AMEN_MINI

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Technical case file · Hardware design / Firmware · 2026 · TECH

Compact standalone sampler derived from AKOR_01 — Teensy 4.1, SGTL5000 audio codec, microSD sample playback, 21 MX switches and 7 encoders.

Facts

Year: 2026
Platform: Standalone hardware
Version control: Git
Timeline: 2026 — ongoing
Language: C++
Host app: KiCad
Status: WIP

Case file

Outcome: A standalone instrument in active development: the goal is a compact, playable sampler designed end to end — PCB, C++ firmware, and physical interface.
Context: Teensy 4.1, SGTL5000 codec, microSD, MX switches, EC11 encoders

Project Overview

AMEN_MINI is a compact standalone sampler derived from AKOR_01. The goal: a self-contained, playable instrument designed end to end — PCB, embedded C++ firmware, and physical interface. The core is a Teensy 4.1, with an SGTL5000 audio codec, sample playback from a microSD card, 21 MX switches, and 7 EC11 encoders.

Hardware

Teensy 4.1: microcontroller running the audio and the interface
SGTL5000 codec: audio conversion and output
microSD card: sample bank read directly from the card
21 MX switches: sample triggering and selection
7 EC11 encoders: parameter navigation and editing

Firmware

The firmware is written in C++ with the Teensy Audio library: sample streaming from the microSD, scanning of the switch matrix and encoders, and routing to the SGTL5000 codec.

What this project proves

This project covers the full chain of an instrument: PCB design in KiCad, embedded C++ audio, and standalone instrument design. It is still in active development, and it is exactly the kind of technical work I care about: concrete, playable tools where I control every stage.