A tiny PCB groovebox that fits in your hand yet still feels like a real instrument, zicPixel turns a few carefully chosen components into a surprisingly deep digital workstation.
Built on the open source ZicBox engine and optimized for Raspberry Pi, zicPixel gives you 8 multi‑engine tracks that can run drums, synths, or sample players, with sequencing baked directly into the interface. Its RGB grid pad streamlines pattern programming and performance, while 12 dedicated encoders keep sound-shaping immediate and hands-on. A large display provides clear visual feedback for tracks, engines, and parameters, making it easy to navigate complex projects on a compact device.
As a DIY-friendly project, zicPixel is designed to be simple and affordable to build, with only a small set of parts to solder and 3D-printable enclosures available for a clean, finished look. A pre-built OS image lets you flash a card, plug in via USB, and start making beats, textures, and full grooves without touching a line of code. For tinkerers, the modular ZicBox framework underneath invites you to customize layouts, engines, and behavior, turning zicPixel into a uniquely personal groovebox that can evolve along with your setup.