Update on Launch Timeline
Unfortunately, the start of the presale in May will be delayed by a few weeks. There are still several critical aspects that need to be finalized. In addition to the broader economic challenges of international sales (customs regulations, etc.), I've also identified a few hardware issues that only became apparent with the more advanced firmware version. These need to be addressed before I can move forward with the next production batch.
I know many of you are eagerly waiting, and I truly appreciate your patience. It's very important to me to deliver a product that is solid from the ground up — reliable, well-designed, and free from frustrating issues. Even though it's difficult to ask for a little more time, I believe this is ultimately the fairer and better path.
At the moment, I estimate a delay of around 2–3 months, partly due to ongoing dependencies on external suppliers.
Thanks again for your understanding and support. I'll keep you all updated as things progress.
Warm regards,
Jan
TŒRN TŒRN TŒRN
Arduino based Open-source Sequencer & Sampler
Standalone Powerful Fun DIY Portable
Gallery
What is TŒRN?
Hi, I'm Jan! TŒRN is my evolution of the NI404, my first DIY sampler-sequencer prototype. As the sole developer, I've poured my heart into creating something special: a device that's both a fun toy AND a serious music tool.
My vision was simple: create an instrument that's easy to learn but deep enough to grow with you. Whether you're a kid discovering electronic music or a seasoned performer, TŒRN adapts to your style - choose your own colors for the enclosure as well! Its portable design and intuitive interface make it perfect for both: beginners and pros.
- All components mounted on the PCB—no extra cables
- USB-C, battery support, pro-grade audio & MIDI TRS ports
- Designed for kids, couch musicians, live performers, and synth tinkerers

Media
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TŒRN Melody Demo
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TŒRN Beat Patterns
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TŒRN Live Performance
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TŒRN Sound Design
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TŒRN Prototype
Features
Playful Design
Get ready for a blast of nostalgia mixed with cutting-edge tech! I designed TŒRN with a dazzling 16x16 RGB LED grid that lights up like a futuristic art canvas. It's that magical feeling of drawing as a kid, but supercharged! Whether you're 8 or 80, its fun to make music with TŒRN. The controls invite experimentation — happy accidents become epic sounds, and serious musicians rediscover the fun of making music - even live!
Powerful Sequencer
16-bar patterns x 16 pages (256 bars), autosave/autoload, real-time sample switching, and intelligent random note generation.
- 16-bar patterns x 16 pages (256 bars)
- Autosave/autoload
- Real-time sample switching (up to 999 samples)
- 8 sample voices with individual sample trim
- Assignable FX: ADSR, bitcrusher, filters, flanger, reverb
- Intelligent random note generation (scale-aware)
- Real-time transpose, shift, delete, copy/paste
Deep Sound Design
Load WAV samples via SD card with 3 switchable analog-style drum voices and comprehensive synth capabilities.
- Load WAV samples via SD card
- 3 switchable analog-style drum voices: bassdrum, snare, hihat
- 1 three-voice synth (3 OSCs per voice)
- 2 one-voice synths (2 OSCs each)
- Full effect chain per voice (ADSR, reverb, filter, bitcrusher, flanger)
- Assignable channel filters (live-access encoder #3)
Advanced MIDI Control
Global MIDI TRS in/out support with comprehensive channel assignment and clock features.
- Global MIDI TRS in/out support (channels 1–16)
- Per-voice MIDI out channel assignment
- Send/Receive MIDI clock
- Clock range: 40–300 BPM
DIY & Open Source
Made by makers, for makers.
- Firmware: MIT License (free for personal & commercial use)
- Hardware: CC BY-NC 4.0 (free for non-commercial use only)
PCB + Enclosure
- Custom 4-layer design
- Pre-assembled SMD components
- Integrated USB-C & audio interface
- Translucent black laser-cut plexiglas housing
Encoders
- DUPPA I2C 2.1 RGB encoders
- Full RGB color feedback
- Integrated push button
LEDs
- 16x16 WS2812B RGB grid
- Power-efficient, vivid display
- FastLED display management
Firmware
- Arduino-compatible
- Based on Teensy 4.1
- Real-time audio, customizable sequencing
- Community contributions welcome
Microcontroller | Teensy 4.1 + Audio Board | PJRC |
Memory | 16MB PSRAM | PJRC |
Display | 16x16 RGB LED Matrix | AliExpress |
Audio I/O | 6.35mm jacks: headphones, line-in/out, mic-in + internal mic | Mouser |
Power | USB-C or optional LiPo battery with charging | Adafruit |
Housing | Laser-cut acrylic, smoke black or clear | Modulor |
Firmware | Open-source, customizable, real-time processing | GitHub |
Battery | 1500mAh LiPo battery, 3h runtime | Adafruit |
Encoders | RGB-I2C with push + color mode indication | DUPPA |
Get into Contact
You are a musician, want to collaborate or give me some feedback?
Feel free to get into contact:
Launch & Updates
Credits
Created by Jan from SP_ctrl • Hamburg, January 2025
Special Thanks:
- Paul Stoffregen & PJRC for Teensy
- Nic Newdigate for teensy-polyphony
- Open-source community for libraries & inspiration