16 Zic Pixel Drift

The Zic Pixel Drift is a specialized, performance-oriented groovebox mod designed for the Zic Pixel hardware platform. Powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, it pairs a hard-hitting Tekno Kick drum synthesizer, dual synth engines and real-time Scatter FX for high-energy live performance.

Key Features

• Tekno Kick Drum Generator (DriftKick): Dedicated punchy kick synthesis engine featuring pitch envelopes, drive, punch, sub-bass, click, decay, sweep, sub-harmonic shaping, and an interactive Kick Repeat stutter roll effect.
• Dual Synthesizer Engines (DriftSynth1 & DriftWavetable): Multi-page sound design for basslines, leads, pads, and evolving textures (Oscillators, Filters, Envelopes, LFOs, Voice modes).
• Live Performance Pads & Latch Mode:
  • Pad A: Kick trigger / Accent.
  • Pad S: Kick Repeat (stutter beat roll with rate options: 1 step, 2 steps, 4 steps, 8 steps, 16 steps).
  • Pads Z, X, C, V: Live Scatter FX (Crunch, Drive, Dist, Acid glitch performance modes).
  • Key D (Latch Mode): Freeze/latch any active performance pad hands-free during live sets.
• Master FX & Mixer: 4-channel live mixer (Kick, Synth 1, Synth 2, Master) featuring smooth VU meters with peak hold, master multi-mode filter, and compressor.
• Pattern Step Sequencer: Integrated step sequencer with note editing, tempo control, and real-time playback.

Controls & Quick Reference

Navigation Pages (ViewState)

Key / Button	Page	Description
Q	Kick Body 1 & 2	Tekno Kick pitch, decay, drive, punch & sub controls
W	Synth 1 (Pages 1-3)	Oscillator, Filter, Envelope & FX settings for Synth 1
E	Synth 2 (Pages 1-3)	Oscillator, Filter, Envelope & FX settings for Synth 2
R	Master 1 & 2	4-channel mixer, Master Filter, Compressor & Scatter FX
F	Sequencer	Step pattern editor & playback controls
D + F	Play / Pause	Toggle sequencer playback on/off
D + R	Shutdown Pi	Open Raspberry Pi shutdown confirmation modal

Performance Controls

Key / Pad	Action
A	Trigger Kick
S	Kick Repeat (Stutter Roll)
Z	Scatter FX: Crunch Mode
X	Scatter FX: Drive Mode
C	Scatter FX: Distortion Mode
V	Scatter FX: Acid Glitch Mode
D	Latch Toggle: Hold D while pressing any pad to lock its active effect hands-free
D + F	Toggle sequencer play / pause (defaults to playing on startup)
D + R	Open Raspberry Pi shutdown confirmation modal (press A to confirm halt, S to cancel)

OS Installation Guide

Zic Pixel Drift runs on the standard zicOs buildroot image for Raspberry Pi Zero 2W.

1. Download the latest release from the GitHub Releases page (look for zicPixelDrift-*.*).
2. Flash the provided sdcard.img to a micro SD card using Raspberry Pi Imager or Balena Etcher.
3. Insert the SD card into your Raspberry Pi Zero 2W and power on.
4. SSH Access: ssh root@zic.local (Password: password).