Specifications, features, and the reasoning behind every decision. No marketing padding — just what it is and what it does.
Current target spec. Some details subject to change during development. Rev. 0.1 — March 2026
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Platform | Teensy 4.1 600 MHz ARM Cortex-M7 — PJRC Audio Shield |
| Audio | 44.1 kHz / 16-bit stereo Stereo out (3.5 mm TRS) — Headphone out (3.5 mm TRS) |
| Synthesis | FM, Subtractive, Wavetable Switchable and layerable per track — Phase 4 target |
| Tracks | 8 tracks 4 synth + drum machine + 3 MIDI out — Phase 3 target |
| Sequencer | 16-step per track Parameter locks — Pattern chaining — Phase 3 target |
| Controls | 10 knobs, 32 pads (4×4×2), 6 transport buttons Black anodized aluminum knobs — Black silicone pads with red LED backlight |
| Display | 128×64 OLED — white on black Adjustable brightness — no color, no backlight bleed |
| Connectivity | USB-C (power + MIDI) — MIDI in / out / thru (5-pin DIN) — Stereo out — Headphone out Phase 2+ target for full MIDI I/O |
| Power | Internal 18650 Li-ion cell — USB-C charging Estimated 4–6 hr battery life — Phase 3 target |
| Storage | MicroSD card slot (Teensy 4.1 built-in) Pattern save/load — Sample storage — Phase 3 target |
| Enclosure | PA6-GF matte black — walnut side panels Glass-filled nylon body — Dark walnut riser, 15° angle — Black oxide hardware throughout |
| Serviceability | Fully user-serviceable M3 black oxide screws — brass heat-set inserts — no glue, no clips |
| Firmware | Open source Arduino / Teensyduino — PJRC Audio Library — Custom code welcome — GitHub |
| Hardware Design | Open source STL files for all printed parts — Schematics — PCB files — GitHub — print your own |
CMS Alpine runs FM, subtractive, and wavetable synthesis on the same hardware, switchable per track. Not a jack of all trades — each engine is implemented properly, informed by the Mutable Instruments approach: do it right or don't do it.
The sequencer is direct. Each of the 16 red-backlit pads is a step. Press to toggle. Hold to set parameter locks — pitch, filter, envelope, anything on a knob can be locked to a specific step. No mode switching, no submenu, just the pads and what they do.
The body is PA6-GF — glass-filled nylon. Not cheap ABS, not expensive aluminum. PA6-GF is what engineers specify when the part needs to be rigid, chemically resistant, dimensionally stable, and naturally matte black. It feels dense. It doesn't flex. The walnut riser is hand-finished with Danish oil — nearly black stain, grain still visible.
The firmware is open source — written in Arduino/Teensyduino, readable and buildable by anyone with a C++ compiler. The enclosure is open source — when units ship, every STL file, schematic, and PCB layout goes on GitHub. Print your own case. Modify the panel layout. Fork the firmware and build something we didn't think of. None of this is locked down.
Product photography in progress. Renders and photos will appear here.