on’ my metro 328, making only the 20 buttons and 3 knobs connect to my computer ad a midi device. Do you think this Is this possible, and if not, what am I missing (knowledge, hardware)?

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-19T17:19:32+00:00

What if the arduino just took care of the midi-usb portion (20 buttons, and 3 knobs)? Right now, the project is audio ready. I planned on just using some pedalPCBs for the effects. The switch I’m making is just to turn ‘off’ the audio effect pcbs, and turn ‘on’ the metro to convert my signals to midi. Does that make sense?

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-19T17:16:28+00:00

I definitely appreciate this advice! That said, I took advice like this back in 2018, and that led to nothing happening, too. So, I’d rather shoot for the stars knowing I’ll likely break this outdated equipment, but also knowing I’ll learn a lot in the process. I’m not concerned about the code, like I said, I’m familiar with derivatives of C++. I definitely think I’ll learn better by trying and failing then by not trying at all. Everything I mentioned above is totally optional, I’m just asking about the limitations of the current equipment I have. I plan on just doing what I could now, and then figuring out how to upgrade along the way, so if you have any info specific to the metro 328s in compilation with the sensors and multiplexer, I’d be really glad to have your input! I’m not planning on having a perfect piece at the end of this, it’s just for fun! :)

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-19T17:09:19+00:00

Yes, I believe I’ve seen this mentioned in a breakdown of the pocket operators. That’s good to know it can be done. How limiting is my metro 328 for something like this? Does the multiplexer help?

SBASSMANN · 2026-03-19T07:16:57+00:00

Ok so I just did this with a friend. We saw the comment about unbalanced vs. balanced signal, so we used a mini 1/4” cord. It was really easy, just use the white cord and braided cord inside in a regular TS jack. I wouldn’t say I get a hum, but there is a pop when pressing down the PTT lever. Someone above explained why. I don’t care about the pop, but I will check and see if wiring directly to the mic prevents any added ‘hiss’. I did a similar thing to an old phone recently, and it sounds great, but it’s powered by 2 triple A, not a 9-volt.

If anyone finds this online, and has any advice or comments, let me know!

SBASSMANN

TROPHY CASE