The SquishBox: a Raspberry Pi Synthesizer

This video gives an overview of the SquishBox, a super-customizable software synthesizer in a stompbox that runs on a Raspberry Pi. The SquishBox has great audio with low latency, uses soundfonts that you can find for free on the internet, and can be controlled by up to 4 MIDI keyboards/controllers.
Buy a kit:
www.tindie.com/products/albed...
Buy a fully assembled SquishBox:
www.tindie.com/products/albed...
Build one yourself:
hackaday.io/project/9097-squi...
SquishBox home page at Geek Funk Labs:
geekfunklabs.com/products/squ...
Source code:
github.com/albedozero/fluidpa...
PCB design files:
oshpark.com/shared_projects/l...
3D printable enclosure:
www.thingiverse.com/thing:533...
0:00 Intro
1:05 Internal Components
2:18 Assembly
3:40 Software Installation
4:15 Demo
5:45 Editing Sounds and Banks
6:40 Reasons

[@luizkowalski9476]

That's an amazing project! Thank you Bill, for doing and sharing that!

[@axwax2]

This is such a cool, performance-oriented, and, by the looks of it, long-running project. I can't believe I haven't come across this sooner!

[@white2rnado]

Thanks! Maybe I need to work on promotion a bit more 😉

[@Superjamppa]

This is awesome. Great work.

[@white2rnado]

Thanks!

[@atexs4622]

Great project work well done 🙂

[@white2rnado]

Sorry for the slow reply - I'll get back to you on github

[@eidolonshit8615]

Man this so cool! Thank you!!

[@white2rnado]

Thanks!

[@benglover6854]

Fantastic! Thank you.

[@RandyPiscione]

Very cool! Love to hear more sound demos, I could imagine bringing this to a gig instead of one of my larger keyboards. I'm curious to hear how good some of the bread and butter sounds are, stuff like acoustic piano, Rhodes, organs, etc. The clav sounded impressive.

[@white2rnado]

Good suggestion, I'll work on it! I do get good use out of it at blues/jazz/soul gigs, but everyone's needs/ears are different 😉

[@RandyPiscione]

@@white2rnado Thanks for the quick reply. It's not too expensive and to be honest I'm a bit tired of building and repairing stuff, maybe I'll pick up a built version and I can do a video for you. Feel free to have a look at some of the demos I've done for Eurorack manufacturer, PM Foundations, if you're interested and have a few minutes.

[@white2rnado]

@@RandyPiscione that would be much appreciated. I checked out some of your videos - good stuff. Feel free to hit me up via email if you want to talk more directly.

[@blpblp-tj7ux]

freakin' RAD!! I want one. Or three.

[@SanchezOKelly]

This is pretty cool, what would be awesome if there was a way to have this work with all the faders/knobs/things on an Arturia key lab 88 or other midi controllers. I imagine those get sent over midi. I am just learning about this stuff.

[@white2rnado]

You can route all of the knobs/sliders/etc. on any controller to whatever you want using this, and have the routings change from patch to patch. Check out the example bank files and instructions: github.com/GeekFunkLabs/fluidpatcher/blob/master/fluidpatcher/bankfiles.py

[@trivibmxpro]

Very great, thank you very much for making it easier for everyone!! I doubt whether I can set different sounds in layers and control the volume of each sound with a different fader? I have an Arturia Essential 88 and it would be awesome to do it with The SquishBox since I do the same but with a PC and Ableton live.

[@white2rnado]

Yes you can! You just put the sounds on different channels, then use the faders to control their expression level (CC#11). Check out the discussion linked below - I included an example bank file at the end. I was using it to layer sounds for different organ stops, but you could layer and control whatever sounds you want: github.com/albedozero/fluidpatcher/issues/44

[@zwingelstein]

Hi Bill, Thank you very much for this very informative video! Is it possible to use a Banana PI using your configuration ?

