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Voice & audio / Unofficial firmware

Modded Cycles: multitrack recording and new instruments

Adds six-track USB audio, a sampler and additional synthesis options to an existing groovebox.

Read the original build See shopping list
Elektron Model:Cycles — product photo
Terrence O’Brien / The Verge

What the hardware does

New firmware adds multitrack USB audio and sound engines to a physical groovebox.

How the agent helped

Creator tells The Verge he used Claude Code to implement the first six-track USB-audio hack; project website confirms features.

Before you build

Unofficial firmware can brick the device or conflict with future updates. Later features have multiple contributors.

Follow the build

theverge.com

Original build story

Reported creator interview + project showcase

18nelli18.github.io

Supporting source

Hardware

All hardware

Shopping list

Save as Markdown

Back up first and retain the official recovery procedure. The current guide combines several contributors’ modifications; a Model:Cycles purchase does not include third-party firmware rights.

Quantities are for one build. Unless marked source-specified, they are planning quantities; confirm kit contents and the chosen configuration before ordering.

  1. Qty. 1Plan / confirm
    Required

    Elektron Model:Cycles

    Six-track groovebox.

    Model:Samples is not the specified target.

    Sources & quantity basis

    Creator source. Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration.

    View product

    Exact product

  2. Qty. 1Plan / confirm
    Required

    USB (Model:Cycles-compatible) data cable

    Connect to the computer for programming or data.

    Use the port/cable specified in the Model:Cycles manual; browser flashing uses USB.

    Sources & quantity basis

    Setup requirement — check against your configuration. Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration.

    Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.

  3. Qty. 1Plan / confirm
    Tool

    Computer with a supported flashing browser

    Build, configure or flash the software.

    Sources & quantity basis

    Setup requirement — check against your configuration. Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration.

    Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.

  4. Qty. 1Plan / confirm
    Required

    Device power supply

    Power the device.

    Use the original matched supply; keep power stable while updating.

    Sources & quantity basis

    Setup requirement — check against your configuration. Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration.

    Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.

  5. Qty. 1Plan / confirm
    Required

    Headphones or powered audio system

    Hear the output.

    Choose the correct plugs or adapters for the device outputs; USB audio is another route.

    Sources & quantity basis

    Setup requirement — check against your configuration. Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration.

    Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.

Source reviewed, not assembled or hands-on tested. A working product page does not confirm stock, firmware compatibility or a complete build.

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