Open music labs introduces the MICrODEC A Microcontroller and a Codec – A Reprogrammable Audio Processor

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Open music labs introduces the MICrODEC – A Microcontroller and a Codec – A Reprogrammable Audio Processor. We were excited when we first heard about this project! Clean design, with an AVR performing all the CODEC functions (handwritten in assembly!). Engraved aluminum case is available, the box is a semi-kit, so all the SMT stuff is soldered on for you already – This could easily be put in a custom case. Tons of videos, documentation, firmware, schematics and layouts available so check it out and if you love audio filters, support them by picking up a kit!

Have you ever been frustrated with the low audio quality you get when doing microcontroller audio stuff?  Don’t get me wrong, the 1-bit groovebox has its place, as do all the fun 8-bit nintendo sounds; but what about a nice clean reverb?  or sinewave generator?   The MICrODEC is 16-bit, 44.1kHz, stereo, and can be anything from a guitar effects box to a nice piece of test equipment.  With plenty of ins, outs, and what-have-yous, it can be converted into whatever your heart desires.  Run MIDI into it and make a monophonic synthesizer, or use the 6 seconds of sample time to capture found sounds for a pseudo-convolver.

The MICrODEC has a high quality front end which can take microphones, guitars, or line level, and an output stage which can drive headphones (although we recommend the TLC074 opamp upgrade for this).  It comes pre-programmed with 16 functions, from reverb and delays, to VCOs and pitch shifters.  With the optional laser etched case, it makes a road-worthy addition to any musician’s arsenal.


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1 Comment

  1. Hi Ada, thanks so much for the blog post! It’s exciting to be contributing to the open source community finally, I’m looking forward to many future little kits and useful articles about various nuts and bolts of electronic music 🙂

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