Groovesizer AcidBoxMynah: Mynah Gets Acid Groovebox Firmware

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The Mynah sampler, a compact and affordable polyphonic device powered by the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, has received a significant update in functionality with the release of the Groovesizer AcidBoxMynah. This alternative firmware transforms the Mynah into a dedicated acid groovebox, building upon the open-source AcidBox project. Developed by Groovesizer, this firmware aims to provide Mynah users with a powerful, hands-on tool for creating classic acid-infused electronic music.

Transforming the Mynah Sampler

AcidBoxMynah leverages the existing Mynah hardware to offer a comprehensive acid music production environment. Essentially, it integrates the acclaimed AcidBox engine, known for its authentic TB-303 emulation, directly into the Mynah’s physical interface. Consequently, users can expect an immediate and tactile experience without needing external controllers or a computer for performance. The firmware is open source and available under the MIT license, further emphasizing its accessibility and community-driven nature. Moreover, switching between the standard Mynah firmware and AcidBoxMynah is straightforward and safe, as the AcidBox files reside in their dedicated folder on the SD card, preventing conflicts with existing Mynah data.

Core Sonic Engine and Features

At its heart, AcidBoxMynah delivers a potent combination of synth and drum capabilities. It features two distinct TB-303-like synth parts, each equipped with essential parameters such as filter cutoff, resonance, envelope modulation, accent, wavefolder, and overdrive. Furthermore, individual tuning options are available for each 303 voice, allowing for intricate harmonic variations. For rhythm, the firmware includes TR-808-like drum synths, enhanced with per-instrument tunings, hi-pass/lo-pass filters, and a bitcrusher. Additionally, a global send effect section provides reverb, delay, and master compression, enabling producers to add depth and polish to their tracks. This comprehensive sound design toolkit ensures a wide range of sonic possibilities for acid and techno enthusiasts.

Enhanced Hardware Control and Workflow

A key advantage of AcidBoxMynah is its seamless integration with the Mynah’s physical controls. The firmware fully utilizes the Mynah’s 24 tactile switches (16 step buttons + 8 function keys), single potentiometer, OLED display, and 8×2 NeoPixel grid for sequencing and visualization. This direct hardware control eliminates the need for a separate computer interface, streamlining the creative process. In addition, the system offers robust sequencing and automation capabilities, including a 16-step sequencer with per-step note, accent, and slide editing. There are also 16 lanes for synth automation and 8 lanes for drum automation. Users can benefit from scale quantization, swing, and BPM control, along with dual operating modes: autonomous Jukebox Mode and manual Sequencer Mode. The firmware also introduces several UI improvements, such as runtime drum kit browsing, per-voice mute toggling, quick volume shortcuts, and pot-lock protection to prevent accidental parameter changes. All these features collectively contribute to a fluid and intuitive workflow for live performance and studio production alike.

Features

  • Dual TB-303-like synth parts with cutoff, resonance, ENV mod, accent, wavefolder, overdrive
  • TR-808-like drum synths with hi-pass/lo-pass filter and bitcrusher
  • Per-instrument tunings for synths and drums
  • Send effects: reverb, delay, and master compression
  • 16-step sequencer with per-step note, accent, and slide editing
  • 16-lane synth automation and 8-lane drum automation
  • Scale quantization, swing, and BPM control
  • Dual modes: autonomous Jukebox Mode and manual Sequencer Mode
  • Physical UI control via Mynah hardware (24 tactile switches, potentiometer, OLED, NeoPixel grid)
  • Runtime drum kit browsing and SD card organization
  • Per-voice mute toggling and quick volume shortcuts
  • Pot-lock protection
  • Open source under MIT license

👍 Pros

  • ✓ Transforms Mynah into a powerful acid groovebox with authentic TB-303 and TR-808 emulations.
  • ✓ Provides extensive hands-on control via Mynah hardware UI for intuitive sequencing and parameter adjustment.
  • ✓ Offers advanced sound design features like wavefolder, overdrive, per-instrument tuning, and master effects.
  • ✓ Open-source and free, offering significant value to Mynah owners.

👎 Cons

  • ✗ Disables certain Mynah webapp functionalities (Stem Export, Bounce, Songs, Screen Mirror, SD Cleanup).
  • ✗ Requires existing Mynah hardware to function, not a standalone product.

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More info: Groovesizer | AcidBoxMynah