The zicXY is a compact open source groovebox built around the zicBox project, designed as a DIY desktop instrument for sequencing and hands-on sound design. It combines 8 multi-engine tracks with a small color display, four encoders, and a 13-key performance layout for an immediate, hardware-first workflow.
Each track can load a drum, synth, or sample engine, with independent envelope, mixer, and FX routing per track. The documented engine palette includes kick, clap, percussion, metallic, sample-based ER drums, FM, wavetable, additive, SuperSaw, bass, string, mono playback, granular, AM, and stretch engines, giving the device a wide range from punchy drums to evolving textures.
The hardware is currently presented as a prototype and requires assembly, including a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, a 2-inch 320×240 SPI display with an ST7789 controller, a PCM5102A DAC, encoders, switches, and microSD-based OS installation. It supports USB MIDI and is clearly aimed at builders who want an experimental, open-ended electronic instrument rather than a finished commercial product.
