Framed Music - Wall Synth | DIY Music Recorder

Recorder is a wall-mounted digital recorder and the starting point of a larger project I call Framed Music.

Instead of desktop gear, Framed Music explores the idea of framed, interactive music objects. Each unit designed to live permanently on the wall, with a clear function, physical controls, and a strong visual identity. Recorder is designed as framed digital music art. It can record sound, store it like tapes, and be used as a simple music or sound guestbook, all without menus, screens full of settings, or a computer involved. Interaction is intentionally retro-inspired. Physical buttons, clicky controls, and immediate visual feedback make it feel closer to a tape machine than a modern digital device. Each frame in the Framed Music system is meant to be visually complete on its own, something you’d still want on the wall even when it’s idle.

Core Features

• Wall-mounted digital recorder with a retro tape recorder model
• Stores up to 99 recordings
• Record, play back, pause, erase, and navigate recordings using physical buttons
• No menus or hidden settings, everything is direct and visible
• Animated tape reels during playback and recording
• Designed to feel immediate, tactile, and uncomplicated

Pocket Operator Integration

The Recorder frame holds two Pocket Operators of your choice, mounted directly in the frame.

In this setup, two Pocket Operators can be:

• Chained together via the patch bay
• Routed directly into the recorder
• Used as sound sources for recording and playback

This makes Recorder both an instrument and a capture device, and allows it to integrate naturally with other Framed Music units in the future.

Color Themes & Visual Design

The project includes eight different color themes.

Each theme:

• Changes the interface colors and meters
• Is designed to match different filament colors
• Can be easily modified in the sketch if you want to create your own

Each theme also includes a set of ten tapes, each with its own label, giving the frame a bit of personality without adding complexity to how it’s used.

Modes & Extras

Recorder includes a mode button.

• In the default mode, the buttons control recording and playback
• In the secondary mode, the Recorder becomes a small Breakout-style arcade game

The same physical buttons are reused as game controls, and the visuals adapt to the active color theme.

It’s not meant to be a full game system, just a small extra that fits the playful, retro nature of the project.

Guestbook Use

One intended use for Recorder is as a sound or music guestbook.

Instead of writing something down, people can walk up, record a short sound, and move on.

Because everything is immediate and physical, even people who don’t normally make music can interact with it easily. In shared spaces, it naturally invites hands-on, expressive use.

Physical Build

• Entire enclosure is 3D printed
• Designed to look finished straight off the print bed
• No sanding or painting required
• Graphics and text are done using multicolor printing
• Optional decal sheets are included as an alternative
• Side compartment for patch cables and small accessories
• Runs on a rechargeable LiPo battery
• Can be charged via a USB port on the bottom of the frame while mounted on the wall

Filament

For this build, I used PLA Matte, but most common filament types should work fine.

Before printing, I recommend reading through the documentation to understand print orientations, design choices, and assembly flow.

Software & Firmware

The project is built around a Teensy 4.1 with an Audio Shield Rev D.

The provided files include:

• Full sketch
• Color theme configuration
• Button mapping and modes

The code is structured to make color themes and future expansions easy to modify.

Downloads & Files

All files are available here on MakerWorld, including:

• 3MF files
• STL files
• Wiring diagrams
• Parts lists
• Build instructions
• Full sketch

The project is fully DIY and openly shared.

Support & Extras

If you’d like to support my work, I also share:

• Exclusive builds
• More in-depth videos
• Chat support related to my projects

These are available through my Patreon, but everything shown in this build is freely available.

Framed Music

Recorder is the starting point for Framed Music.

More frames will follow, each with its own function and visual identity, designed to work together on the wall and expand the system over time.