check out this NORNS too https://llllllll.co/uploads/default/original/2X/a/a4e0e0c80fc694d2b2c4d04d299db17c38c37de9.JPG
audio.
1/4". 2 output. 2 input with analog gain stage. all line level. (1)
1/4" headphone with gain.
interface.
128 x 64 OLED, 16-level bright white huge pixels.
3 rotary encoders, standard resolution.
3 keys.
rear status LED indicating power and disk access.
interconnect.
4 x USB ports for devices.
serial tty via USB-mini.
power.
power/charge via USB-mini (high output USB power supply included).
internal lipo battery 2250mAh.
processsing.
compute module 3 SoC. quad core 1.2ghz, 1gb RAM, 4gb eMMC (faster and more reliable than an sd card).
cs4270 i2s audio codec (low latency).
os.
linux with realtime kernel. (2)
…
yes, it’s minimalist. (3)
reducing the built-in features provides less expectation of how this machine should be used. it lets it be tiny, efficient, and less expensive.
USB brings everything together:
grid and arc, certainly.
MIDI (4), for application-specific controller layouts, CC, or just keyboard input. USB-to-MIDIplug for talking to instruments with actual MIDI ports.
footswitch bank.
HID everything: gamepads, keyboards, etc.
CV devices (more on this later).
wifi (nub is included). OSC-ready (4), so touchOSC and inter-computer conversation is easy.
anything you can make with a teensy or similar devboard with USB device mode.
there are several little DIY circuits i plan to build for my own performance setup (ie USB foot switch, battery-powered preamp) which i’ll add to the growing collection of open-source electronics shared by the lines community. making custom controllers creates a physical connection to custom software.
…
but the norns also stands on its own. as a processor/effect, as a drone machine, as a robot drummer for your jam band (or metal band).