Making Sound Machines Plinky 12 Toadstep Desktop Step Sequencer

Plinky 12 Toadstep is a 4-track step sequencer built for super funky riffs, experimental self-generative melodies, and good ol’ Acid. Created by Toadstool Tech, Toadstep is fun, immediate and easy to jam with. It offers fast, direct sequencing optimized for live performance and improvisation, or if you want to use Plinky 12 like a groovebox.

Plinky 12’s hardware is designed around swappable panels. Instead of one fixed control surface, it can become different instruments built for different kinds of musical thinking.

Features

• 4 tracks, two of which can be CV, and all of which can be MIDI or use the internal engine
• Sophisticated step repeating and ratcheting for extending sequences past 16 steps
• Big faders and a touch interface that is easy to use
• Per-step slides, probability, velocity, gate length, and lots of randomisation
• 8 patterns per track with full pattern chaining
• Support for saving sound and song presets to an SD card
• Extensive web editor for sounds
• Plinky 12 synth engine, polytimbral with different sounds for all 4 tracks
• XY modulation for morphing between synth sounds
• FX section with Tape delay and Reverb with Shimmer
• Process and mix sounds through the effects from the external audio in

Technical Specifications

• Power: USB-C, 5V 500mA
• 12 x 3.5mm Jack Connectivity:
  • CV Clock In, CV Reset In, CV Clock Out (selectable PPQN)
  • 2x CV In (-5V to 5V)
  • 2x CV Out (0-5V)
  • 1x TRS MIDI In (type A/B compatible; also USB)
  • 2x 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: 16×16 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