Zynthian Is An Open Source Raspberry Pi Synthesizer

In this video we get a demonstration of Zynthian, a DIY open-source synthesizer that is based on the Raspberry Pi and Linux. Referred to as a kind of swiss army knife of synthesis, it is equipped with multiple engines, filters and effects.

Main Features

• Multi-engine & multi-timbric architecture: Create sound layers combining different synth engines and presets, assigning it to different MIDI channels, or overlayed in a single one.
• 4 rotary encoders with switch and/or a touchscreen allows to navigate the menus and adjust parameters.
• 2D controller: Modify 2 parameters at once using the touchscreen (ala KaosPad).
• MIDI Learning: Easily assign your controller knobs/pads to the parameters you want to control.
• Global Tuning: You can change the tuning with a precission of Hz.
• Transposing: You can transpose each MIDI channel separately by the number of semitones you want.
• Master MIDI channel: The Master MIDI channel allows remote snapshot loading, etc.
• Audio Recording: You can record audio into the SD-card or a USB memory stick.
• Audio => MIDI converter: When audio input is available you can enable the experimental Audio to MIDI converter.
• MIDI over IP: QMidiNet allows to send and receive MIDI from/to other devices connected to your local network.
• TouchOSC: Allows to play using your tablet or smart-phone.

There are Zynthian DIY build kits available on the Zynthian website that allow you to build the synthesizer you see in the video, from scratch.

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