The Randomwaves Drumboy Pro, first announced in January 2026, launched its Kickstarter campaign today. The open-source groovebox builds on the portable Drumboy Mini platform with expanded hardware capabilities and updated software.
Hardware Upgrades
The Pro model steps up from its predecessor with a larger form factor designed for studio and live performance use. The unit features velocity-sensitive pads, additional encoder knobs for hands-on control, and an integrated LCD touchscreen for pattern editing and navigation.
Connectivity options include MIDI in/out/thru ports, USB-C for power and data transfer, and stereo audio outputs. The groovebox runs on an embedded Linux system, maintaining the project's commitment to open-source architecture that allows users to modify and extend functionality.
Open-Source Approach
Randomwaves continues the Drumboy line's open-hardware philosophy with the Pro version. Schematics, firmware source code, and PCB designs will be available under open licenses, enabling community modifications and third-party expansions. The company has supported user-contributed patches and custom synthesis engines on the Drumboy Mini since its 2024 release.
The Pro model ships with an updated sound engine supporting sample playback, subtractive synthesis, and FM synthesis modes. Users can load custom samples via SD card or design patches through the device's parameter menus. Pattern sequencing extends to 64 steps per pattern with support for parameter automation.
Campaign Details
The Kickstarter campaign offers early-bird units at a reduced price point, though specific pricing tiers were not detailed in the initial announcement. Randomwaves has not disclosed production timelines or estimated delivery dates for backers.
The company's previous crowdfunding effort for the Drumboy Mini successfully funded in 2023 and shipped to backers by mid-2024. That campaign faced a three-month delay due to component sourcing issues common among hardware startups during the post-pandemic supply chain recovery.
Production grooveboxes targeting similar workflows—standalone operation, synthesis and sampling, pattern sequencing—typically range from $400 to $800 depending on feature sets and build quality. The Drumboy Mini retailed at $299 after its crowdfunding phase concluded.
