Music Thing Workshop Computer is a new, 8HP, fully programmable, music computer module for audio and CV duties.
Last year, Tom Whitwell of Music Thing Modular released the Workshop System, a fascinating analog modular Synthesizer designed with beginners in mind. What’s so intriguing about it is that this compact synth offers everything you need to get started, including oscillators, filters, and even a fully programmable computer.
The digital brain, or the “supercomputer,” is now also available as a standalone module. Music Thing has today released the Workshop Computer as a DIY project, giving you the same functionality as found in the version in the Workshop System.
Music Thing Workshop Computer
Workshop Computer is an 8HP fully programmable music computer module for Eurorack, designed for audio and CV duties. It uses the RP2040 processor, which is found on the Raspberry Pi Pico.
According to Music Thing, it’s inspired by the early music studios like EMS in London, where computers were used to control analog gear, compose algorithmic music, and generate waveforms.
The module has three pairs of inputs and outputs: one for Audio/CV, one for pulses, and a precision CV for pitch. There are three knobs for controlling the computer and one 3-way toggle switch (ON-OFF-MOMENTARY).
The Computer Workshop module can also be seen as a multi-functional module, similar to the Expert Sleepers Disting mk4.
However, they differ in that program selection is analogous (i.e., external), and operation is far more hands-on than with the other British manufacturer.
The Magic Of Programmable Cards
Full programmability, but something’s missing. Yes! The module completely dispenses with a display. Instead, it uses proprietary cards that allow for the exchange of functions. Plug in a new card, and your module functions differently.
The module comes with seven cards, three pre-loaded with programs and four blank cards ready for your own creations.
It includes the Reverb+ (old-school stereo reverb), the legendary Turing Machine random looping sequencer, and the Simple MIDI that turns it into a USB-MIDI interface. Alternative commercial algorithm cards are also available.
RYK Modular has released the Creative Suite, featuring three program cards: a tape sampler, a pitch-to-voltage/vocoder, and a pitched delay.
The blank cards can be freely programmed in C/C++ (Pico SDK), Arduino Pico, CircuitPython, Lua, or any other language that runs on the RP2040. You can design audio and CV tools, including sound generators, audio effects, sequencing, and more.
If you want more, but without coding, there is also an ever-growing list of available programs that you can download for free from this page. Simply connect your module to your Mac/Windows system via USB-C and copy/paste the code on the card.
First Impression
I like multi-functional modules that offer a lot. However, not those where you get lost in a jungle of menus. See the Disting MK4. The fact that you can simply change the function by inserting and removing a card makes it very user-friendly and inviting.
On top, there is no menu diving or tiny screen, so it’s hands-on and gives you an analog-style workflow. A downer for me is that it’s currently only available as a DIY kit.
Because I have two left hands, I prefer to have an assembled version. If they bring it to the market, I will buy one.
Music Thing Workshop Computer is available now for £112,50 excl. VAT only as a DIY kit.
More information here: Music Thing Modular (Thonk)
Be the first to comment