https://github.com/oyama/pico-midi-looper-ghost
A one-button USB-MIDI drum machine that replies to your rhythms with ghost notes.
https://github.com/oyama/pico-midi-looper-ghost
drum-machine generative-music midi raspberry-pi
Last synced: 4 months ago
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A one-button USB-MIDI drum machine that replies to your rhythms with ghost notes.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/oyama/pico-midi-looper-ghost
- Owner: oyama
- License: bsd-3-clause
- Created: 2025-05-08T05:50:52.000Z (5 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2025-06-01T10:01:52.000Z (4 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-06-01T18:15:31.467Z (4 months ago)
- Topics: drum-machine, generative-music, midi, raspberry-pi
- Language: C
- Homepage:
- Size: 669 KB
- Stars: 5
- Watchers: 3
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE.md
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README
# Pico MIDI Looper "Ghost" Edition
> *Simple beats in. Ghost notes out.*
> "Ghost" explores how complexity and musicality can emerge from the simplest possible interface.
> This is not just a MIDI sequencer. It’ s a haunted drum machine.
> Born from a single button, running on a $4 microcontroller, it plays rhythms shaped by invisible hands.
## Concept and Function
**Pico MIDI Looper "Ghost" Edition** is a USB-MIDI drum machine that transforms simple rhythmic input into rich, expressive patterns — all on a stock Raspberry Pi Pico.
You tap out a rhythm using a single button. The device records the sequence of button presses over a two-bar span, and then replays it with ghost notes — subtle, generative variations that breathe life into the beat.
There is no screen, no knobs, and no extra software. Plug in via USB and start playing—even sync multiple units via MIDI clock for ensemble performances.
From there, you can use it with GarageBand, Ableton Live, or any DAW or soft synth that supports MIDI input.
Everything runs directly on the Pico itself — no additional components, soldering, or host software are required.
A ghost lives within the device.
## Key Features
- **Two-bar, four-track MIDI drum machine** built from the simplest possible components
A one-button interface records your rhythm. Ghost notes expand it.
It’ s an exploration of how complex rhythm can arise from minimal control.
- **Generative ghost notes**: subtle variations that bring simple taps to life
- **Minimalist control**: record and shape your beat with a single button
- **USB-MIDI & sync**: instant DAW compatibility and seamless MIDI-clock ensemble mode
- **Loop memory**: your pattern persists across power cycles (long-hold to clear)
- **Runs on an unmodified Pico**: no soldering, batteries, or external parts
## Demo
Watch it in action:
[YouTube – "Ghost" Demo1](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-Et41TXjqLs)
[Demo2](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ndGxzRGGCx0)
[Multi-Pico Session (MIDI-Clock Synced)](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ILG_zTqI8x4)
## Getting Started
1. Download the prebuilt `.uf2` firmware from the [Releases](https://github.com/oyama/pico-midi-looper-ghost/releases) page.
2. Hold the **BOOTSEL** button while connecting your Raspberry Pi Pico to your computer via USB.
3. Drag and drop the `.uf2` file onto the USB mass storage device that appears.
4. The device will reboot and show up as a USB-MIDI class-compliant device.
5. Open your favorite DAW or mobile music app (GarageBand, Logic Pro, MainStage, etc.). When you hear a click, it's ready. Press the button to begin your dialogue with the ghost.
6. *Optional:* For a browser-based, real-time pattern viewer, open ["Ghost" Web Serial UI](https://oyama.github.io/pico-midi-looper-ghost/serial-ui.html) in Chrome or Edge, connect your Pico via USB,
and click **CONNECT…**.
### Recommended Sound Environments
To fully experience the expressive nuance of ghost notes, we recommend using one of the following Apple-based audio environments:
- GarageBand (macOS / iOS)
- Logic Pro
- MainStage
These environments provide high-quality drum instruments that faithfully respond to the velocity variation and subtle timing generated by Ghost.
If you are using Windows or do not have access to the above, we recommend the free plugin [MT Power Drum Kit 2](https://www.powerdrumkit.com/) by Manda Audio. It offers solid velocity responsiveness and works well with Ghost's generative playback, though some subtlety may still vary depending on the host.
> Note: Some bundled DAWs may not properly respond to low-velocity notes, especially on kick drums. This can diminish the expressive detail Ghost is designed to create.
## Technology Background
This project is a fork of [**pico-midi-looper**](https://github.com/oyama/pico-midi-looper), a minimal BLE/USB MIDI drum machine designed for educational and artistic use on Raspberry Pi Pico boards.
"Ghost" extends the original looper with generative ghost note logic and a more autonomous feel, while preserving the same ultra-minimal hardware and interface.
All functionality is implemented in C using the [Pico SDK](https://github.com/raspberrypi/pico-sdk). The firmware is compact and hackable, intended for both musical performance and embedded experimentation.
## License
This project is released under the [BSD 3-Clause License](LICENSE).
Feel free to remix, adapt, and haunt your own hardware.