WUESTE M.L.P. 01Modular Live Performer — open source groovebox for collaborative live improvisation
MLP is a hardware groovebox built around an internal modular framework that allows performers to shape its structure according to their own artistic approach. Instead of following the conventional "one design fits all" philosophy, it operates as a flexible performance system: layout, signal flow, and behavior can be reconfigured by selecting ready-made modules or by designing custom modules in Pure Data. It includes ready-to-play patches that require no prior customization — immediately usable as a complete instrument without building a setup from scratch.
It runs on a Raspberry Pi 5 and follows a modular hardware philosophy focused on longevity and repairability. Components are interchangeable and designed to be serviced rather than discarded. If greater processing power is required, the computing unit can simply be replaced with a newer Raspberry Pi instead of replacing the entire instrument.
MLP draws inspiration, code, and patches from the Organelle by Critter & Guitari, Patchbox OS by Blokas Labs, Automatism, Zynthian, and countless community-created patches. Everything developed within MLP remains fully open source.
MLP Core — A large Pure Data patch designed like a modular synthesizer. Currently includes complex 64-step sequencers, drum modules, LFOs, mixers, and basic effects, with its own saving and modulation structure. Runs on any system that can run Pure Data (Vanilla).
MLP GUI — A custom Python GUI handles all essential functions — loading, duplicating, and deleting patches, shutting down, updating the system, and importing patches from USB — without requiring a desktop environment or terminal access.
MLP OS — A preconfigured version of Patchbox OS, optimized for low-latency audio performance and configured specifically to run MLP reliably as a dedicated instrument system.
MLP Hardware — The current reference build runs on a Raspberry Pi 5 with its official 5" touchscreen, a HiFiBerry 8X (8 audio outputs), and a modified Akai APC Key 25 (mini keys removed), all housed in a plywood case. We are testing alternative hardware options including the Zynthian main module and prototyping a modular hardware approach.
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