How vibe coding is turning the music gear world upside down

A faster path to custom firmware

Custom firmware for music hardware was once uncommon and time-consuming to create. Adding a feature such as velocity sensitivity to a Korg Volca could take weeks or months, while hobbyists now report turning inexpensive synths into more capable instruments in days.

AI coding tools have helped drive a wave of modifications across instruments and music equipment. Recent projects have added capabilities to products from Elektron, Roland, Ableton, Akai, Novation, Arturia and Zoom.

A small synth gains new engines

The M-Vave FM-1, a $70 Yamaha DX-7 clone, has become a focus of the activity. Its low price and recreation of classic FM sounds helped it find an audience among new buyers, hobbyists and synthfluencers.

Dozens of custom firmware versions are now available for the device. Felucca, Sloop and x0x name Claude as a contributor on GitHub or disclose AI use; Baudgirl is suspected of having AI assistance, though its developer did not respond to a comment request.

The FM-1 has expanded beyond its original basic DX-7-style design. Custom firmware supports virtual analog and sample-playback engines, multitrack sequencing and different interface designs.

Older gear finds new uses

Many devices gaining custom firmware are older or relatively affordable. Roman Rusinov, who posts on Reddit as themanro and releases music as Farlow, worked on the Zoom MS-70CDR, a budget effects pedal launched in 2012.

After learning about ZDL, which reverse-engineered the Multistomp format, Rusinov got the pedal to run NAM A2 Lite captures and custom impulse responses. The modifications turned it into a modeler that can emulate vintage amplifiers.

Rusinov told The Verge that he used AI at work and saw the project as a chance to learn vibe-coding basics. He described a process of trial and error as he tested the hardware and software limits, and said owners should be able to use their gear as they wish.

A groovebox gets another chance

The developer 18nelli created Modded Cycles after feeling frustrated with an Elektron Model:Cycles. He said the groovebox seemed designed to encourage buyers to move to more expensive equipment, and noted that it had received no official update since May 2021.

Recent AI advances persuaded him he might add features himself. He opened the device, documented its components and began working with Claude Code on a first modification.