Sounds&Gears

We democratise music production and multimedia creation.
The most advanced true Open Architecture ecosystem.

A true Open Architecture Design multimedia machine…

Our mission is to foster an expansive ecosystem of devices, applications, and media. We achieve this through a True Open Architecture design, built on uncompromising engineering, state-of-the-art quality, and unparalleled flexibility. This empowers boundless creativity and limitless possibilities.

SG06 features 64 MPE RGB-backlit dynamic pads, 20 functional buttons, a menu encoder, a slider and a thumb joystick, 8 RGB-backlit encoders, volume and gain pots, a 7” multitouch screen and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless connections.
It also features a state of the art audio IO card, MIDI, Ethernet (OSC, MIDI2.0, etc.) connectivity, 2 4k60 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, optional CV/gate module, optional DMX module and 3 food pedal inputs.
The device is powered by USB-C.

The idea in a nutshell

Imagine your electronic music instrument…but “on steroids”. This isn't just a tool for performance, it's a powerhouse for creative expression. With a single device, you can be a music performer designing your own lighting and multimedia show, letting it run seamlessly while you focus on your performance. Or, you can be the active multimedia creator, putting the music "in the background" as you craft your visual masterpiece.

The key lies in the seamless integration of a widely available and popular hardware platform, a free open-source software with a vibrant community, and a robust communication protocol that connects them flawlessly.

The technology

Our products are designed to empower live and studio music production, as well as multimedia creation. Music is our core focus, but we also enable seamless control of DMX lights and interactive multimedia through two HDMI outputs.

We have selected the Raspberry Pi Compute Module as our hardware platform due to its status as one of the most popular mini-computers available. It is backed by a reputable company, ensuring predictable production. The hardware and operating system are well-documented, and it typically offers backwards compatibility, which facilitates easy upgradability.

Additionally, we are incorporating the new 7-inch multi-touch display from Raspberry Pi, enhancing our product's interactivity and user experience."

To deliver state-of-the-art audio input and output, we rely on the PiSound audio interface. Equipped with 192kHz 24-bit stereo input and output, PiSound utilizes legendary Burr-Brown chips for exceptional audio quality. This ensures that our products meet the highest standards for both live and studio environments.

The software that we use is PureData (PD). It is a visual programming language developed by Miller Puckette in the 1990s for creating interactive computer music and multimedia works. It is very similar in scope and design to Puckette's original Max program, and is to some degree interoperable with Max/MSP. PD is open source and free with a large developer base working on new extensions.

The Open Architecture Design

What does this even mean?

For years, manufacturers have tried to create open architectures for hardware workstations. Take the Korg OASYS, for example. While it offers expandability, software updates, and some modularity, it doesn't truly embrace an open design. All upgradable components are produced and supported solely by the manufacturer, limiting possibilities and locking users into a centralized ecosystem.

We're taking a different approach by decentralizing the design. This means users can exchange hardware components, develop their own sounds and instruments, and even use a completely different operating system. Imagine using your distortion effect from a guitar pedal on your keyboard with a simple copy-paste! This freedom unlocks a world of creative possibilities.

How do we do that?

This platform is an open playground for artists and performers.

We're crafting a state-of-the-art hardware platform that comes in a variety of form factors. Our SG06, for example, utilizes a design popular for MPC-style workstations. We have ambitious plans to develop a wide range of products, from guitar pedals and keyboards to control panels and mixing desks.

The core of all these devices will be the same:

- Raspberry Pi Compute Module

- PiSound audio card

- PureData software

This powerful combination ensures a consistent and robust platform for all our products, allowing for seamless integration and a wealth of creative possibilities.

Our products are designed to be incredibly flexible and adaptable, allowing you to customize them to fit your specific needs. Every device will offer the option of adding hardware modules like DMX, CV/Gate, external pedals, switches, and sensors.

The heart of this flexibility lies in our open architecture, which empowers you with:

- Repairability: Easily repair your devices with readily available components.

- 3rd-Party Hardware Components: Expand your setup with hardware from other manufacturers.

- Independent Microcomputer Upgrades: Upgrade the Raspberry Pi at any time, keeping your device up-to-date.