[@JoeJohnston-taskboy]

I am having trouble getting the hifiberry DAC 2 working with Squishbox, but it could be the RPi I am using. dmesg is shows the overlay throwing an error. All that aside, thanks for doing this! I am really happy with the minidexed project (although it would be awesome for that project to support i2c devices and be a little more flexible on hardware). Blokas MODEP on RPi works great as an effects unit too. Golden age of linux music production!

[@JoeJohnston-taskboy]

Hey, the HiFiberry works like a champ in one of my RPi 3s, so that's what I'm going with. Cheers!

[@white2rnado]

@@JoeJohnston-taskboy If you're using a DAC 2 I think you need dtoverly=hifiberry-dacplushd in your /boot/config.txt - sounds like you got it working so maybe you figured that out 😊

[@JoeJohnston-taskboy]

@@white2rnado The RPi4 I was using has some broken GPIOs, I believe. The RPi3 worked fine. Yes, I needed to add the dtoverlay line (which was hifiberry-dacplus in this case). The unit is working well. Really impressive project!

[@butahuruf]

Amazing project! When will the kit available?

[@EasyHeat]

Freakin Neato!

[@remka2000]

This is a really project. Would love the ability to use classic Midi 5 pin din instead of USB midi, to use with classic synths, sequencers etc.

[@visisydandthevoid]

They do sell little midi boards you can connect to your raspberry pi with 5 pin

[@francescotizzani515]

Beautiful project, but how can I add rotary encoder like you? Manuals and electric scheme don't show it, only two buttons

[@white2rnado]

It took a while for me to update the manual, but it's ready now at geekfunklabs.com/download/squishbox-assembly/!

[@goossensghost3768]

Amazing work, man. You're a legend. Can I create CC assignable patch changes? For instance, with an Alesis Vortex Wireless 2, could I set up the pads (P1-P8) so that they load different patches?

[@white2rnado]

Yes you can - you can create a router rule with a "patch" parameter to either increment/decrement the patch number or select a specific patch. It's described briefly here at the end of the router_rules section: github.com/albedozero/fluidpatcher/blob/master/patcher/file_formats.md#structure I'm working on documenting this more fully. For now here's an example: gist.github.com/albedozero/44263e13e538492db084c6400f3097b8

[@goossensghost3768]

@@white2rnado Thanks so much.

[@callumcassidy-nolan5872]

Do you know if it would be possible to combine multiple midi instruments together, so you could have just a plain old keyboard, a slider wheel, plug them both in and then get a piano with slider wheel?

[@white2rnado]

Sure, as long as they can both plug in to a USB port, the software will accept MIDI messages from both the piano and the slider wheel

[@marting.official]

Such a great idea. Can you also load a looper in it ?

[@white2rnado]

This is something I'm working on. You can currently use LADSPA plugins, so you could try the older SooperLooper plugin: sonosaurus.com/sooperlooper/oldplugin.html

[@ludwinhooi6982]

This box can transpos and spits?

[@user-xs6mw8kw5o]

This is amazing - I was wondering: Is it possibly to run the SquishBox with SamplerBox's software? Basically, I love the interface/design of the SquishBox kit, with 1/4" cable outputs, the rotary push button knob, LCD screen, etc. But I like the simplicity of SamplerBox's software, and the idea of just using WAV files and a thumbdrive to play the samples better suits my needs. Is it doable? Thanks in advance!

[@white2rnado]

Sure! Samplerbox gave me a lot of inspiration for this project. Since it's also written in python, it should be pretty easy to write your own interface for it using the squisbox API: geekfunklabs.github.io/squishbox/software.html#api-reference

[@luisgm7664]

Dear Bill, I have an Orange Pi PC 1, do you think it could be used instead of a Raspberry? I am concerned about the compatibility with the 40 pins for the power supply. Thanks very much, my friend.

[@white2rnado]

Unfortunately, probably not. The power requirements look to be the same, but add-on cards aren't usually compatible between different SBCs. Even if the layout of the 40-pin connector happens to be the same, if the boards use different processors (which is the case here) they'll need different drivers/dtoverlays to be able to talk to the sound card. I'm trying to learn how to do this, but it's pretty far outside my skill set - hopefully someone out there can help!

