rM8 Headless synth/tracker on handheld

UPDATE: I archived my fork of rm8. m8c now has support for built-in audio-routing, which was the original point of forking rm8, for me. m8c is great and should run on all the same devices.
I have been working on rm8, a Headless M8 client, written in rust, lately.
I got it working on some devices it wasn't working on before (Anbernic RG353P, steamdeck)
You can see the project here: github.com/konsumer/rm8
You can see how to install on these devices here: github.com/konsumer/rm8/blob/...
JELOS is a great OS for these devices: github.com/JustEnoughLinuxOS/...
On a regular computer, you can use rm8, or the web-client, which is really nice and convenient: derkyjadex.github.io/M8WebDis...
The proper M8 device is sick, too: dirtywave.com/products/m8-tra...

[@strangnet]

Wow, looks awesome. I've been playing around a bit with m8c on Mac and Windows, and now I'm waiting for my RG351V to arrive. I also ran into the Rust rM8 project quite recently, so it's nice to see someone building upon that.

[@masterbeater832]

Hey, could you do a tutorial on how to get headless m8 onto the rg351v? i cant find one ANYWHERE

[@DJDiskmachine]

Hey that's great! The 353P is defo my favourite-looking device but I don't have room for any more handheld devices =D Thx for sharing, cheers!

[@camgibson3674]

also, thank you very much for adding to this project and showing what is possible! ^^

[@NilsKullberg]

Wonderful! Good work! Feels extra good now to own a Steamdeck 😄

[@HiddenKey]

this is awesome, I was looking at picking up one of those gameboy style emulators to see if I could get a headless going while they're out of stock.

[@falk3nn]

thanks a million David. just got rm8 up and running on my deck. I kept asking questions on here, figuring it out, deleting my comment, getting stuck again, another question etc. apologies if you got a bunch of notifications 😂 thanks again, awesome work

[@kelseydaniels7283]

Hey thanks for this tut and for adding to the RM8 project. I’ve been running M8 headless on my Windows PC through Touch Designer, and I’m liking it so far. I just ordered an RG353M. Gonna try this out when it arrives. I’m hoping RM8 will work on the 353M, since it works great on the 353P. 🤞

[@MetroGradeGoods]

Did your 353M work out? I have one on the way and I am really diggin M8 already

[@kelseydaniels7283]

@@MetroGradeGoods Hey. I haven’t had the best luck installing Linux builds on my RG353m. Some 353M’s don’t seem to load JELOS or ArkOS. It’s an issue with the device. Hopefully, you don’t run into this issue. Let me know if you have any issues. Also there are Discords that the JELOS and ArkOS developers frequent that have been very helpful to me.

[@proptosis2682]

Pretty cool

[@AV-fh7rp]

Coooooool, Think you could do a walk through on the 353p ;)

[@Cloroqx]

M8 = mate.

[@roterodamus]

Love it! Especially the teensy automagically connecting to the default audio device. Would this also be possible for the inputs?

[@DavidKonsumer]

I am not sure. The audio routing is a bit of a hack, so I think it would take a bit of work, but maybe possible...

[@voidcat6876]

hey! followed the full tutorial with a 351v with as the video said is pretty much the same but when i hit the port m8 option screen goes back and never loads the m8 , do i have to do anything else like habilitating the otg port or something like that? i really want this to work and cant do it

[@edmx]

Is there room in any of these devices to mount the teensy internally, so you don't have to worry about it flapping about when you're making music on the train/plane/etc ?

[@legros7]

OMG!!! This is what I need. I have a retroid pocket 2+ and would LOVE to be able to use it like that. do you think it would possible?

[@alinayossimouse]

Hey that's awesome. I'd really love to make this work on my Powkiddy RGB30 that's also running JELOS. I don't really know what I'm doing and I saw the repo no longer accepts issues. Do you have an idea where I could go to ask for help if I get stuck?

[@chromaflow9313]

This is really cool, thanks for sharing. So, I got mine running, showing up on the screen of the device, but no inputs are recognized. Did you ever get something similar?

[@tea42]

Is m8c good with RG35xx plus with GARLIC OS? I want to know before I give it a shot.

[@marsoblivi0n945]

I wonder if I can get this to work with my Xbox series s? Wanting to build one before I buy regular M8. I mess with every kinda synth on the planet. But always feared trackers. Intrigued by them though.

[@pablovanwetten]

Is there any news if the M8 Headless Anbernic RG35XX is a good system?

