Hi everyone,
I’m a musician looking to collaborate with an embedded audio / musical instrument developer on a custom standalone instrument (one-off or very small run, not mass production).
What I’m looking for:
A minimal, performance-based looping instrument, fully standalone and portable, designed to be played like an instrument rather than operated like a workstation.
Core requirements (essential):
Real-time audio looping (start/stop defined by gesture or foot pedal)
Free looping: no fixed grid, no mandatory quantization
Multiple loops running simultaneously with independent lengths (true polyrhythm & polymeter)
Overdub layers kept separate, with the ability to mute/activate each layer individually
Audio inputs suitable for microphone, guitar, and bass
Physical controls only (buttons, knobs, foot pedal)
Standalone embedded system (no laptop, no DAW, no touchscreen)
Battery-powered or otherwise power-independent, usable without mains electricity
What I do NOT need:
Step sequencing or pattern-based workflows
Grid-focused interfaces
Large screens, deep menus, or DAW-style features
Commercial mass-market polish
Project scope:
Single custom instrument (or very small quantity)
Hardware can be based on existing embedded platforms
Firmware focused on a very limited but expressive feature set
Budget:
Approximately €2,000–3,000, depending on feasibility and design choices.
I’m open to discussing technical trade-offs, but not large-scale R&D budgets.
If you are an embedded audio developer, DSP engineer, or digital instrument builder and this resonates with you, feel free to reply or contact me via whatsapp (+393505818158)with:
your background
examples of relevant past work
an initial thought on feasibility and cost range
Thanks — this is an artistic tool, not a commercial product.
