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Tiny-TS is a 100 × 65 mm open-source synthesizer built around an ATmega328. It has a one-octave capacitive touch keyboard, six parameter knobs, and audio, control-voltage (CV), and gate outputs. You can assemble it from individual components, but current official PCB or kit availability is not established.
What is the Tiny-TS synthesizer?
Jan Ostman describes Tiny-TS as a “credit card sized (100x65mm) fully open-sourced synthesizer with a 1-octave capacitive touch keyboard.” Its small board combines touch-note input, sound generation, six controls, and three output connections. The project page describes the outputs as audio, CV, and gate. Project page
The central controller is an ATmega328 microcontroller. The published firmware is written for AVR hardware and includes timer, PWM, ADC, interrupt, and MIDI-frequency code. Its header identifies Jan Ostman as the author, includes a 2016 DSP Synthesizers Sweden copyright notice, and states that the software is distributed under the GNU General Public License. Firmware listing A manual mirror also describes the code as open source and points to the project code. Manual
What parts do you need?
The documented bill of materials is a small collection of discrete components. The project specifies the values and counts below; check the board documentation for the relevant component placement and orientation before soldering.
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| Part | Quantity | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Microcontroller | 1 | ATmega328 |
| Voltage regulator | 1 | Texas Instruments 78L05 linear regulator |
| Capacitors | 2 | 100 nF |
| Capacitors | 3 | 10 µF |
| Resistors | 3 | 1 kΩ |
| Mono audio jacks | 3 | 3.5 mm |
| Potentiometers | 6 | 100 kΩ linear, 9 mm |
| Battery connector | 1 | 9 V battery clip |
The six potentiometers are labeled P1–P6 and serve as synth-parameter controls. The three 3.5 mm jacks connect the audio, CV, and gate outputs. Project page and parts list
How do you build the Tiny-TS?
Follow the project’s assembly sequence so the low-profile components go in before the larger controls and jacks. Use the board’s markings and component documentation to confirm orientation, especially for polarized capacitors and the regulator.
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- Solder the three 1 kΩ resistors.
- Install the capacitors. Observe polarity on the black 10 µF capacitors.
- Solder the ATmega328, or install a socket for it.
- Install the 78L05 regulator.
- Install potentiometers P2, P4, and P6.
- Install potentiometers P1, P3, and P5, followed by the Thonkiconn 3.5 mm jacks.
- Install the 9 V battery clip.
For a basic check after assembly, the project recommends connecting a 9 V battery and headphones. Assembly instructions
Does Tiny-TS use an Arduino?
The documented design uses an ATmega328, the same microcontroller family found on some Arduino boards, but the project is presented as a discrete-component synthesizer rather than an Arduino-based build. Its listed parts do not include an Arduino development board. The available firmware is for AVR/ATmega328 hardware; the project documentation does not establish that a particular Arduino board is a drop-in substitute. Project page Firmware listing
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What ATmega328 should you order?
The bill of materials names an ATmega328, and the assembly instructions allow soldering the chip directly or using a socket. It does not specify a package variant, clock speed, bootloader, or preprogrammed-chip requirement. Confirm the exact footprint and programming requirements against the board and firmware documentation before ordering; do not assume that any ATmega328 board or module will fit the PCB.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you still buy a Tiny-TS PCB or kit?
The project page refers to ordering a Tiny-TS PCB and links a 3D-printable case. Those references do not confirm that a PCB, kit, or official shop is currently available, and the linked Kickstarter page is historical crowdfunding context rather than proof of present stock. Check the project page and its linked resources for current status before planning a build or assuming a price. Project page Kickstarter page
Quick Recap
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- Two full oscillator voices
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