Open Source Instruments to Watch in 2025: Pt1

When it comes to our modern synth era, it sure feels like we're living in a time of great choice and potential. Want an analogue polysynth? You got it, and at a reasonable price, too! Crazy digital stuff? Here's a boatload; software & hardware in all shapes & sizes!

The open-source arena has been an area of much excitement. Some projects have appeared that are completely open in terms of both hardware & software; build it, code it, do the whole thing! Others are pre-built, yet allow the user to code plugins or modules that run within. Let's take a look at a few of these devices:

4MS Meta Module

Pre-built / £543.99 https://metamodule.info/

Our winner of the 2024 "Best Modular" category, is set to go from strength to strength in 2025. For the uninitiated, this 26HP device runs ports of VCV rack modules. These must to be recompiled and altered in subtle ways (I don't understand all of the intricacies) but 4MS provides all required documentation & a supportive forum.

A number of authors have already jumped on board. December 2024 brought exciting new drum and CV-manipulation modules to the platform. 2025? A new version of the operating system and a teased port of Befaco's Oneroi.

Clacktronics Build Your Own Modular

Soldering Required / From £228.00 (Excl. VAT) https://clacktronics.co.uk/byom/

Clacktronics have produced a charming green folder full of PCBs - ready to be soldered by beginner & expert alike. The case, made from aluminium - is also included! In addition to the dual VCO's, LFO, Envelope, VCF & VCA - there's a Raspberry Pi Pico-based Microcontroller on board, programmable via a number of languages.

This one seems a real tinkerer's project, very cool.

Componental Dubby

No Soldering Required / From £332 Dubby Kickstarter | Componental

Dubby is a very tactile instrument - humongous well-made knobs, spring-loaded side-buttons, a spin-wheel & analogue joystick (all assignable) leave a strong first impression.

Dubby changes purpose instantly via a browser-based app store. In addition to far out delays, expansive reverbs and compelling modulation effects, there's a number of synths on board; Karplus Strong, FM, VA & Drum synthesis types are included (for now!)

Dubby's open-platform is built to encourage collaboration and exploration. With side-panel schematics and user-focused software available as open-source, Dubby invites musicians, developers, and tinkerers to make it truly their own. Dubby supports programming in Gen (Max), C++, and soon Pure Data, making it accessible for users with varied technical expertise to build, share, and modify custom effects and synths.

Korg NTS-3

No Soldering Required / £129 NTS-3 kaoss pad kit - PROGRAMMABLE EFFECT KIT | KORG (USA)

I love a Kaoss pad, and Korg's new NTS-3 promises a lot of finger-smushing X/Y goodness. This little box features a number of compelling features, including 4 simultaneous effects (with flexible routing), a computer editor & 200 programs.

Included amongst the 35 on-board effects are useful oddities like pitch shifter, ring modulator, sine fold and grain shifter, but there's an interesting point to be made about the instrument's open source element. The promise of 3rd party plugins may cause many to get out the credit card - just be aware, this won't run the 100+ existing units (effects & oscillators) from the "Minilogue/NTS-1/Prologue SDK", nor will it run the 20-or-so "Drumlogue SDK" units.

Korg has changed the SDK again, which does make sense; more powerful hardware. However, it may take some time for developers to port older units or indeed, create new ones. Here are some we're already aware of:

https://github.com/dukesrg/logue-sdk/releases/tag/Gator_2.0-0

https://www.sinevibes.com/korgcache/

Join me next time for further adventures into the open-source arena!

Posted by MagicalSynthAdventure an expert in synthesis technology from last Century and Amiga enthusiast.

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