Drum machines make the music world go round. While originally intended to replace real, human drummers (which they never have, thankfully!) drum machines and sequencers played a huge role in creating whole new genres of music from hip hop to electronica, dub to disco.

Now, you can get started making your own beats using the Trellis M4 from Adafruit!

We'll start with a simple eight-step sequencer, programmed in CircuitPython, and then get a bit more complex with a sixteen-step sequencer that includes effects, beat repeats, and even a live sampler to record your own sounds.

Unlike a MIDI-based sequencer, these two sequencers are self-contained, requiring no external synth or computer. Simply plug in an 1/8" audio cable and all of the onboard sounds will play through your amplifier or headphones!

About the NeoTrellis M4

The NeoTrellis M4 is an all-in-one Audio board, ready to become your next synth, soundboard, drum machine, keyboard, or any other invention you'd like to adapt it for. It’s powered by the SAMD51 microcontroller, a Cortex M4 core running at 120 MHz, featuring a roomy 512KB of flash and 192KB of SRAM. A separate flash chip provides a full 8MB of space for files and audio clips.

On the front side is a 4x8 grid of elastomer button pads with a NeoPixel nestled in the center of each one. You can read any/all button presses simultaneously thanks to the fully diode'd matrix, and also set each button color to any of 24-bit colors.

Parts

Hands pressing buttons on lit up NeoTrellis M4
So you've got a cool/witty name for your band, a Soundcloud account, a 3D-printed Daft Punk...
$59.95
In Stock
1 x Analog Potentiometer Adjustable Headphones
1/8" TRRS connector earbuds with mic and slider
1 x USB cable - A/MicroB
Standard A to micro-B USB cable - 3ft
1 x USB Powered Speakers
Add some extra boom to your audio project with these powered loudspeakers.
Stereo 3.5mm Plug/Plug Audio Cable
This basic cable comes with two 3.5mm (1/8" headphone jack size) stereo connectors. It's fairly straight forward, you'll commonly need these to connect two audio devices...
$2.95
In Stock

This guide was first published on Nov 18, 2018. It was last updated on Mar 16, 2024.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

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