pi-Stomp! A Hi-Def Multi-FX Platform for Guitar

pi-Stomp has always intended to be a platform. One of its main advantages over commercial units, is that it runs Linux, and thus can run additional software.

Last week I made a firmware change to allow the hardware to work independently of the recommended MOD software.  So now, you can use pi-Stomp hardware with other audio hosts!

You can even MIDI-map the pi-Stomp controls and footswitches to control effect parameters in the host.

I’ve tested two such hosts so far. They both work great.

Rakarrack – an awesome (Free) guitar oriented virtual pedalboard (shown here running on pi-Stomp with the display shown via realVnc)

Carla – a Free, full featured modular audio host. It supports multiple plugin formats including LADSPA, DSSI, LV2, VST2, VST3 and AU, plus SF2 and SFZ sound font files!

For more details and installation instructions, check out the Wiki Page

October 24, 2020

New batch of boards available.  v1.0.2 with improvements based on feedback from the first 4 builders.

September 11, 2020 - Went public

treefallsound.com went live.  "Advertised" on two forums: DIYStompboxes.com & community.blokas.io

September 2, 2020 - Enclosures!

Feb thru August, 2020 - Covid Months
Did some redesign of the relay bypass.  Otherwise kindof stuck without a source for enclosure manufacturing.  Focused on software improvements.  Got friends to build units and give feedback.

February 22, 2020 - pi-Stomp Build #2 with enclosure

• Swapped location of Left and Right jacks (more intuitive)
• Improved signal routing to minimize noise
  

August 25, 2109 - First PCB Version

These functions working:

• Audio processed thru both Left and Right channels
• Headphone output works
• Bypass reed relays controllable via footswitch
• LCD shows current Pedalboard / Preset / Tweak param / Tweak value / footswitch mappings and enable state
• Each footswitch sends MIDI CC and toggles LED ring
• Tweak Knob sends MIDI CC and changes corresponding parameter when mapped. Display graph shows value.
• DIN and USB MIDI input produces MIDI CC and changes param
• Expression pedal input produces MIDI CC and changes param
• Top Encoder changes Pedalboard. Future software change necessary to change Preset.

May 8, 2019 - Mod a'la pi

4 knob, 2 footswitch.  Stripboard.  16 position encoder selects MOD pedalboard/preset. 

Arduino for sending MIDI CC to pi via USB with input from two assignable tweak knobs, expression pedal and DIN MIDI jack.

(shown without pi installed into 2x20 header)

April 5, 2019 - Proof of concept

Raspberry pi running Mod software Audio card hat LCD hat (displaying Pedalboard name and list of mapped parameters)

Preamp for guitar input Arduino controller sending MIDI CC via USB with input from a tweak knob, DIN MIDI, and an encoder for program (pedalboard) change