WVR Is an Open Source Sample Player Based on the ESP32-WROVER-B
Andrew John March has developed an open source embedded solution for audio featuring Wi-Fi and dual-mode Bluetooth connectivity.
The WVR is a tiny form factor, open source embedded solution for audio that comes ready to use with no soldering or coding required. Created by Andrew John March, the board can be wirelessly managed using a laptop or mobile device to burn code samples, manage firmware, set configurations, build sequences, or even control any other data.
Don't worry, this device accepts almost every audio file format like WAV, MP3, OGG, and ACC, irrespective of its size and resolution. The WVR is capable of holding over 12 hours (8GB) of 16-bit stereo audio at a 44.1kHz resolution. There are 14 GPIO pins out of which eight are analog inputs, and four are for capacitive touch inputs, "plus the many peripherals available on ESP32."
As you must have guessed, the WVR is built around the low-cost SoC from Espressif, the ESP32-WROVER-B — it features a dual-core Tensillica Xtensa LX6 processor at its heart with a clock rate of up to 240MHz and 16MB RAM. This SoC includes Wi-Fi and dual-mode Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, it packs 8GB of eMMC internal storage and 4MB flash memory.
The WVR is powered through a micro-USB connector or "regulated 5V or 3.3V input on the pins." The hardware supports Wi-Fi, which is very important for the user to transfer and store sound files or manage settings like set track volumes, choose loop/latch/one-shot playback, etc.
WVR is a complete development system made up for a few products: the USB Backpack, Makers Board, and Dev Board. The USB Backpack is based on a Microchip SAM D21 MCU and provides the WVR with full-speed USB capabilities. The board is fully programmable and adds USB MIDI host functionality.
The Makers Board is a battery-powered solution for makers who want to easily add HiFi audio to their projects. It adds audio and power jacks, as well as an integrated 3W/channel audio amplifier for speakers. It even breaks out the GPIO to a convenient single row of GND/SIGNAL solder point pairs, located at the board's edge.
What's more, the Development Board is equipped with many peripherals and is best for someone who wants to explore the "various capabilities offered by the WVR and by the ESP32."
Last but not least, March has also introduced an open source USB MIDI host and virtual instrument engine, Thames. Housed inside an aluminum stomp-box enclosure, this unit enables you to put your USB MIDI controllers to work without a computer.
The project is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter, starting at $24 for basic WVR hardware all the way up to $165 for the Thames. Shipping is expected to start in March 2021.
