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Zynthian is an Open Synth Platform: An Open Hardware device (currently based on Raspberry Pi) running ZynthianOS, a customized Linux distribution (currently Raspbian-based), specifically configured and adapted for audio synthesis & processing. ZynthianOS runs the physical UI (display + rotary encoders + switches), that allows you to create up to 16 sound layers (synthesis+processing audio chains) using a large collection of synthesis engines and audio-processing plugins, most of them Free Software along with some commercial ones. A freshly added step sequencer with arranger function is also available.

Zynthian provides a foundation to explore music the way you want to. Some use cases:
Using MOD UI plugins Zynthian becomes an in-depth multi-fx unit for guitar players, SooperLooper enables live looping and overdubbing

For those who prefer keys, plug in your favourite midi controller keyboard and explore any of the circa 60 synth engines available

Plug in your hardware midi sequencer(s) to control up to 16 chains of audio with FX, assign parameters to your device and tweak to your heart's content

For sound explorers: create your own patches with one or more instruments (chains) and save them for later using snapshots

Record the audio and midi of your performances with immediate access to files via the web interface

Compose your totally un-cheesy backing tracks using the built-in sequencer and arranger functions to support your live performance and launch with midi controller

Building a ZynthianBox is not difficult and relatively inexpensive, varying from 100 to 500 €, depending on the chosen components. You can:

Buy your hardware kit (current V5 model pictured), or just some parts, in the Zynthian Shop, or
Build everything from scratch using the publicly available documentation. You’ll be able to go from a totally headless system to an integrated instrument with your midi keyboard.
You can also try Zynthian’s software with only a Raspberry Pi, a HDMI display and a USB mouse.

Zynthian is a working project in active development and supported by volunteers. While best efforts are made, this wiki may not match the current state of the software. To catch up on the latest, check in at the active and friendly Forum

1 Getting Started with Zynthian

2 Explore Zynthian

3 Zynthian Project

Media References

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4 Recent Changes

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1 Getting Started with Zynthian

2 Explore Zynthian

3 Zynthian Project

4 Recent Changes

28 June 2025

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5 June 2025