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.
From prototype to production
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.
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.
Quick to get started. 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.
A standalone instrument, open by design
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 & specifications
Sound & sequencing
16 audio or MIDI tracks, 2 FX tracks and a master track
More than 40 sound machines and effects, with flexible choice across drum and synth tracks
Drum, mono/poly synth, wavetable, physical-modelling, speech and sample engines
Two selectable FX tracks plus master bus compression, sidechain and DJ-style filter
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
Connections & workflow
Browser-based WebUI over USB and Wi-Fi
Ableton Link and automatic MIDI clock sync
USB host and USB MIDI device
USB audio in the default Groovebox firmware
2 × TRS MIDI in / 2 × TRS MIDI out
MIDI Input 2 switchable to Eurorack clock/reset input
2 × stereo audio inputs; second input switchable from the MIDI Input 1 socket
Stereo main output and separate headphone/cue output
Dedicated headphone volume control
Switch apps from the SD card at boot
Hardware & 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-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
Open-source CTAG TBD audio platform
Designed, assembled and tested in Berlin
tbd-16 in action
Availability
Pre-orders aren't open yet. We'll open them once the shipping date has been confirmed with our supplier. Newsletter signup does not reserve a unit.
