tbd platform
The open audio platform for musicians and developers.
The dadamachines TBD-16 is a standalone desktop instrument built on CTAG TBD, an open-source audio DSP engine. It combines 50+ synthesizers and effects with standard MIDI, a browser-based UI, and Ableton Link. Plug in power and start making music — no computer required.
Full platform and developer documentation lives at dadamachines.github.io/ctag-tbd. This page is a high-level summary — head there for the complete reference.
Why
Most electronic instruments are closed boxes — you get the sounds the manufacturer chose, and that’s it. TBD is different. The DSP engine, firmware, and plugin system are fully open source (GPL/LGPL). You can play it out of the box, or dive into the code and shape it into exactly the instrument you need.
| Feature | What it means |
|---|---|
| Ready to play | Ships as a complete instrument. Plug in USB-C power, connect speakers, and you’re making music. |
| Open-source software | Core DSP engine is GPL 3.0; Web UI, tools, and docs are LGPL 3.0. Full source access — study, modify, contribute. |
| No lock-in | Standard MIDI, standard audio jacks, SD card storage. Your instruments and sounds belong to you. |
| Built on CTAG TBD | Audio engine and 50+ plugins come from the CTAG TBD project by Robert Manzke. |
How — multicore architecture
The TBD-16 runs three purpose-built processors in parallel:
- ESP32-P4 (dual-core RISC-V) — real-time audio DSP
- RP2350 (dual-core ARM/RISC-V) — hardware UI, MIDI, sequencing
- ESP32-C6 — WiFi & Ableton Link
Each layer is independently programmable — change one without touching the others.
| Layer | What you build |
|---|---|
| Controller Apps | MIDI controllers, sequencers, or control surfaces on the RP2350 using Arduino & PlatformIO. |
| DSP Plugins | Audio code in C++ that runs on the ESP32-P4. Test in the desktop simulator before flashing. |
| Web UI | Built-in WiFi serves a web interface for preset management, plugin configuration, and firmware updates. |
| Ableton Link | Wireless tempo sync with Ableton Live, iOS apps, and any Link-enabled device on the same network. |
Key specs: 50+ DSP plugins · 3 processors · 32-bit audio processing · <1 ms latency
What you can do
Whether you’re a musician, a developer, or both — there’s a path for you.
Make Music
Your TBD-16 ships ready to use. Switch apps, tweak 50+ DSP plugins from your browser, sync with Ableton Link.
Build Controller Apps
Create custom MIDI controllers, sequencers, or control surfaces on the RP2350 — Arduino & PlatformIO, no audio programming required.
Write DSP Plugins
Write audio code in C++ for the ESP32-P4. If you already ship VST, AU, or LV2 plugins, the workflow is familiar — start in the desktop simulator, no hardware needed, then flash to the device.
Hardware & Platform
The TBD-16 Devkit ships with 50+ plugins and full multi-app support. Products built on the platform can run the same broad palette, or focus on a single dedicated plugin — the architecture supports both.
Get involved
TBD is built by a growing community of developers, musicians, and manufacturers.
- Contribute a plugin — write a synthesizer, effect, or drum machine in C++. Test in the desktop simulator, then submit a pull request. → Create a Plugin
- Build an app — create a MIDI controller, sequencer, or performance app for the RP2350. → App Dev Guide
- Build your own hardware product — already shipping VST, AU, or LV2 plugins? Your C++ DSP code can run on TBD hardware. Use the TBD-Core module or work with dadamachines on a custom PCB integration. → Talk to dadamachines