The magic happens in the seamless communication between PureData on the Raspberry Pi and the rest of the hardware – buttons, knobs, pads, sliders, motorized faders, joysticks, and more. This communication is facilitated by a serial protocol between the Raspberry Pi and a microcontroller chip. We're committed to transparency, so we'll document and publish the details of this protocol for everyone to use freely.

This open approach means:

- Develop Your Own Patches: Create your own PureData patches and upload them to your devices.

- Build Custom Applications: Develop your own software applications and install them on your devices.

- Choose Your Operating System: Replace the default operating system with one of your choice.

While our products are designed for music and multimedia, we don't limit your imagination. You have the freedom to use them in any way you want.

Some clarifications

Open Architecture vs. Open Source: What's the Difference?

Open Source software and hardware allow users to access the underlying code, blueprints, schematics, and algorithms. This means users can freely copy and modify these elements to create their own devices.

Our approach is based on Open Architecture, which offers a different level of freedom. Open Architecture allows users and third-party manufacturers to create software and hardware that's compatible with our original design. This means you can swap out some hardware components, develop your own software, and even install a different operating system.

However, our designs and software aren't necessarily Open Source. We won't be publishing all of our work publicly, at least not initially. This decision is based on the significant time and resources required for comprehensive documentation and ongoing updates. We've learned from experience that this can be demanding and lead to an overwhelming number of support requests.

Our goal is to build a stable company, and we may decide to open-source everything in the future.

With our Open Architecture approach, you can:

- Install your own software, operating system, and plugins.

- Write your own PureData patches.

- Modify the software to your liking.

- Exchange your compute module.

- Develop and connect your own hardware modules (with the help of our documentation).

We believe this approach provides a balance between user freedom and the need for a sustainable business model.

So what is the big deal?

Yes, what sets our device apart from the rest?

- First, it's a versatile powerhouse. You can play music, control modular synths, manage DMX lighting, and create multimedia shows – all with one device.

- Second, it's incredibly customizable. Install your own software or operating system and use it for anything you can imagine. Want to control a crane at a construction site? Go for it!

- Third, it's built for the long haul. Our devices are repairable, upgradable, and sustainable. This means you can keep them running for years to come, adapting them to your evolving needs.

- Fourth, it's priced competitively. You'll find our devices are priced similarly to other workstations with comparable features.

So what's the catch? There isn't one. We're a business, and we want to be profitable. But we also believe in empowering our customers. We want you to be at the heart of the creative process, contributing to the development and becoming part of a vibrant community.

Yes, we need to make money to keep the lights on. But even if we were to disappear tomorrow, your devices wouldn't die with us. You'll be able to use them for years to come, reprogram them, update them, upgrade them, and repair them.

We're not just selling a device; we're offering a platform for endless possibilities.

Where are we in the development?

Version 2 of the prototype. Here we use a regular Raspberry Pi 5 as the compute module wasn’t released yet.

We're excited to be on this journey with you! We've already built a working prototype, proving the concept and our vision. While we're using readily available modules from Adafruit Industries for now, we're working on a custom design that will be even more powerful and efficient.

Our software and communication protocol are in place, but we're still fine-tuning them for a truly user-friendly experience. We're dedicated to making sure everything works seamlessly and intuitively.

We're committed to building a product that will exceed your expectations. We're confident that with your input and our continued development, we'll create something truly remarkable.

How can you help?

Thank you for asking, you awesome person!

We Need Your Voice!

We're on a journey to bring our innovative project to life, and we need your support to make it happen. Here’s how you can help:

Share Your Thoughts: Your kind words, suggestions, and ideas are invaluable to us. Whether you're interested in trying or purchasing one of our products, your feedback can guide our development.

Join the Development: If you're a PureData programmer, we would love your expertise to help us accelerate our software development. We’ll be creating a GitHub repository where you can contribute and collaborate with us.

Version 3 already features the Compute Module 5. One step closer to the final product.

Support Us Financially: We are currently seeking soft funding to allow us to work on this project full-time. Any contributions or interest in our products will help us reach our goals. We may also open a donation page in the future.

Stay Updated: If you want to follow our progress, please add your email to our list. We promise to keep you informed without spamming your inbox!

Together, we can create something remarkable! Your involvement is crucial, and we can’t wait to see what we can achieve as a community.