Apps
The tbd 16 is a multi-app platform. Different apps turn the device into different instruments — a groovebox, a MIDI sequencer, a multi-effect processor, or anything you can build.
How Apps Work
Each app is firmware for the RP2350 processor (which drives the display, buttons, encoders, LEDs, and MIDI). Some apps also pair with specific behavior on the ESP32-P4 (DSP plugins, Ableton Link, USB audio).
All apps live on the SD card in the tbd-apps/ folder. At boot, a boot menu lets you select which app to run. The tbd 16 keeps all apps on the device simultaneously — no flashing or downloading required.
You can install, update, and remove apps from your browser using the App Manager.
Shipping Apps
| App | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Groovebox | 16-track drum machine with step sequencing, pattern management, parameter locks, and Ableton Link. This is the default app. | ✅ Shipping |
| MegaCommand Live | High-performance MIDI sequencer for external gear. Originally built for the Elektron MachineDrum. | ✅ Shipping |
| Multi Effect / Synth | Browse and play any of the 50+ DSP plugins from the hardware UI. Two simultaneous plugin slots. | ✅ Shipping |
Planned Apps
| App | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| MIDI Controller + Audio Interface | Turn the tbd 16 into an iPad/iPhone companion. 30 buttons and 4 encoders as MIDI CC, plus stereo USB audio — all over one USB-C cable. | 🔮 Planned |
Utility Apps
| App | SD Card File | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Debug Probe | tbd-apps/dbg_prb.uf2 | CMSIS-DAP debug probe for flashing the STM32 input scanner |
| USB Mass Storage | tbd-apps/tusb_msc.uf2 | Mount the SD card as a USB drive on your computer |
| UI Test | tbd-apps/ui_test.uf2 | Hardware test for display, LEDs, pots, buttons, and SD card |
| Game | tbd-apps/game.uf2 | A small game — proof that the RP2350 can run anything |
Groovebox
The Groovebox is the default app and the focus of this manual. It turns the tbd 16 into a 16-track drum machine and groovebox with:
- 16 tracks — each triggering a DSP plugin sound
- Step sequencing with variable step lengths and swing
- Parameter locks — per-step automation for any sound parameter
- Pattern management — store, recall, and chain patterns
- Per-track mute/solo from the hardware buttons
- MIDI in/out (USB and TRS Type-A) for syncing and controlling external gear
- Ableton Link for wireless tempo sync
The Groovebox is a collaboration between two processors: the RP2350 runs the sequencer and UI (tbd-pico-seq3 by Possan), while the ESP32-P4 runs the audio engine (PicoSeqRack DSP plugin).
📖 The rest of this manual documents the Groovebox in detail — see Getting Started, Sound & Tracks, Mixer & Effects, Sequencer, and Project & Settings.
MegaCommand Live
MegaCommand Live (MCL) is a high-performance MIDI sequencer originally created by Justin Mammarella (jmamma) for the Elektron MachineDrum. On the tbd 16, it runs natively on the RP2350 while the ESP32-P4 provides Ableton Link sync.
- MIDI sequencing with tracks for external hardware
- Song mode for chaining patterns
- Live performance tools — real-time transpose, mute groups, parameter locks
- Ableton Link for wireless tempo sync
SD card file: tbd-apps/mcl.uf2
📖 See the MCL documentation for details.
Multi Effect / Synth
The Multi Effect / Synth app lets you browse, load, and play any of the 50+ DSP plugins using the tbd 16’s hardware interface — no computer or web UI required.
- Browse plugins on the OLED with encoders
- Two independent plugin slots — run any two plugins at the same time
- Preset management — save and recall parameter snapshots
- MIDI mapping for external control
SD card file: tbd-apps/multi_fx.uf2
📖 See the Multi Effect / Synth documentation for details.
Developer Resources
The tbd 16’s app system is fully open. You can build your own apps for the RP2350, write DSP plugins for the ESP32-P4, or both.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Developer Documentation | Full developer docs: app architecture, plugin system, getting started guides |
| App Development Setup | Set up Arduino & PlatformIO for RP2350 app development |
| App Architecture | How apps are structured and how RP2350 ↔ P4 communication works |
| Bootloader & Multi-App | How the boot menu works, how apps are loaded from SD |
| Plugin System | Browse 50+ DSP plugins and learn how to write your own in C++ |
| Desktop Simulator | Test DSP plugins on your computer before flashing to hardware |
| GitHub: P4 DSP Engine | ESP32-P4 audio engine source code |
| GitHub: Groovebox | RP2350 Groovebox firmware source code |
This manual (docs.dadamachines.com) is for musicians who want to use the tbd 16. The developer documentation is for developers who want to build custom plugins or apps.