Plinky / Plinky 12

The Lounge Other Gear
83

+2 for own thread. Different software, not just a bigger playing surface.

85

Tech Specs

  • Power: USB-C, 5V 500mA
  • 12 × 3.5mm Jack Connectivity:
    • CV Clock In, CV Reset In, CV Clock Out (selectable PPQN)
    • 2 × CV In (-5V to 5V)
    • 2 × CV Out (0-5V)
    • 1 × TRS MIDI In (type A/B compatible; also USB)
    • 2 × TRS MIDI Out (type A/B selectable; also USB)
      • (Second TRS MIDI Out can be set as a pair of CV Trigger outs on one stereo jack)
    • Stereo unbalanced Audio In and Out
    • USB class compliant audio out, MIDI in/out, serial, and WebUSB
  • Storage:
    • 2MB firmware
    • 14MB persistent sample flash (114 seconds)
    • 512k RAM, 8MB PSRAM; 128k + 7.5MB free to use by panels
    • SD card for presets, samples, and songs
  • CPU: RP2350 microcontroller
  • Interface: 16x16 RGB pressure sensitive capacitive touch pads
  • Other Features: Stereo microphone, accelerometer, 4 tactile side buttons, swappable front panels
  • Dimensions: 12" x 12" (305mm x 305mm), 12mm deep
  • Construction: Steel case, fiberglass PCB front panel

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They say pressure sensitive capacitive touch pads.
Does that mean aftertouch ?

ALSO : 14MB persistent sample flash (114 seconds) plus Stereo unbalanced Audio In, so it can sample Are you thinkin’ … ?

AND :

  • CV Clock In, CV Reset In, CV Clock Out (selectable PPQN)
  • 2 × CV In (-5V to 5V)
  • 2 × CV Out (0-5V)
  • Second TRS MIDI Out can be set as a pair of CV Trigger outS

So with all this CV i made an observation elsewhere :

This will definitely get some attention at Superbooth 2026 ( thread ).

2 Likes
86

I am thinking there should be a clear caution/warning for the less initiated (since the device carry both line and CV signals) users not to plug the CV out into their speakers or something. We cannot be too sure what type of consumers (those used to synthesizers only) would be buying them.

87

Here’s another video. Plinky 12 Chords with model samples.

2 Likes
89

This looks killer !

€410 + VAT

4 Likes
90

Awesome price. The Plinky 12 Toadstep alone makes this a must-buy for me.

The value for my use case is phenomenal. I was planning a Metropolix skiff for my family that would have had only 2 voices and cost over $2,000.

Toadstep can do that for under $600 in a single fun unit and comes with the other firmware options. Fantastic

91

I also like ( pointed out in the video ), that you can buy another overlay, and use the same hardware for other purposes. We can expect to see other options going forth, and third parties may get involved too.

The customizability seems highly definable, plus having a synth onboard for this sort of control board, leaves some other options in the dust ( imo ).

3 Likes
92

Im sold

1 Like
93

100% best in show for me at SB so far

2 Likes
94

That’s a big endorsement! What did you like the most about it?

I’m dreaming about sequencing Schwung with it one day

1 Like
95

You will not be surprised I’m a sucker for open and hacksble platforms, but it’s a sleek form factor and I only checked out chords but the thought behind the ui, morphable patches, audio in potential (and a mic!), and using something that feels both alien and approachable add up to something I think I could get lost in and would make a nice partner. I just wish it had a battery and speaker

1 Like
97

These are really some extraordinary new instruments and they look like lots of fun to jam with! I’m very interested in Toadstep and Chords. The pressure sensitive touch surface makes it a great user interface and they are surprisingly deep in features.
It’s clear that they are great live performance instruments and really inexpensive.

Here’s a deep dive of Chords. The XY modulation and the multiband compressor is just added bonkers!

2 Likes
98

The Plinky 12 got the Sonic State Best in Show Award at Superbooth 2026. ( post )

6 Likes
99

Amazing endorsement. I’m already fanboying for this thing

1 Like
100

Chords for me 100%. I wish it was ready to launch, I want them to take my money.

2 Likes
101

More Toadstep

  • Toadfactor effect (pitch-tracking sample rate reduction)
  • Sequences an Instruo Seashell
  • coming Early Summer / ASAP

102

More info:

  • Toadstep breakbeat time-streched into synth sound [5:30]
  • coded in C++ [7:00]
  • has audio-in
  • drum machine is in the works [7:35]
  • new panels will be 50 - 100 euros
  • will automatically detect what panel is installed and load the correct firmware [8:50]

1 Like
103

Seems like a better execution of Expressive Chords on the Push

Edit: and way more. Still watching :exploding_head:

2 Likes
104


MusicRadar’s mini sound only performance.

2 Likes