DSP Made Simple!
Current Status
The project is currently in the PCB design phase, with the first hardware prototype planned for early 2026. This will enable initial bring-up and development of open-source firmware, focusing on real-time audio I/O and basic DSP functionality implemented in C.
After a successful proof of concept:
The full project will be released on GitHub
The hardware module will be offered for sale
Documentation, example projects, and video guides will be provided
The goal is to allow anyone with basic programming knowledge to quickly create their own real-time audio effects without needing to design hardware from scratch.
Project Overview
Getting started with real-time DSP is often harder than the DSP itself. PCB design, toolchain setup, and low-level hardware details can be a significant barrier—especially for those who simply want to start building audio effects.
This project aims to remove that friction by providing a simple, affordable, yet powerful DSP module for adding high-quality digital signal processing to a wide range of audio projects.
Measuring only 41.5 x 35.5 mm, the module is designed to fit inside a standard 1590B guitar pedal enclosure, making it easy to integrate into pedals, audio processors, and other compact systems. Smalest size SMD parts used are 0603, leaving the possibility for modifiaction without the need for a microscope.
Specifications
Microcontroller - RP2040
Dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+
Clocked at 252 MHz for low-jitter I²S audio
254 KB SRAM
12-bit internal ADC
Audio Codec - PCM3060
2× 24-bit ADC @ 48 kHz
2× 24-bit DAC @ 48 kHz
>100 dB dynamic range
Memory
16 MB QSPI Flash (W25Q128)
Firmware, audio files, impulse responses, UI assets
8 MB external SPI PSRAM (APS6404L)
>40 seconds of audio at 48 kHz using 32-bit samples
Ideal for large stereo delays, loopers, and buffer-heavy effects
I/O and Interfaces
16 GPIO
4× 12-bit ADC inputs
2× I²C
2× UART
1× SPI
USB for debugging and programming
Performance
End-to-end analog audio latency down to ~1.7 ms
Expected: > 90dB SNR | < 0.0015% THD
Power and Analog Design
Separate analog and digital supply domains for optimal noise performance
Jumper option to short supplies for single-supply or USB-powered operation
On-board 3.3 V regulator suitable for light external peripherals and debugging
Recommended for real applications
External 3.3 V supply for the digital domain
External 5 V supply for the analog domain