[@24bushbreaks]

hey again, i got a headless m8 and having so much fun. i got a problem tho, i bought an anbrenic rg35xx, wich doesnt support JELOS(i thought it was made for every anbernic handheld). do you think the rm8 client will work on GarlicOS too (an os for the rg35xx)? it would be a shame to have to buy a second anbernic to make one of these

[@DavidKonsumer]

it should work fine on just about any linux distro (not sure if GarlicOS is linux, seems like it's possible it's something else.) ArkOS is also nice on these devices.

[@bionoid7087]

Is it possible to control outer hardware by the usb midi?

[@clarkgabel6875]

if you want to put samples on the SD-card, do you have to pull the card out of the teensy and put it into an SD-card reader ? or does the teensy-headless-setup also work as an "SD-card reader" ? because I cannot find any folder if I attach the teensy to my laptop, thanks

[@DavidKonsumer]

yep, you take the SD out of teensy, add files, then put it back. rM8 is just a client for the actual device (which is the teensy)

[@NKL_Calcifer]

How do you know if this run on new rgxxplus?

[@camgibson3674]

hello there, could you please tell me, do you think this build will work on the rg353m? if so, should i complete the github tutorial for the 353p or the 353v? (is in, the part on the tutorial in which it says to run the 'cp rm8-RG353_.json rm8.json' script)

[@DavidKonsumer]

yep, it should be. depends on OS, but JELOS and Ark work and runs on that. The only difference between different devices is mostly the joystick ID. See github.com/konsumer/rm8/issues/2 for details on how to set it up, if your joystick is not working with the config file, then the ID is unknown, but it's not really tied to the device, more like a specific joystick ID, so you can plug in a keyboard and make it work (following directions on that github issue)

[@camgibson3674]

@@DavidKonsumer sweet thx for the info! ^^

[@alecsbuga]

I installed it on a R353V and it takes a bit longer than here to load. Also when I try to edit the configuration it crashes. I’m using Jelos too. I tried installing your recommend link from Lamaa but that one doesn’t work. Any tips? I have the real M8 but honestly the R353V looks much more nicer. Better display and stuff.

[@AndresEstepa]

hi! @alecsbuga, I have the rg353v and the teensy runs fine for me, if you want, create a thread and we'll talk about it

[@alecsbuga]

@@AndresEstepa hey. Thanks. I’d love that. Where should I create a thread?

[@AndresEstepa]

discord or Reddit

[@losnevels37]

Would this work on the Retroid Pocket 3? What are the requirements for it to run on a device? Does it just need to be capable of running JELOS? I don't think it works on the Miyoo since that doesn't support data transfer over USB.

[@DavidKonsumer]

Not sure. it uses SDL2, so if you've got that installed on any linux-based distro, it should work fine.

[@kelseydaniels7283]

The Retroid Pocket 3 is an Android based handheld. It won’t currently run JELOS, which is a Linux based firmware. I’ve heard skepticism in the community that the Pocket 3 and Pocket 3 + will ever run Linux well, just based on the compatibility of the chipset they both run. It seems like these Anbernic devices or a SteamDeck would be a better choice to run rm8. (That said, apparently there is a version of M8C that can run on Android, so who knows, it might be possible.) The M8 Discord would be the place to go to find out more…

[@redbirdsaraceno]

m8 headless opened nicely via chrome but then i realized that my m8 headless teensy is absolutely empty of and samples ,synths, or demo tracks ,so it’s kind of pointless with out any sounds in it . Maybe i loaded m8 headless improperly to the teensy or something. it responds to keyboard commands fine though so it seems like i set it up correctly Did your version of m8 headless come with sounds in it already ? thanks

[@DavidKonsumer]

No, you have to add your own samples and synth defs. Trash80 is also selling some good instrument defs (no samples, just synth)

[@absint0o]

Great video and great project! Do you think it would work on a ANBERNIC RG35XX? For what I know it's a bit lower specs that the one you're showing off, but it also runs Linux with garlicOS.

[@DavidKonsumer]

I think it should run fine. Rm8 does not use too much resources, so if SDL runs there, it should work.

[@absint0o]

@@DavidKonsumer thank you for your reply! I don't know what sdl is but I know it accepts ports like doom and Diablo 1 and also has USB C OTG, so maybe it works. I'll try as soon as mine arrives.

[@DavidKonsumer]

@@absint0o yeh, sounds like it will probly run fine. I might be able to help, if not.

[@absint0o]

@@DavidKonsumer thank you very much for your reply and availability to help! Already have the teensy with the headless installed and waiting for the kg35xx to test it out! Keep up with the great videos!

[@abberom1]

Hello Joao, I am curious to know if you made it work on the RG35XX ? ☺️

[@Eight-Bit-Hustler]

Question... Do you have to keep the USB cable plugged in to run the headless M8 teensy, or is this just a way to install it to the root of your anbernic device and unplug it once its installed to Jellos/Linux!?

