PolySynth: Minimal 8-Bit Synthesizer

PolySynth started as a simple goal: how can a low-cost microcontroller and DAC combo be used to produce good sounding audio for hobby projects? Can this system be built into a modular hardware block and firmware library that can easily be added to future projects?

To answer these questions, PolySynth was born! Hardware-wise, PolySynth is simple: it consists of a low-cost 32-bit MCU (STM32F103), low-cost DAC and speaker amplifier, and small PCB mounted speaker. SPI is used for communication between the DAC and MCU, meaning almost any microcontroller can be used.

PolySynth's firmware is very exciting. The goal is to be able to dynamically generate audio samples to play on the speaker in real-time. These sounds are synthesized on-the-fly, meaning that different audio characteristics can be produced (e.g. piano, trumpet, etc).

Follow this project to keep track of my progress in getting PolySynth up and running!

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UPDATE: 8/29/2018

First Boards Ordered!

As of 8/23/2018, PolySynth boards have been ordered! I got 10 from SeeedStudio for cheap, so hopefully they will be of good quality... I've never had a problem before with Seeed, so let's hope they continue to work well for me.

Since this project log update is a few days delayed, the boards should arrive soon! I'll let everyone know when they arrive and I get them assembled.