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Open Audio Tools

Open Audio Tools

Open Audio Tools is an open-source hardware and software platform for music, hardware, and software creators around the world. Designed to be easily produced and self-built.

The "WHY"

OpenAudioTools is an open-source hardware and software platform for building music tools that are simple, robust, and truly open — free for anyone to build, manufacture, and extend. Born out of need for robust, non experimental and open diy gear. Focused devices, one job done well, built on open standards, designed to work with the controllers you already own. read more...

Core Principles

The project is built on three pillars:

Open Hardware

  • Easy to source components
  • Affordable
  • Only the essentials
  • Easy to modify

Open Software

  • Simple
  • Modular
  • Extendable

Open Connectivity

  • Open, non-proprietary formats
  • Fewer cables
  • No proprietary connectors

Hardware

Hardware should be open, essential, standardized, and modular.

Open

All designs allow for easy modifications and adaptations.

Essential

Each device focuses on one function and does it well. No frills, reasonable cost.

Standardized

  • Teensy microcontrollers for a consistent development environment
  • USB for power (unified power adapters)
  • TRS 1/8" Type A for MIDI
  • Ethernet for system integration
  • USB-A MIDI Host when possible
  • DESPEE display module for touchscreen UI

Modular

A motherboard approach:

  • Often-used components (keys, encoders) are placed on standardized breakout boards for reuse across devices.
  • Specific-purpose functionality (mic preamps, effects) is added as separate, interchangeable devices compatible with other gear.

Firmware

  • Open — Easy to extend, modify, and adapt
  • Essential — Provides the main function very well
  • Standardized — Teensy provides a unified architecture and common language

Connectivity

Only open, non-proprietary standards. The essential signals are audio and MIDI, carried over cables only.

Ethernet (details)

MIDI and audio are intended to be available over Ethernet:

  • Single cable for audio and MIDI
  • Low latency
  • Cheap hubs and switches
  • Easy internet connectivity
  • Most boards already include Ethernet support

Devices

SynTee

A standalone sound module with basic controls.

MixTee

A digital audio mixer, recorder, and interface. Designed to be used with MIDI controllers. No built-in preamps.

  • 16 inputs, 8 outputs (4 stereo)
  • All channels available over Ethernet

HubTee

A USB / MIDI / Ethernet hub with clock.

VoiceTee

A small mic preamp module that connects to MixTee or SynTee inputs.

StringTee

A small guitar/instrument preamp module that connects to MixTee or SynTee inputs.

Ecosystem

See Ecosystem Notes for a full catalog of the open-source hardware, firmware, and software used across the project.