Erica Synths Pikocore DIY

DIY Digital Lo-Fi Desktop Synthesizer

Note: This is a DIY kit from Erica Synths and does not include technical support, troubleshooting, or repair services. By purchasing and assembling this DIY kit, you acknowledge that its operation depends on your soldering skills, the tools you use, and your experience. Erica Synths assumes no liability for any issues, malfunctions, or damage resulting from improper assembly or use of the kit. A manual with photos and descriptions is provided for step-by-step assembly of the product.

• Raspberry Pi Pico-based lo-fi music mangler, developed by Zack Scholl
• Up to 8 minutes of 8-bit / 33 kHz mono samples
• Powered via USB-C
• Tempo sync with selectable BPM 60–300 and beat-synced effects (stutter, retrig, gate, tunneling)
• Real-time effects: resonant filter, timestretch, volume, wavefolding
• 128-step sequencer with recording/playback
• Save/load via EEPROM for instant recall
• Firmware and sample loading via USB-C, sync-compatible with Pocket Operators
• Open-source and highly hackable

Pikocore: a lo-fi music mangler on the Raspberry Pi Pico

Pikocore is a lo-fi “music mangler” based on the Raspberry Pi Pico, developed by Zack Scholl. It’s designed to mangle samples and patterns with an intuitive and creative approach: a small digital instrument capable of transforming audio material into gritty grooves, glitches, and rhythmic textures, with a performance-oriented workflow.

8-bit samples, tempo sync, and tempo-synced effects

It can hold up to 8 minutes of 8-bit monophonic samples at 33 kHz and operates in tempo sync with a selectable BPM ranging from 60 to 300. “Beat-synced” effects (such as stutter, retrig, gate, and tunneling) let you manipulate samples in time with the rhythmic grid, while real-time effects (resonant filter, time-stretching, volume control, and wavefolding) add further sound shaping capabilities.

Sequencer, Patch Recall, and Hacking Capabilities

The 128-step sequencer with recording/playback makes it easy to build and recall patterns. Presets are saved and loaded via EEPROM for instant recall. Additionally, you can load firmware and new samples directly via USB-C. The system is open-source and “hackable,” and supports synchronization with Pocket Operators.

Important Note (DIY and Support)

Erica Synths DIY kits are sold “as-is” and do not include technical support, troubleshooting, or repair services. When purchasing and assembling a DIY kit, functionality depends on your soldering skills, tools, and experience. Erica Synths assumes no liability for problems, malfunctions, or damage resulting from improper assembly or use.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Digital lo-fi desktop synthesizer / music mangler
• Platform: Raspberry Pi Pico
• Sample memory: up to 8 minutes, 8-bit 33 kHz, monophonic
• Power: USB-C
• Tempo: Selectable BPM 60–300, beat-synced effects
• Sequencer: 128 steps with recording/playback
• Storage: EEPROM (instant patch recall)
• Transfer: firmware and samples via USB-C
• Sync: Compatible with Pocket Operators
• License/approach: open-source, hackable