Music Thing Modular Radio Music Mk2 brings back the sample player that behaves like a radio with all-new hardware and new features.
Compact sample-playback modules are practical, opening up many new possibilities for modular patching. The open-source Radio Music module is particularly popular because it is a sample player with a twist: it behaves like a radio, even though it isn’t one.
The 2021 chip crisis led to the module’s discontinuation. Now it’s back! Tom Whitwell of Music Thing Modular released Radio Music Mk2 today, the successor with changes everywhere.
Music Thing Modular Radio Music Mk2
Radio Music Mk1 is history; long live the Mk2 version. According to Music Thing Modular, the new Radio Music Mk2 has been completely redesigned with improved hardware and software.It runs on the RP2040 processor.
The module keeps its compact size of just 4HP and has a depth of 25mm; also skiff-friendly. The original concept that made the module so popular remains, but now comes with major new features and improvements.
Radio Music Mk2 is not a radio for your rack. Don’t look for an antenna; there isn’t one. It’s a Eurorack sample player that behaves like a radio and sits somewhere between a CV-controllable radio, a tape loop machine, and a vintage sampler.
On the hardware side, it now has a significantly lower noise floor, measuring better than -86dB. Playback is now hi-fi, and speed changes are smooth and tape-like with the tape and chromatic modes. There’s also an alternative 90’s sampler mode to make it more lo-fi.
Sample Playback Like On A Radio
The sound comes from your microSD card (max 2TB). You are the radio host, and your sample selection is the stream you will hear. The module supports various audio formats: WAV, AIFF, and RAW files up to 24-bit / 96kHz. Playback latency is extremely low (<2ms), says Tom Whitwell.
The samples are organized into up to 16 stations, and the dedicated knob lets you move between them. In default mode, unselected files keep advancing in the background, giving you the radio behavior.
Thanks to the new hardware, it supports fluid forward and reverse playback from +2 oct to -2 oct. With the START knob, you can set where the sample begins when it resets.
Music Thing Modular Radio Music Mk2 features a new V/oct chromatic pitch mode and new operation modes and sub-modes: speed, loop, tuner, and pulse.
For example, tuner mode has three selectable characteristics: sharp, soft, and radio, while loop has a forward and a ping-pong option.
Remote Control
The Mk2 version adds many new modes and functions, which can make it not ideal to operate hands-on. However, there is a smart solution. Music Thing Modular has created the optional Radio Remote, which gives you tactile, playable access to many of these settings.
Radio Remote is an alternative firmware for the 8mu USB MIDI controller with an alternative front panel. The remote connects to the Radio Music via the module’s USB-C socket.
Hackable Radio
Like the Mk1 version, the Mk2 hardware is hackable, giving developers the freedom to build alternative firmware. This can transform the entire module or add features like different sample playback engines.
This way, you get not only the virtual radio but also a platform to build something new.
Music Thing Modular Radio Music Mk2 First Impression
The Radio Music Mk1 is a super fun module that unfortunately didn’t make it into my rack—perhaps because it was primarily available only as a DIY project. The new Mk2 looks just as fun as the Mk1, but with more options.
As someone who prefers to avoid menu-diving in Eurorack, I find the extra remote hardware an elegant solution. It would be awesome if the USB-C port could also be used for other MIDI controllers, but unfortunately, that’s not possible.
Music Thing Modular Radio Music Mk2 is available now for pre-order in two versions from Thonk, and it will ship in October 2026. You can get an assembled version for £149 (ex VAT) (black) or £156 (ex VAT), or a DIY version for £115/£125.
The optional remote control is also available for pre-order for $130 assembled or £105 DIY.
More information here: Music Thing Modular
this looks like a really cool project if you can find a use case for it. I love the little remote.