FM1 Buddy

Open sourceDesktopController

Manage FM-1 firmware and MIDI from a compact touchscreen without keeping a computer in your setup. Built around a Freenove ESP32-S3 touch display, this solder-free DIY project installs firmware from a microSD card or downloads it over Wi-Fi, backs up flash memory, and provides recovery tools. The GPL-3.0 source is available to build and modify.

USB host and Bluetooth MIDI support connect the FM-1 with keyboards, controllers, phones, and computers. Routing rules provide channel mapping, keyboard splits, transposition, and velocity adjustment, alongside MIDI clock, an arpeggiator, and chord memory. A two-finger X/Y surface and 16 touch pads turn the display into a performance controller. Compatible FM-1 firmware also enables USB audio recording to the microSD card.

The project requires a compatible Freenove touch board, a microSD card, external power, and a USB OTG adapter that supports power and data together; a powered hub connects multiple devices. Optional printable cases and battery support are available. Bluetooth pauses during Wi-Fi downloads. Firmware is offered for 2.8-, 3.5-, and 4-inch boards, but the developer identifies the 3.5-inch version as untested on hardware.

Released

Unknown

Status

In Production

Related gear

Product links

Official site

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Videos

Very deep-dive on the buddy devices (usage)

fm1buddy - basic tour

Source code

FM1 Buddy Source Code
developmentgithub
Build and adapt the touchscreen firmware behind FM1 Buddy. The GPL-3.0 project turns a compatible Freenove ESP32-S3 touch display into a standalone companion for managing M-VAVE FM-1 firmware, backups, recovery, and MIDI connections. The interface brings firmware downloads and installation, USB host and Bluetooth MIDI routing, clock, arpeggiation, chord memory, and touchscreen performance controls into one device. Source files include the firmware, browser installation tools, and printable case designs. Setup requires the supported display board, a microSD card, power, and suitable USB adapters; no soldering is needed for the standard build.

Controller

Format

Desktop

Battery Powered

DIY Option

Yes

Open source

Yes

Workflow

Arpeggiator

Yes

Sequencer

Mod Matrix

Memory

I/O

MIDI

In, Out, Thru

MIDI Type

USB, Bluetooth

Ports

USB-C, MicroSD Card

Wi-Fi

Yes

Last updated Nov 10, 2026

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konsumer

konsumer.js.org

konsumer develops open-source music tools, including FM1 Buddy, a DIY touchscreen companion for managing M-VAVE FM-1 firmware, backups, and MIDI connections.

FM1 Buddy

Related gear

Product links

Build Difficulty

Videos

Source code

FM1 Buddy Source Code

Specs

Reviews

Videos

Source code

FM1 Buddy Source Code