Faselunare Cosmolab is a new open-source Daisy Seed-based audio developer/DSP kit designed for rapid hardware prototyping.
Final hours!
Everything has a beginning, including the development of a Synthesizer, sampler, or effects unit. A digital instrument or effects unit consists of hardware and a software component. The latter is often the simplest, as it’s done and tested on a computer.
The hardware component is often the most expensive and difficult part. Faselunare and Alphalab Audio have developed Cosmolab, a fascinating open-source tool that enables very rapid prototyping.
Faselunare Cosmolab
Cosmolab is a new open-source audio development kit designed to simplify the process of turning an idea into sound. According to Faselunare, it was built to remove barriers, so you can stay focused on what matters: the idea, the experiment, and the sound.
If you have an idea for a Synthesizer or an FX, this kit lets you quickly build a working prototype and decide whether to take the next step. It’s not just for professional developers; it’s also for educators and amateurs who want to create custom hardware.
At the core of Cosmolab lies an Electrosmith Daisy Seed mainboard, a ARM-based platform capable of professional-grade aduio processing and real-time DSP.
The modules from Qu-Bit Electronix or Noise Engineering (Versio, Legio, etc.) are based on the Daisy and are a perfect example of how powerful and versatile it is. It’s also super versatile to program.
It supports C++, Arduino, and different visual patching environments (MAX/MSP (~Gen) and PlugData), allowing you to turn your Max or Pure Data patches into hardware devices.
Cosmolab Boards
Faselunare has created an entire ecosystem of component boards essential for prototyping devices. Thanks to its open-source nature, the developers invite you to expand it with new boards, tools, and more.
Cosmolab is currently available on Indiegogo as a complete kit comprising multiple boards.
The heart of the system is the mainboard, which houses the Daisy Seed, manages power distribution, provides USB connectivity, serves as the home for the DSP code, and acts as the hub for all other boards.
Then, the audio I/O board provides two 6.3mm audio inputs, two audio outputs, and a stereo headphone jack for direct monitoring.
The MIDI board is your MIDI hub, offering MIDI input and output via 5-pin DIN sockets, making it perfect for integrating with other gear. It also features a CV board with four CV inputs, two CV outputs, and two gate sockets (in/out).
Yes, the CV board makes it easy to prototype your digital Eurorack modules. There is also a 128×64 OLED display connected via the SPI bus, providing feedback on your patches, parameters, and more.
Tactile Control
If you prefer to prototype a Synthesizer or effects with a hands-on approach, that’s also covered. The kit also includes various tactile boards. The dedicated potentiometer board offers eight illuminated pots, each paired with its own LED indicator.
Further, it includes a linear keyboard board with sixteen illuminated buttons arranged in two rows of eight. According to Faselunare, it works perfectly for building step sequencers, drum machines, and more.
Alongside this, it has a chromatic keyboard with 12-note buttons and 4 function buttons for mode selection, transposition, and more.
You need more boards, no problem. The system is expandable with additional boards and modules. The integration is done via I²C and SPI buses, giving you the freedom to grow your instrument. More importantly, no soldering and no breadboards.
First Impression
Cosmolab is a super exciting project that allows many musicians to delve into the world of development. It’s particularly interesting for musicians who already have experience with Max DSP or Pure Data.
They can easily transform their synths, effects, or MIDI generators into custom hardware projects.
Faselunare Cosmolab is now available to support on the Indiegogo platform until the end of January 2026. It starts at 500€ with the Cosmolab full kit without a Daisy Seed and at 550€ with a Daisy Seed chip.
More information here: Faselunare/Indiegogo
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