New Project: An FPGA Synthesizer! EDM + FPGA = ♥️

Why It Matters

It demonstrates that low‑cost FPGA boards can become powerful, customizable instruments, giving musicians and developers a new avenue for sound design and rapid prototyping.

Key Takeaways

• Creator will build synth using Digilent Go Board FPGA.
• Uses Pmod I2S2 module for audio output capabilities.
• Project aims to integrate FPGA synth into personal EDM tracks.
• Audience can replicate by purchasing Go Board and I2S2 expansion.
• Upcoming content will detail design, coding, and performance demos.

Summary

The video announces a new project: building an electronic‑music synthesizer on a Digilent Go Board FPGA. The creator will use the board’s programmable logic to generate audio signals, positioning the effort as a hobby‑grade, yet fully functional, hardware synth.

The build hinges on a Digilent Pmod I2S2 expansion, which provides I²S audio I/O, allowing the FPGA to output sound directly. By leveraging the board’s high‑speed logic and the I2S interface, the design promises low‑latency waveform generation and real‑time control.

The presenter, who releases EDM under the name Austin Russell on Spotify, says the synth will be woven into his own tracks, “bringing the digital world and the electronic music world together.” He invites viewers to acquire the same hardware and follow the development.

If successful, the project showcases how affordable FPGA platforms can serve as custom sound engines, opening a niche for makers and musicians to prototype unique timbres without proprietary synth chips. Ongoing videos will detail coding, synthesis algorithms, and performance benchmarks.

Original Description

go board available at nandland.com

pmodi2s2 available at digilent.com