Raspberry Pi: Transform the popular single-board computer into a synthesizer

The Raspberry Pi has many uses, but we have seen few projects that utilize the single-board computer (SBC) as a musical instrument. However, u/geo_mcclell has created a Raspberry Pi-based synthesizer. Called the nanoPi, the project combines a Raspberry Pi Zero W with a KORG nanoKEY2. The nanoPi runs off a 10,000 mAh power pack, with u/geo_mcclell opting for the Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 on account of its size.

u/geo_mcclell also 3D printed a case to hold all the components, which includes a USB hub and a USB audio interface. No soldering is required, either. The nanoPi can be used on its own or as a regular MIDI keyboard. Additionally, it can charge other devices from its power pack.

u/geo_mcclell has provided a build guide for putting the nanoPi together and a separate guide on configuring the device to run FluidSynth. You can view both below. He has also offered additional explanations in the comments of the Reddit threads that we have linked below too.

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