Building a sequencer (MIDI + CV + Gate)

[GlennVS]

I want to build a sequencer that can send MIDI data and generate CV (8 or more) and Gate (8 or more) voltages. I'll be using my lemur to operate this sequencer via OSC-messages.

With an arduino I've experimented already with timer interrupts and basic MIDI communication. But I came to the conclusion I need more processing power and memory for all the functionality I want to include (MIDI serial comm. , Ethernet UDP / OSC comm. , generate CV/Gate, running considerable amount of code every interrupt, etc..).

So first of all I want ask what microcontrollers would be powerful enough. Should I look towards ARM processors (like in a cirklon)?
Are raspberries useful for this? What programming language is mostly used for this?

Secondly, What do I use to generate CV voltages? Should I go for DAC's or PWM-signals +Low pass filter ?

Are there any schematics of other sequencers that I can view?
Any general knowledge about this topic is welcome.

[BWBKc6VyUr]

pef|former should give you a good idea on the output stages at least

[revtor]

Jump into the midibox world, this has been done a million times already..
At least would give an idea about the hardware to use.

[Sandrine]

ESP32 and some peripherals should do it
I've done very similar with the ESP1 and it's OK but the 32 is bigger and faster plus there's Arduino libraries for it & OSC
It's lacking in I/O but SPI or i2c is OK for the CV outs, just watch out for RF on the ADC if used

[oozitron]

As revtor said above, MIDIBOX is the ticket. The work has been done and it is awesome.

Essentially 16 sequencers (each a step sequencer or a drum sequencer) with up to 8 MIDI outs, 8 CV/Gate pairs and 64 trigger outs.
Very hands-on and interactive. Everything can be done while it's running.

And if you have ideas for improvement, Thorsten will consider them. He is constantly adding new features to the firmware.

Greatest sequencer ever. My dream machine :-)

Andrew

[revtor]

And actually all the software is completely open source so feel free to take what you want/leave what you don’t etc etc ..