Portland electronic music producer Alexander Gaddis (RedtailWorks) shared these videos, documenting his concept designs for OPEN-1, an open, entry-level synthesizer that can run multiple firmware options.

Unlike the M-Vave FM-1, though, the OPEN-1 is designed intentionally to run multiple firmware options and would let you swap them on the fly.

In this concept video, the OPEN-1 runs a simulated HYP-1, in time with a real HYP-1 live take.

Open-1 Synthesizer Specs (preliminary):

480 MHz Cortex-M7 (STM32H750), open toolchain (the FM-1 runs at 240 MHz)
32 MB of working memory for long delays, loops and samples (the FM-1 has about 432 KB)
16 MB of firmware flash plus a microSD library: keep several firmwares installed, swap from the menu
24-bit stereo audio in AND out, so it can be an effects box too
MIDI in and out (3.5 mm TRS), USB-C device and USB-C host
37 RGB-lit silicone keys, 8 velocity pads, 8 endless encoders, a thumbstick and 2 spring levers
4″ 480×320 IPS screen, built-in speaker, headphone out, 3000 mAh battery
Wired only, no Bluetooth: lower latency, simpler to build
Target price: under $200

Open Synthesizer Design

The platform would include an open SDK and a browser emulator, so developers can build firmware before the hardware ships. Launch firmware would be ported from existing options for the FM-1 family: HYP-1, LOF-1, ECO-1 and GRAV-1.

Availability:

At this point, the OPEN-1 synthesizer is just a design concept. You can learn more about it at RedtailWorks’ Youtube page.