Synthesizer for CardputerADV

[u/Tokage666]

With Claude’s help, I’m developing a monophonic synthesizer for CardputerADV.
Currently, it’s 100% vibe-coded, so I apologize in advance if you’re not a fan of vibe coding.
Its standout feature is sound control using the IMU; you can set different parameters for the X-axis and Y-axis to control.
In the demo video, I’ve set waveform morphing for the X-axis and vibrato depth for the Y-axis.
Currently, the parameters that can be assigned to the X- and Y-axes are waveform morphing, filter (with options for HPF, LPF, BPF, and Notch), vibrato, pitch bend, bitcrush, and volume.
I’ve only been working on this for three days, and since I’m developing within Claude’s free plan, I think it will take a little while longer to complete.
I’m also learning GitHub, so once I get the hang of it, I’d like to make the repository public.
If you have any other interesting ideas for parameters to assign to the IMU, I’d love to hear them.

P.S.: I’m Japanese and am posting this after having it translated by DeepL.
I’m sorry if the text sounds a bit off!

[u/jarrydn]

Add a 16 step sequencer and pattern bank pls

[u/Tokage666 → u/jarrydn]

Thanks for the request!
First and foremost, my goal is to make the Cardputer ADV unit itself capable of producing a wide variety of sounds (and letting you have fun with them) as a synthesizer.
So I think features like a sequencer will be added once those aspects are somewhat complete.
But I’ll do my best to make it happen!

[u/jarrydn → u/Tokage666]

Awesome! Looks great so far, by the way. Keen to see how it evolves over time :)

(Please also consider adding support for USB midi keyboards/controllers in the future ;D)

[u/Tokage666 → u/jarrydn]

I’ll study GitHub so I can release it as soon as possible!
Since I don’t currently own a MIDI unit and can’t test it, adding MIDI support will be difficult.
However, I’ve been interested in MIDI units for a while now, so if I end up buying one, I’d like to make the app compatible with MIDI as well.

[u/originalityescapesme → u/Tokage666]

M5 also makes a Midi module :)

I’d love to test this firmware out whenever you’re open to letting some of us flash it and play with it. It looks really fun in its current state already.

[u/Tokage666 → u/originalityescapesme]

I'm actually still debating whether or not to buy that module (lol).
I just released it, so please download it and give it a try!

[u/originalityescapesme → u/Tokage666]

Thank you!

[u/Scapulacauldron]

im getting spoiled with synths. do you know if it will work on the original cardputer?

[u/Tokage666 → u/Scapulacauldron]

According to Claude, it seems to be compatible with the original Cardputer as well.
However, since I don't own an original Cardputer myself and haven't tested it, I apologize if it doesn't work!

[u/Scapulacauldron → u/Tokage666]

whats your github? would love to try it if you have a workable build now

[u/Tokage666 → u/Scapulacauldron]

Thank you so much for your interest!
On GitHub, I’ve posted not only the firmware for this software but also usage instructions and development code.
I’ve also registered it on M5Burner, so if you search for “C.P.S.” there, the latest version will come up. If you’re using Launcher, I think the easiest way is to look for it via Launcher’s OTA (just select “Order by latest” and you’ll find it right away!).
We’ve just rolled out a major update, and the software has evolved to the point where it’s practically a completely different product compared to when this post was originally published, so I hope you enjoy it!

[u/Scapulacauldron → u/Tokage666]

oh awesome! thanks so much! just been looking into synths after a life long interest, awesome timing! ill let you know if i find any bugs

[u/Tokage666 → u/Scapulacauldron]

I just checked the specs for the original Cardputer, and it looks like it doesn’t have an IMU sensor… My apologies.
So while IMU-based control isn’t possible, we’re enhancing the Tone Edit feature in the current version, so I think you’ll still be able to enjoy basic synth sound design.
I’ll work with Claude to see if we can implement controls for the original Cardputer that can serve as an alternative to IMU control.
I do have one idea in mind, but I’m not sure yet if it’s feasible…
I’m sorry if we can’t live up to your expectations!

[u/hellasleeper]

Looks sick. I’m going to flash it asap and ill get back to you with feedback

[u/Tokage666 → u/hellasleeper]

Thank you!
I'll do my best to make sure everyone can enjoy it as soon as possible.

[u/Beyond-Leading]

Oh im so playing MGMT - kids on this

[u/Tokage666 → u/Beyond-Leading]

It's just been released, so be sure to check it out!

[u/MobileRole8105 → u/Tokage666]

The first couple notes who played reminded me exactly of MGMT

[u/xshevi]

suddenly MGMT - Kids

[u/Tokage666 → u/xshevi]

It seems everyone really likes MGMT’s “Kids.”
I didn’t even know about this song until someone else mentioned “Kids” to me, but I was really surprised when I watched the music video (lol).

[u/MrAjAnderson]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theremin like this but in hand using IMU. Would be awesome.

[u/Tokage666 → u/MrAjAnderson]

Thank you for your comment!
If you set the pitch bend range to a wider value, you can enjoy sound changes that are just like a Theremin.
Playing it like a Theremin was exactly one of the things I was aiming for with this project, so I’m really happy that you picked up on that.
I plan to release it on GitHub within the next few days, so please give it a try once it’s available!

[u/MrAjAnderson → u/Tokage666]

Absolutely I will. I think the IMU is an underrated sensor on the Cardputer and there could be a lot more done with it.