[@dtone1]

How big a sound font file can be loaded into a Squishbox? I have a file that is about 10Mb.

[@white2rnado]

10MB is fine. There's a difference between how many you can load onto the SquishBox's SD and how many you can be actually using at the same time. The amount of memory you have to store soundfonts depends on the size of your SD card. The software uses about 300MB of RAM, and a Pi 3B+ or 4 will have at least 1GB, so you can use up to 700MB of soundfonts in a single bank file. If you have some crazy big individual soundfonts (like >500MB) you'll want to get a Pi 4 with extra RAM.

[@nice-recordingstudio8512]

is it also possible to make splits and Layers? How many voices?

[@white2rnado]

You can - this video explains how: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2Syd42kgM2Dl5o My tests show you can have about 128 voices playing at once without any dropouts. Some instruments do use multiple voices, but this still gives you a lot of options.

[@Tytheband]

Is there a place I can buy that low-latency sound card? Or PCB plans that can be downloaded?

[@white2rnado]

Doing a restock order right now - should have more kits/complete builds in a couple weeks. For PCB design files, instructions, etc. check out the video description links.

[@white2rnado]

Search GY-PCM5102 on Amazon/Ebay/etc. to find that sound card

[@ianmathews]

I have a collection of like 50GB of sound-fonts I put on a hard drive to revisit when I got something to browse them. Is this a good solution for that? Seems like it! Can just throw thousands of files at this and slowly pick out the best patches, and put them in a set of new folders as I parse through? Fantastic hardware project!

[@white2rnado]

Sorry for the slow reply, but just FYI if you have any huge single soundfonts (gigabyte-ish sized), the synth can't open them if they won't fit in RAM. The lite OS and synth software need about 100MB, so you'll have 900MB left over on a Pi 3B+ -- more if you're using a Pi 4

[@bocarlsson3rd]

Quick question: My python is VERY rusty. Is there a way to use an LCD with a I2C interface without doing extensive changes to the code? I had a couple of LCDs with I2C backpacks already soldered on. /Bo

[@white2rnado]

Yes - change lines 16 and 57 in stompboxpi.py (github.com/albedozero/fluidpatcher/blob/master/utils/stompboxpi.py) as described in the docs (rplcd.readthedocs.io/en/stable/getting_started.html#setup-i2c) and it should work fine!

[@white2rnado]

In future maybe I can modify the code so one could specify I2C/GPIO in the config file

[@yarn9329]

Hi Bill, excuse my ignorance, can you upload VI's like pianoteq to the Sbox?

[@white2rnado]

The SquishBox uses FluidSynth by default, but as long as the VI will run on a Raspberry Pi (looks like Pianoteq does have a linux version), you can write an interface for it using the squishbox API: geekfunklabs.github.io/squishbox/software.html#api-reference

[@yarn9329]

@@white2rnado TY! Sweet project and channel.

[@KiR_3d]

Hi! It seems to be a cool and very friendly project! :) I'm going to buy a Raspberry Pi CM4 and the CM4 IO expansion board. My main reason is because the ready to use RasPi 4B doesn't have eMCC memory onboard. So I've found only this option. Am I missing some other options? Buying RasPi 3 now is even more expensive for me. So I have no options about that literally ) Locally RasPi 3 is even more expensive. My 1st goal is to assemble a good FX-module/synth, maybe a sequencer in one box. I'm looking toward MODEP now. But the Squishbox looks cool too! Additionally I've put some encoders, a 7'' IPS sensetive screen, some "USB-audio" card (to plugin into USB and have I/O right from there) in the "Basket". I suspect that this audio card can be "lo-fi" tough. Costs about 2-3$. Also I've put a T-cobbler and a U-cobbler to be able to inspect some situations. The more strange situation is about a power bank. I don't know which one to get :) They can be inexpensive and good or really not cheap but heavy and not-reliable. I've read a lot of customer reviews and has no idea about what to order here. It's that sort of thing that can't be just thrown off anyway. I'm responsible about our nature. Maybe you know some good "sound HATs" for Pi? Actually I can't find anything that looks good (and for a normal price) which contains ADC and DAC onboard. Also multiple inputs could be a great option. I've watched the video with AudioInjector. But as far as I know it's now is not on the market. Or not produced anymore. Also I'm going to buy "128X64 I2C ST7567S" monochrome LCD to try different options or different projects.

