dadamachines - TBD-16
€599.00
Net: €503.36
Pre Order
dadamachines TBD-16: Compact, Capable And Open By Design
The TBD-16 is a compact 16-track groovebox from Berlin-based dadamachines. Despite its 110 × 110 × 25 mm footprint, it combines synthesis, sampling, sequencing and effects in one standalone instrument made for hands-on music making.
Since its first presentation at Superbooth, the TBD-16 has evolved considerably on its way to production.
The hardware was revised for significantly improved audio quality and gained a second stereo audio input and a separate headphone/cue output.
At the same time, the Groovebox firmware has grown with many new features and refinements.
The TBD-16 now includes more than 40 machines and effects. Sound machines cover analogue-style, digital, FM and 606-inspired drums; mono and polyphonic synthesis; wavetable, physical-modelling and speech synthesis; acid bass; samples; and external audio. Machines are not tied to fixed slots: any drum machine can run on any drum track, and any synth machine on any synth track.
Two dedicated FX tracks use the same flexible machine concept, with a choice of delays, reverbs, modulation and Beat Repeat effects. The master channel adds bus compression, sidechain and a DJ-style filter.
The sequencer is quick to get started with but goes deep when needed. Patterns can run up to 64 steps, with per-step parameter locks, probability, retriggers, velocity and note length, independent track lengths, LFOs, random modulation, flexible time signatures and pattern rotation. Four high-resolution endless potentiometers and 16 RGB step keys keep the workflow direct and tactile.
The TBD-16 is built on the open-source CTAG TBD audio platform, but first and foremost it is a finished standalone instrument: switch it on and start making music. A browser-based WebUI handles samples, presets and configuration, while USB host, MIDI, Ableton Link, Eurorack clock/reset, two stereo audio inputs and separate main and headphone/cue outputs make it easy to integrate into larger setups.
Features:
- 16 audio or MIDI tracks, 2 FX tracks and a master track
- More than 40 sound machines and effects
- Flexible machine choice across drum and synth tracks
- Drum, mono/poly synth, wavetable, physical-modelling, speech and sample engines
- Two selectable FX tracks plus master bus processing
- Up to 64 steps per pattern and 16 scenes per song
- Pattern window, rotation and flexible time signatures
- Parameter locks, probability, retriggers, velocity and note length
- Independent track lengths, LFO and random modulation
- Arpeggiator and Euclidean sequencing
- Metronome with cue routing
- Browser-based WebUI over USB and Wi-Fi
- Ableton Link and automatic MIDI clock sync
- Open-source CTAG TBD audio platform
- 2.4" OLED display
- 4 high-resolution endless potentiometers with push
- 16 step keys with RGB feedback
- Built-in 32 GB microSD card for projects and samples, user-replaceable
- USB host and USB MIDI device
- 2 × TRS MIDI in / 2 × TRS MIDI out
- MIDI Input 2 switchable to Eurorack clock/reset input
- 2 × stereo audio inputs, with the second input switchable from the MIDI Input 1 socket
- Stereo main output and separate headphone/cue output
- Dedicated headphone volume control
- USB-C powered (5 V), compatible with standard USB power banks
- Power-bank mounting accessory included
- Anodised aluminium top panel and powder-coated steel base
- 110 × 110 × 25 mm
- Designed, assembled and tested in Berlin
Expected to arrive mid-December / early January!