# tek [![Please don't upload to GitHub](https://nogithub.codeberg.page/badge.svg)](https://nogithub.codeberg.page)

a music making program for [24-bit unicode terminals](https://sw.kovidgoyal.net/kitty/).

written in [rust](https://www.rust-lang.org/)
with [ratatui](https://ratatui.rs/) on [crossterm](https://docs.rs/crossterm/latest/crossterm/)
for [jack](https://jackaudio.org/) and [pipewire](https://www.pipewire.org/).

**tek** is available as [source](https://codeberg.org/unspeaker/tek#building-from-source),
[statically linked binaries](https://codeberg.org/unspeaker/tek/releases), and on the
[aur](https://codeberg.org/unspeaker/tek#arch-linux).

hmu on [**mastodon** `@unspeaker@mastodon.social`](https://mastodon.social/@unspeaker)
or [**matrix** `@unspeaker:matrix.org`](https://matrix.to/#/@unspeaker:matrix.org)

![Screenshot](https://codeberg.org/unspeaker/tek/releases/download/0.2.0-rc.7/Screenshot%20From%202025-01-02%2023-18-05.png)

this codebase produces the following binaries:

* **`tek_sequencer`** is a single-track, multi-pattern MIDI sequencer with properly tempo-synced pattern switch
* **`tek_groovebox`** connects the sequencer to a sampler, so that you can sample while you sequence
* **`tek_arranger`** is a multi-track sequencer based on a familiar clip launching UI
* **`tek_transport`** is a JACK transport controller
* **`tek_sampler`** is a MIDI-controlled sampler
* **`tek_plugin`** is an audio plugin host.
* **`tek_channel`** is a standalone channel strip
* **`tek_mixer`** is an audio mixer.

some of these are currently work in progress.

the project roadmap is at https://codeberg.org/unspeaker/tek/milestones

## getting started

* **requirements:** linux; jack or pipewire; 24-bit terminal (i use `kitty`)
* **recommended:** midi controller; samples in wav format; lv2 plugins.

### arch linux

[tek](https://codeberg.org/unspeaker/tek) is available as a package in the AUR.
you can install it using an AUR helper (e.g. `paru`):

```sh
paru -S tek
```

### downloads

see the [releases page](https://codeberg.org/unspeaker/tek/releases).

### building from source

you'll need a Rust toolchain and various system libraries.

you can obtain the former using `rustup` and the latter using `nix-shell`.
there's a `shell.nix` provided with the project.

from there, use the commands in the `Justfile`, e.g.:

```sh
just arranger
```

note that `tek > 0.2.0-rc.7` will require rust nightly
for the unstable features `type_alias_impl_trait` and
`impl_trait_in_assoc_type`. make some noise for lucky
[**rust rfc2515**](https://github.com/rust-lang/rust/issues/63063)
if you want to see this buildable with stable/beta.

## design goals

* inspired by trackers and hardware sequencers,
  but with the critical feature that 90s samplers lack:
  able to **resample, i.e. record while playing!**

* **pop-up scratchpad for musical ideas.**
  low resource consumption, can stay open in background.
  but flexible enough to allow expanding on compositions

* **human- and machine- readable project format**
  simple representation for project data
  enable scripting and remapping.