Despite the limitations of the Raspberry Pi's audio system, enthusiasts have not hesitated to expand its power through different mods and auxiliary modules. In fact, with the exact combination of hardware and software, it is now possible to turn the Raspberry Pi into a very robust synthesis solution. That is exactly what the Zynthian project offers, with the possibility of acquiring a synthesizer module in kit form, or building a clone ourselves.
A quick Google search for Raspberry Pi sound reveals that audio problems on the mini computer are quite common. Some users have trouble playing sound via HDMI, others directly complain about the final quality of the output. At $35, it's hard to expect the Raspberry Pi foundation to prioritize audio in its designs, but that's where modules or HATs come in, some of which we saw last week. Perhaps our readers even remember PiSound, a sound card with MIDI support. However, what we have here today targets both beginners and professionals alike: Zynthian.
A Synthesis Platform
Basically, Zynthian turns a compatible Raspberry Pi (models 2 and 3) into a synthesis platform. Users can combine a wide range of sound engines and presets, sending the result to different channels, or mixing everything on a single channel. Adjustments are made via the four encoders or using its touchscreen. Another interesting aspect is direct recording of audio to USB memory, avoiding the microSD card's challenges. Its open design gives us flexibility by incorporating support for various audio devices like HifiBerry or AudioInjector, and the same extends to displays.
Pricing and DIY Options
On the official Zynthian page, you'll find multiple options depending on your budget and the level of DIY you're willing to undertake. For example, the bare PCB costs just 10 euros, but the fully pre-assembled edition (you only need to connect a few cables and add a memory card for the software environment) jumps to 350 euros. As an alternative, all the relevant data for its construction is stored on GitHub and in a dedicated wiki.