[@DavidKonsumer]

I am not sure I understand. You still need the teensy plugged into USB. M8 runs on teensy, not arm/linux (jelos.)

[@Eight-Bit-Hustler]

@@DavidKonsumer Oh… okay 👍 Yeah that’s what I was wondering… I thought it was Linux based. 🤔 (So the anbernic just functions ONLY as a screen and the buttons are used for navigating around?) I’m not familiar enough with tensy… I thought it was the name what I thought was a SBC like a raspberry PI-0 type deal!? I saw another person using it with a PI in a little game boy style case, so I assumed it was arm Linux based. Thanks for clarifying it for me though! 🙏

[@DavidKonsumer]

@@Eight-Bit-Hustler yep, exactly. It's running on teensy, which is not Linux, and the ambernic is just the interface.

[@JosuaKarlson]

Does it matter wich Anbernic handheld I am using? Thanks for sharing the info!

[@DavidKonsumer]

Nah, I think any of them that can run linux should work. I would recommend JELOS or Ark.

[@JosuaKarlson]

@@DavidKonsumer OK, thanks! Iam getting the ANBERNIC RG351V now. I am a bit scared about setting this up since I am a newby in that world. Not with Synths and hardware devices though...Anyways, wish me luck!

[@jean_voyage]

This is fantastic. I have an RG35xx which runs on a thing called GarlicOS. Would it be possible to port the client to that as well?

[@DATApush3r]

I have a Miyoo Mini+ and it runs OnionOS and I've been wondering the same thing!

[@jakehooker]

@@DATApush3r As I understand it, the Miyoo Mini's usbc port is for charging only, not data transfer, so, sadly, it won't work. I'm jumping through hoops trying to get m8c or anything to run on my RG35xxH, but I am not fluent in Programmer. I also can't find all the help people refer to on Discord, so I'm hoping for a video guide.

[@bassshaper23]

hi I've seen the various links but I can't understand where I can buy this card with the cable to attach to the Gamepad It's not like you could give me a tip on what this device is called. Concrete works are increasingly respected and since it came out I've been dreaming of the M8. and I can't wait to install it on this device would you be so kind as to tell me what is the name of the cable with attached electronics to transform a Gamepad into an M8 I've been dreaming about it for too long thanks thank you guys so much and try to study these tricks!!!!

[@DavidKonsumer]

They have instructions for getting a teensy and making a headless m8 elsewhere (on their site, other KZbin videos, etc)

[@thirdeyetye]

can I use a midi controller with those devices?!?!?!

[@24bushbreaks]

Heya, i wanted to give this project a go but im a big noob, so what i wanted to ask you is: since its based on a client, can i take this out where i dont have a connection? Thank you

[@DavidKonsumer]

I'm not totally sure I understand the question. It doesn't need internet, if that's what you are asking.

[@24bushbreaks]

@@DavidKonsumer yes thats what was bugging me, i thought this needed internet so i couldnt take it out the studio if i wanted to make a jam outside, but if ure telling me i can take this thing anywhere with me ill be placing orders for both the teensy and an anbernic. thank you very much!!!!!

[@DavidKonsumer]

@@24bushbreaks Yep, it's totally local (just teensy and your device)

[@24bushbreaks]

@@DavidKonsumer thank you, ordered and currently waiting for my teensy to be released from customs. have a great one!

[@dialer2]

Just curios, why not use Sunvox?

[@DavidKonsumer]

I use sun vox, it's just a totally different thing. M8 is a tracker with joystick controls.

[@NerdCraftJD]

Hey, I can load the M8 on JELOS, but cannot do anything. I feel like this may have something to do with the fact that none of the JSON in the rm8-RG353P seems to correspond with the buttons of the device, it just references buttons on the keyboard (the file named rm8 has all of this in it of course). The text in this file is identical to that in the rm8-qwerty file, so I can't help but think this is a mistake? If not then maybe I've done something wrong, but the M8 is there, I just cannot control it at all, nor can I access the JELOS menu, all I can do is power it off or restart it. I searched a lot for examples of JSON button config so I could try to do it myself, but without knowing exactly what the device's buttons are called, there's no way of knowing how to sort this out. Please help, as I'm very close to having this working and would love to use it. Thanks

[@DavidKonsumer]

Hmm, that is a tricky one. I might be able to help. GitHub is probly a better place to discuss issues (share screenshots, write more text, linkl to code, etc.) If you don't mind can you post an issue on my fork?

