TŒRN
ABOUT
Hi, I'm Jan - a musician and maker based in Hamburg. TŒRN started as a personal itch: I wanted a sequencer and sampler that feels like an instrument first, and a computer last - less buttons, less screen, less cables and less studio-feeling. Over the last years I’ve been prototyping, breaking, rebuilding, and testing it until it became something I genuinely love to play.
TŒRN is small-batch and still evolving. If you jump in now, you're joining early: you’ll find a few rough edges, but also a project with heart, openness, and lots of room to grow. If you like building, tweaking, or adding features, I’d love your help - feel free to contribute.
TŒRN is a standalone, open-source live performance sequencer - ready to operate on battery. Built to be played in motion - not prepared in advance.
No laptop. No DAW. No preparation freeze. Build patterns. Break them. Save them. Keep playing. Everything happens while the clock is running. Patterns and sounds evolve inside the performance, not before it.
Key Features
No laptop. No freeze.
Standalone. Battery ready. Built to move. Extendable and accessible. Add what you need - use it your way.
HARDWARE
Fully assembled custom made PCB including SGTL5000 Audio IC, BQ24075 charging unit, PAM8403 amplifier and additional integrated support circuitry for TŒRN operation. This is the heart of TŒRN.
If you want to make your own: all files on GitHub → INCLUDED IN KIT
Runs the firmware, audio engine, and MIDI handling. 600 MHz ARM Cortex-M7 with floating-point and DSP keeps real-time audio and effects glitch-free while leaving headroom for your patches and samples.
PJRC Teensy 4.1 → ca. €45 INCLUDED IN KIT
Extra RAM for sample buffers, effects, and live processing without dropouts. 16MB PSRAM gives the Teensy enough headroom for long samples and multiple effects in parallel without hitting internal flash limits.
PSRAM module details → ca. €5 (with Teensy) INCLUDED IN KIT
Main UI and visual feedback for parameters, levels, and patterns. 16×16 WS2812 matrix shows waveforms, levels, and menu state. 32×16 and LED strips are in development for larger builds.
16x16 Pixel Panel WS2812 LED Matrix → ca. €23 INCLUDED IN KIT
Record and monitor line-level audio. 6.35mm (¼") mono jacks keep the signal path simple and robust for instruments and line-level sources without extra stereo routing complexity.
INCLUDED IN KIT
Sync and control synths, drum machines, and DAWs. TRS MIDI Type A (Tip = MIDI out, Ring = MIDI in) supports clock, notes, or both so you can drive external gear or be driven by a sequencer.
INCLUDED IN KIT
Rigid enclosure and front panel in laser-cut smoke black acrylic. Easy to customize or re-cut from open-source files so you can tweak layout, add holes, or match your setup.
Case files (repo) → INCLUDED IN KIT
Parameter control, navigation, and visual feedback. Custom RGB push encoders on I2C give rotary plus push for selection and confirmation, with LED feedback so you always see the current value.
I2C rotary encoder devices → ca. 4x12€ INCLUDED IN KIT
Sample storage and project data. The onboard Micro SD slot (up to 32GB) means no internal flash limit for samples, so you can load large libraries and keep projects on removable cards.
NOT INCLUDED
Quick sampling from onboard mic or external mic/instrument via 6.35mm jack. Dual input lets you grab sounds on the fly without plugging in, or use a proper mic or line when you need it.
INCLUDED IN KIT
Monitor and preview audio. 6.35mm stereo headphone output gives direct monitoring; use adapters or breakout cables for standard headphones. Stereo preview so you hear exactly what you’re recording.
INCLUDED IN KIT
Charging, firmware upload, and USB MIDI/host. USB-C is a single cable for power and data so you can flash firmware, use USB MIDI, or run as host without extra dongles or power supplies.
INCLUDED IN KIT
Quick triggers and shortcuts without moving encoders. Up to 5 different capacitive touch buttons are supported and included with the PCB.
INCLUDED IN KIT
Expandability for LEDs, triggers, CV/Gate, or custom hardware. JST connectors bring out 5V, 3V, GND, and free I/O pins so you can add modules without soldering-just plug in cables and go.
INCLUDED IN KIT
Open & Hackable.
Open source firmware (MIT license). Build what’s next - use it your way.
Contribute
TŒRN is open source. Use the firmware, and hardware files; build - and share what you make. PCB, source code, and docs are on GitHub.
See It In Action
View on Instagram
Buy TŒRN
- One TŒRN unit - sequencer, sampler, looper & groovebox in one
- Standalone - no laptop or DAW needed to play
- Powered via USB-C, also battery-ready (battery & power supply sold separately)
- Sold as kit: manual assembling required, no soldering.
- Open source - hack the firmware, extend the hardware
- MicroSD-Card for samples not included
- Unit + packaging. Shipping within EU is included.
TŒRN is a prototype device developed by an independent maker, not a commercial manufacturer: TŒRN is a small-batch DIY instrument, not a mass-produced consumer product. While tested rigorously, it is sold as a handcrafted device for makers and musicians who appreciate open-source hardware. The project is fully open source and may contain software or hardware imperfections. It is offered as a carefully crafted DIY instrument for those who accept these limitations.
Limited first production run: Built in small batches.
Secure checkout via PayPal (PayPal account or credit / debit card).
Shipping
Shipping is 10 € per product. Shipped via DHL.
Customs, Tax
EU: Total includes VAT (19%).
Other: Customs and/or import tax may apply upon import.
You may declare the revocation of your contractual statement in text form (e.g. letter, email) or by returning the merchandise within a period of two weeks. The revocation does not have to contain any reason. We will forward this revocation instruction to you again in text form. The revocation period commences the day following the receipt of merchandise and this revocation instruction in text form. The time-limit shall be deemed to be observed by the timely dispatch of the declaration of revocation or the return shipment.
The revocation is to be addressed to:
E-Mail: info@toern.live
Postal:
TOERN
Schanzenstraße 35
20357 Hamburg
GERMANY
Personal data you provide for ordering are used for order processing and communication directly related to the order (such as invoice, shipment notification) only. This information is not shared with third parties and will be stored as long as required by law. When ordering through PayPal, your personal data are collected by PayPal and PayPal's privacy policy will apply, too.
Pre-order & Shipping
How does the pre-order work?
TŒRN is hand-assembled in small batches. This pre-order helps finance and plan the first production run based on real demand-while keeping the intended build quality.
Payment: 100% due at pre-order. Pre-orders are used to finance the first production run.
When do pre-orders open and close?
Pre-orders open: Friday, March 20, 2026
Pre-orders close: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Production starts: Immediately after the pre-order window closes.
When will my TŒRN ship?
Estimated shipping start: approx. 5–10 weeks after the pre-order window closes.
Regular production updates will be provided via email.
Can I cancel my order?
You may cancel your pre-order for a full refund at any time before production begins.
Once production has started, cancellation may no longer be possible.
After delivery, the statutory 14-day right of withdrawal applies in accordance with EU consumer law.
To request a cancellation or withdrawal, please contact us at info@toern.live.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. All units are covered by a 2-year warranty in accordance with applicable EU law.
This warranty applies in addition to statutory consumer rights, including rights related to defects and non-conformity.
Where do you ship to?
The first batch of devices sold on this site will ship only to the EU.