[@white2rnado]

Having an eMMC isn't essential - the Pi 3B+ and Pi 4 use an SD card, and you'll have plenty of room for soundfonts etc. even with an SD card as small as 16GB. Most small USB dongle audio cards work great with the Pi, and that's probably your best option if you want audio input. Most audio hats that have it are either very expensive or only have little onboard MEMS mics - you can't plug in a mic or audio cable.

[@KiR_3d]

@@white2rnado already ordered with eMMC :)) But I hope it will give me the benefits of quicker loading and etc. Anyway big thanks for the advice about the dongle. Yep, i've ordered two different cheap USB dongle cards. I think that I'm qualified enough to solder MIDI IN/OUT devices by myself.

[@Tytheband]

When's the next restock?

[@white2rnado]

Hey I finally was able to restock kits if you're still interested.

[@nice-recordingstudio8512]

Great!!! I come from Italy! how to get one? (already assembled)

[@white2rnado]

You can get one from my Tindie store: www.tindie.com/products/albedozero/squishbox-4xusb-midi-synthsound-module/

[@nice-recordingstudio8512]

@@white2rnado grazie!!!!

[@alexeybelodvortsev5298]

Will a Raspberry Pi 2B+ board work? If so, with what restrictions?

[@white2rnado]

I've never had one to test, but with a regular Pi 3B (not 3B+) I had noticeable latency when playing. I'm guessing the 2B+ would be worse since it's a good bit slower.

[@alexeybelodvortsev5298]

@@white2rnado Thank you!

[@GeoffPlitt]

This is cool! What's the boot-up time?

[@white2rnado]

Around 15 seconds if you follow the instructions in the video and description and set up on a fresh RPiOS install. There are tweaks you can search for to speed things up a bit if you need.

[@danielhooglandt1620]

Does it have velocity sensitivity?

[@white2rnado]

Yes, as long as the keyboard you are using has velocity sensitivity as well

[@zonaasikchannel]

Hi i from indonesia can i order it..thks

[@white2rnado]

I'll try! Go to my store at www.tindie.com/stores/albedozero/, click "Contact Seller", and send me an address to ship to and I'll see if I can get a reasonable rate.

[@luisgm7664]

I bought one from Spain on August 9 but still not received I think it's a logistics problem. Very sad with it 😪

[@luisgm7664]

1 month and a half later... I got it!

[@Bassposaunenspieler1]

See my DM in FB. Great segment!

[@white2rnado]

Cheers daddy-o

[@Curious_Skeptic]

So, how much for this? I can buy a Galaxy tab A7 or 8 for $80 to 100 and have a giant touch screen and endless apps. Just holding onto outdated solutions. Pi projects end up cost 2 to 3 times a tablet in 2023!

[@white2rnado]

Store link is in the description. There certainly are more apps available for a tablet, but there's less ability to tweak things if that's what you're into. I'd say it's down to what form factor you prefer.

[@Curious_Skeptic]

@@white2rnado I see your project is really you sharing a cool idea and your skills. I'm a bit jaded on count of some folks are charging insane prices for their kits! Didn't really see you are making nothing here. Thank you for sharing. Cool stuff.

[@fellpower]

RPi DIY things are out of time now. i never ever pay 200 bucks for a pi....

[@white2rnado]

Ugh I know 😖. I hope the shortage ends soon and the shady resellers can blow.