Plinky 12 Toadstep (Panel)

Single panel only - requires a Plinky 12 to plug into and play.

Plinky 12 is a family of three expressive polyphonic synthesizers built around a new Plinky sound engine, a touch-first performance interface and a flexible swappable-panel hardware design. Each version – Blocks, Chords and Toadstep – turns the same ultra-thin core instrument into a different musical environment. Multi-timbral sequencing, harmonic exploration, acid-style step sequencing and generative melodies everything is possible with the Plinky 12.

At the center of Plinky 12 is a 16 × 16 RGB matrix of pressure-sensitive capacitive touch pads, allowing expressive control over notes, modulation and performance gestures. The built-in multi-timbral synth engine combines sample playback with wavetable synthesis and includes a full VCF, VCA, wavefolder, ADSR, XY control, motion-recording LFOs, five additional modulation LFOs, accelerometer control, CV input and a powerful 5 × 30 modulation matrix. The result is a deeply playable instrument with wide sound-design potential and unmistakable Plinky character.

Plinky 12 is housed in a sturdy steel enclosure only 12mm thick and includes 12 top-mounted 3.5mm TRS jacks for MIDI, Eurorack CV, clock, audio and hardware integration. USB-C provides power, USB audio, MIDI, serial and WebUSB connectivity, while an SD card slot stores presets, samples and songs. The platform also supports in-browser tools at plinky12.com, including a sample editor, bank creator, MIDI controller designer and coding environment for building custom synths, controllers and instruments in C++ without installing software.

Each Plinky 12 version works as a standalone instrument. Blocks expands the original Plinky concept into a multi-timbral groovebox with 10 tracks, clip launching, live editing, insert effects, chord sequencing and piano-roll control. Chords, created by Making Sound Machines, focuses on harmonic movement, expressive voicings and fast musical exploration. Toadstep, created by Toadstool Tech, transforms Plinky 12 into a four-track step sequencer for funky riffs, acid lines, experimental patterns and live improvisation.

Because the hardware is built around swappable panels, the same Plinky 12 main unit can become Blocks, Chords or Toadstep by changing the front panel — no firmware upload required. Additional panels are available separately, making Plinky 12 an evolving platform for new instruments, controllers and community-created musical tools.

Features

• Family of three expressive polyphonic synthesizers: Blocks, Chords and Toadstep.
• 16 × 16 RGB matrix with pressure-sensitive capacitive touch pads.
• Multi-timbral synth engine with sample playback and wavetable synthesis.
• VCF, VCA, wavefolder, ADSR, XY control and extensive modulation.
• 5 × 30 modulation matrix, motion-recording LFOs and accelerometer control.
• Swappable front panels for changing instrument workflows.
• 12 × 3.5mm TRS jacks for CV, clock, MIDI and audio connectivity.
• USB-C power, USB audio, MIDI, serial and WebUSB support.
• SD card storage for presets, samples and songs.
• In-browser tools for sample editing, bank creation, MIDI controller design and C++ development.
• Pre-assembled hardware in a 12mm-thin steel enclosure.
• Dimensions: 305 × 305mm, 12mm deep.

Plinky 12 Blocks

• Multi-timbral groovebox-style panel.
• 10 tracks for sequencing, performance and editing.
• Clip launching, live insert effects and chord sequencing.
• Piano-roll view on a pressure-sensitive touch surface.

Plinky 12 Chords

• Harmonic performance instrument created by Making Sound Machines.
• Designed for expressive chords, voicings and progressions.
• Fast access to melodic and harmonic movement.

Plinky 12 Toadstep

• Four-track step sequencer created by Toadstool Tech.
• Built for acid lines, funky riffs and generative melodies.
• Direct sequencing workflow for live performance and improvisation.

Technical specs

• Power: USB-C, 5V 500mA.
• CPU: RP2350 microcontroller.
• Storage: 2MB firmware, 14MB sample flash, SD card support.
• Memory: 512k RAM and 8MB PSRAM.
• Audio: stereo unbalanced audio input and output, USB class-compliant audio out.
• MIDI: TRS MIDI In, 2 × TRS MIDI Out and USB MIDI.
• CV: clock in, reset in, clock out, 2 × CV inputs, 2 × CV outputs.
• Additional features: stereo microphone, accelerometer and four tactile side buttons.