[@NerdCraftJD]

@@DavidKonsumer While I have some projects up, I'm no GitHub wizard. Trying to make a pull request, do I need to create my own fork and then compare your rm8-RG353P file with my rm8-RG353P file with a little "//comment" in it to differentiate the two? I've never collaborated on a project before so I'm not very familiar with how to make comments etc.

[@NerdCraftJD]

@@DavidKonsumer Thanks for the response btw!

[@DavidKonsumer]

@@NerdCraftJD I just mean put the issue on GitHub issue, so I can take a look more easily. It's harder for me to track code problems in KZbin comments :) I made this: github.com/konsumer/rm8/issues/2 and I will try to help over there.

[@DavidKonsumer]

I added a solution there (use keyboard, press Alt + C to config, setup joystick) but if you want to PR for your specific joystick, I will add it to the configs for other people.

[@clarkgabel6875]

great ! - would it run on NINTENDO SWITCH ?

[@DavidKonsumer]

I don't think so, without a lot of work. It needs SDL and you can have to be able to compile rust for target. I think it also would have trouble with audio & input on switch, without some very custom code for that.

[@clarkgabel6875]

I thought I could do it with the M8 web display if the SWITCH has the possiblity to open a browser page....

[@DavidKonsumer]

@@clarkgabel6875 You can try, but I don't think the browser on the switch will do that.

[@nurtureblossom7275]

Now that JelOS is no longer available what would you recommend?

[@DavidKonsumer]

ArkOS is ok. It's pretty much the same as an old copy of JelOS with some nice mods. You can also just use an old copy of JelOS, it's still available. I saw UnofficialOS recently, which is a fork of JelOS, that provides binary releases (which JelOS stopped doing before they archived.) I haven't used it, but if I were setting them up today, I would try that or just build JelOS, myself.

[@nurtureblossom7275]

@@DavidKonsumer UnofficialOS seems to be working mostly. However when I open m8 in ports it doesn't seem like I have any controls, even select doesn't work to exit out of the program. It isn't frozen though because I can see the cursor in the tracker is blinking

[@DavidKonsumer]

@@nurtureblossom7275 Did you copy rm8-RG353V.json to rm8.json, as in the instructions? If you need to make your own keymap, Plug a USB keyboard in, and run Alt + C, to get into "config mode" and use the keys here to setup a new mapping with your joystick inputs: github.com/konsumer/rm8?tab=readme-ov-file#default-key-mapping

[@nurtureblossom7275]

@@DavidKonsumer I copied rm8-RG353P.json to rm8.json since I have the RG353P version. I'm not sure what you mean by plugging a keyboard in. Would I need to plug a keyboard into the Anbernic at the same time as the m8 running the teensy?

[@DavidKonsumer]

@@nurtureblossom7275 hmm, yeh, that should work. What I mean about keyboard is using a USB hub. it's a pain, but it's a 1-time thing to record new config, if joystick doesn't register correctly. Basically, each device shows up as a new ID, so we have to create a config file for that. Also, often you can just rename another file, and insert the correct ID, and it will have the controls set well enough to configure it further, which requires editing in a text-editor, but might be simpler if you don't have a hub handy. I think the core thing is it's not really specific to any distro or anything, it's just a problem with how the joystick stuff works. I stopped working on rm8, so I recommend switching to github.com/laamaa/m8c it's great, and they ended up implementing the thing that was the main reason to work on rm8 for me (audio passthrough)

[@FOGtest]

Did anyone get this working on a 353m? loads fine but no buttons work

[@DavidKonsumer]

see the issue here, the process is the same: github.com/konsumer/rm8/issues/2 you will need a keyboard to get into config and navigate menus.

[@modology]

will it work on miyoo mini running onion OS?

[@DavidKonsumer]

It needs SDL, so if you can run that (very common, on Linux, Mac, Windows, etc) it should basically run. That said, I don't think onion is a full os (not totally sure, no device to test with) so it may not have SDL.

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Would be nice if it was ported to the miyoo mini.

[@DavidKonsumer]

would prolby run there, but I don't have a device to test.

[@DATApush3r]

I'm hoping for the same! I also have a Miyoo Mini+ and it would be perfect! I looked into porting m8c to OnionOS but maybe rM8 would be easier?

[@Johnnybazakatone]

What about midi? 😊

[@DavidKonsumer]

Midi on m8 headless just requires you to connect a plug to a few of the pins. Search for "m8 headless midi"

[@Hakucho64]

Wow, in Australia at least, a Steam Deck costs about the same as the M8!

[@DavidKonsumer]

In US, too, but steamdeck can also run Audacity, and play Witcher 3 (when you aren't making music.)

[@brianlynn6154]

And Blender!