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Zynthian is a compact, self-contained, music-making computer that can be used as a keyboard expander, audio effects unit, MIDI processor / router and groovebox / micro-DAW.
Zynthian is an open hardware device based on Raspberry Pi and running zynthianOS, a customized linux distribution, specifically configured and adapted for audio synthesis & processing. ZynthianOS runs the physical UI (touch display + rotary encoders + buttons), allowing you to create multiple sound chains (synthesis + audio processing chains) using a large collection of synth engines and processing plugins, most of them Free Software along with some commercial ones.
Zynthian provides a very flexible foundation to create and explore music the way you want to. Some use cases:
- For keyboardists, plug in your favorite midi controller/keyboard, create some synth chains and jam out. You can choose over 60 synth engines available, add effects (>1000 available), splits, layers, transpose, etc.
- For guitar players and vocalists, plug in your guitar or mic and use it as a multi-FX unit. Over 1000 plugins available. SooperLooper enables live looping and overdubbing
- For music producers, use it as a groove box for producing your own music. Create a set of synth chains and all the patterns you need with the step sequencer You can live-record your patterns using a midi keyboard or enter the notes step by step. There are swing, humanization and play chance options to make your patterns more dynamic and fresh.
- For music producers, plug in your hardware midi sequencer(s) to control your synth chains, assign parameters to your device and tweak to your heart's content.
- For sound explorers, create your own patches layering one or more synth engines and save them for later using snapshots
- For performers, record the multitrack audio and midi of your performances with immediate access to files via the web interface
- For performers and students, compose your totally un-cheesy backing tracks using the built-in step sequencer and arranger functions to support your live performance. Launch the sequences with your favorite midi controller.
- Your favorite use-case ;-)
Building a zynthian box is not difficult and relatively inexpensive, varying from 100 to 500 €, depending on the chosen components. You can:
- Buy the official V5 kit or just some parts in the Zynthian Shop
- 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.
- Try zynthian’s software with only a Raspberry Pi, a HDMI display and a USB mouse. Once setup, connect & control remotely with a touchscreen device.
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
- Building a Zynthian Box
- Getting the Software
- User's Guide
- Updating the Software
- Remote Access & Control
- FAQ
2 Explore Zynthian
3 Zynthian Project
NOTE: Registering new users has been disabled for security/spam reasons. If you want to contribute to this Wiki, please ask in the forum.
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5 May 2025
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24 March 2025
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