Plinky 12 Blocks is an open panel built for experimentation and customisation, with Plinky-style touch synthesis. It provides 10 tracks of sequencing, live performance and editing. With clip launching, live insert FX, chord sequencing, piano roll view on top of the multi-timbral play surface, it extends the concepts behind the original Plinky into a multi-timbral groove box.
The panel is also almost entirely distraction and label-free. This makes it the perfect panel to use Plinky 12 with other devices as a controller, or even to create your own custom instrument via the forthcoming web-based coding environment.
Plinky 12’s hardware is designed around swappable panels. Instead of one fixed control surface, it can become different instruments built for different kinds of musical thinking.
Features
- 10 tracks, 5 optimised for melodies and 5 for drums
- Live play surface using almost the entire play surface
- Sequencer & Arpeggiator for every track, with editable patterns
- Piano roll editing, and clip launching with up to 32 bars per track per song
- Diatonic chord progression sequencing and note snapping
- Seamless song chaining to create longer compositions
- Innovative randomisation features such as 3 alternate pitches stored per note
- Plinky 12 synth engine, polytimbral across all tracks
- XY modulation for morphing between synth sounds
- FX section with Tape delay and Reverb with Shimmer
- Live insert FX page unique to Blocks
- Process sounds through the effects from the external audio in
- MIDI Routing to control external synths with Plinky 12
Technical Specifications
- Power: USB-C, 5V 500mA
- 12 x 3.5mm Jack Connectivity:
- CV Clock In, CV Reset In, CV Clock Out (selectable PPQN)
- 2x CV In (-5V to 5V)
- 2x CV Out (0-5V)
- 1x TRS MIDI In (type A/B compatible; also USB)
- 2x TRS MIDI Out (type A/B selectable; also USB)
- Second TRS MIDI Out can be set as a pair of CV Trigger outs on one stereo jack
- Stereo unbalanced Audio In and Out
- USB class compliant audio out, MIDI in/out, serial, and WebUSB
- Storage:
- 2MB firmware
- 14MB persistent sample flash (114 seconds)
- 512k RAM, 8MB PSRAM; 128k + 7.5MB free to use by panels
- SD card for presets, samples, and songs
- CPU: RP2350 microcontroller
- Interface: 16×16 RGB pressure sensitive capacitive touch pads
- Other Features: Stereo microphone, accelerometer, 4 tactile side buttons, swappable front panels
- Dimensions: 12″ x 12″ (305mm x 305mm), 12mm deep
- Construction: Steel case, fiberglass PCB front panel
