Here are a couple of sneak previews of the Groovesizer Alpha – an Arduino-based DIY 32-step sequencer and synthesizer.

The first video, above, captures basic testing of the prototype. The second video, below, demos using the Groovesizer Alpha, synced via MIDI clock to Reaper (playing the drum loop):

The prototype is based on a custom PCB that, in its current form, features 4 rows of 8 tactile switches and LED’s. The final version will add a fifth row of buttons and LED’s dedicated to control functions.

It features an embedded Hackduino, an 8-bit DAC option, an LM386 amp output, MIDI in/out/sync and is configurable to work with some of the most popular existing Arduino audio projects. Firmware can be updated from the Arduino IDE, either via an AVR ISP programmer, or by flashing the chip on an arduino board and swapping it out.

Furthest along in its development is the Alpha firmware, which features a 3-oscillator monosynth.

Other firmware will include:

• the Bravo which borrows code from the Bleeplabs Bleepdrum;
• the Charlie, based around the Illutron 4-voice wavetable synth; and
• the Delta, based on the original Groovesizer with the Auduino synth engine.

The complete kit with PCB and all components will be sold for around US $100. You can follow the progress on this project at the Groovesizer site.