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Open Pedalboard Mainboard

Mainboard for processing audio and/or MIDI data on a pedalboard.

Open Source Hardware OSHWA Certification
OSHWA

This PCB is designed with KiCad 7

Design Goals

  • Visual Feedback with RGB LED Rings
  • Modular Design:
    • The device can be used:
      1. MIDI controller only (Low Cost)
      2. both for MIDI and Audio, communication between the modules is done via MIDI.
    • MIDI Moudule has independent microcontroller and firmware with immediate startup
    • Optional Power supply module if no USB Power is available on the board.
  • Maker friendly
    • Use of existing modules for the heavy lifting
    • Use of common components
  • Flat design: target for case height: 30mm

Modules

Audio Processing

  • Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4
    • Flexibile memory options for cost optimisation
    • (optional) WiFi
    • Very low latency (around 2ms when using ELK Audio OS)
  • Pedalboard Soundcard DAC ADC (under construction)
    • Two channel Differential input/output
  • or HiFiBerry DAC+ ADC PRO
    • Hiqh Quality Stereo Input/Output

MIDI and Control Surface

  • 200mm x 100mm control surface. Still not too large but can hold 6 buttons.
  • Raspberry RP-2040 processor with a custom firmware that can be updated via USB or also from the audio module via WLAN.
  • 6 Buttons supporting to trigger on push, on release, long and short presses
  • 2 Rotary Encoders with additional push button
  • 2 Inputs for Expression Pedal
  • 2 RGB Leds
  • 8 RGB LED-rings around each foot button.
  • (Optional) RGB Matrix: in a Matrix of RGB Pins even more information can be expressed and readable from a large distance. For example the current preset number or a db meter value.
  • STEMMA I2C connector for OLED display
  • Flexibile MIDI I/O
    • DIN 5 Plug
    • or 3.5mm Mini TRS Plug
    • and/or Header Pins for wiring off-board plug
    • USB Midi

Power Supply

Flexible power supply options

  • 6-28V Power input to connect to usual pedalboard power supply units.
    • 3A DC-DC buck converter
    • Also powers MIDI module
  • MIDI module can also be powered with USB power.
    • Supports ORing with the onboard PSU.

Modules

Generated Hardware Documentation

Interactive KiCanvas viewer.

Downloadable Assets are generated with KiBot

Fabrication

3D Views

Top View Bottom View 30 deg View

Mechanical Parts

Mounting case can be found in the pedalboard-case project.

Case

SMT spacers:

Notes

KiCad component sources

How to release

see Release Procedure