Description
Workshop Computer is a simple but capable Eurorack format music computer module, inspired by the early music studios like EMS in London and Bell Labs, where computers were used to control analog oscillators and filters, compose algorithmic music and generate waveforms. Because it’s no longer 1968, Workshop Computer is powerful enough to do audio effects, sequencing and can connect with other devices over USB.
The computer can originally found in the Music Thing Workshop system, which also includes a powerful analog toolkit. Now the Computer section is available as an 8HP Eurorack module that’s guaranteed to be a useful and creative addition to any sized system!
The module has three pairs of inputs and outputs: one for Audio/CV, one for pulses, and precision CV for pitch. There are three knobs for controlling the computer and one 3-way toggle switch (ON-OFF-MOMENTARY).
Workshop Computer loads programs stored on hot-swappable custom-made program cards. The Computer comes with seven program cards included:
- Reverb+ is a great-sounding old-school stereo reverb with some useful utilities including sequencing and MIDI.
- Turing Machine is a random looping sequencer with two channels and multiple scales.
- Simple MIDI turns the module into a USB-MIDI interface to send and receive MIDI.
- It also comes with 4 x blank program cards which you can write with a downloaded file. This video shows how to load your own program cards
There are already dozens of program cards available to download for free. These have been created by an ever growing community of developers. They range from useful utilities to wild experiments. You can find a library program card files to download here, and more sets of blank card can be found HERE.
For a limited time you can receive a 25% discount on the RYK mixed card set when purchasing together with the Workshop Computer – more info on the RYK cards can be found HERE
The Computer DIY build is a fairly straightforward. All the tiny surface-mount electronic components are pre-soldered, you only need to attach pots, switches, sockets and LEDs. If you have any experience this should be very straightforward. If it’s the first thing you’ve ever soldered it might be worth practicing on something simpler (like a Mikrophonie or Mini Drive kit) beforehand.
If you’re someone who likes to play with code then you can also create your own cards. The microcontroller in Computer is an RP2040, the same as a Raspberry Pi Pico. The program cards are the entire flash memory for the Computer, so there is no firmware on the device itself. They can be programmed in C/C++ (Pico SDK), Arduino Pico, Circuit Python, Lua or anything else that works on RP2040. Program cards can be re-programmed or updated over USB with a simple drag-and-drop process. You’re welcome to sell or give away any code you create, and can make your own custom cards if you want. Find out more at the developer site and in the Workshop System Discord.
This Eurorack version of Computer is electronically identical and 100% compatible with the Workshop System version. If you get the Eurorack Computer and later on decide that you want to convert it into a full Workshop system you can do that with an upgrade kit available HERE
Eurorack Computer – Build Document | Build Video | MTM Card Documentation | Github PGM Card library | Modular Grid
Features:
- Programmable Music Computer module with hot-swappable PGM cards.
- Includes Reverb, Simple MIDI, Turing Machine and a blank card to add a program of your choice.
- Growing library of PGM cards being created by the development community.
- Module Interface: 2 x Audio & CV in/out, 2 x precision CV in/out, 2 x pulse in/out
- 3 x knob controls (1 x large, 2 x small)
- 1 x 3-way switch (ON-OFF-MOMENTARY)
- 6 x LED indicators to visualise program functions
- To find out about new program cards subscribe to the free Workshop System Newsletter, or join the Workshop System Discord.
Specs:
- Width: Eurorack 8HP
- Depth: 25mm
- Power Consumption: 175 mA
