# Modded Cycles: multitrack recording and new instruments

Adds six-track USB audio, a sampler and additional synthesis options to an existing groovebox.

## Hardware
Elektron Model:Cycles

New firmware adds multitrack USB audio and sound engines to a physical groovebox.

## Shopping list

Back up first and retain the official recovery procedure. The current guide combines several contributors’ modifications; a Model:Cycles purchase does not include third-party firmware rights.

Quantities are for one build. Unless marked source-specified, they are planning quantities; confirm kit contents and the chosen configuration before ordering.

### 1 × Elektron Model:Cycles
- Requirement: Required
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Six-track groovebox.
- Notes: Model:Samples is not the specified target.
- Destination: https://www.elektron.se/product/modelcycles
- Match: Exact product
- Link review: Page checked; stock not assessed
- Evidence: Creator source
- Source: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/1013493/vibe-coding-ai-music-gear-hacking-custom-firmware
- Source: https://18nelli18.github.io/Modded-Cycles/

### 1 × USB (Model:Cycles-compatible) data cable
- Requirement: Required
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Connect to the computer for programming or data.
- Notes: Use the port/cable specified in the Model:Cycles manual; browser flashing uses USB.
- Sourcing: Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.
- Evidence: Setup requirement — check against your configuration
- Source: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/1013493/vibe-coding-ai-music-gear-hacking-custom-firmware
- Source: https://18nelli18.github.io/Modded-Cycles/

### 1 × Computer with a supported flashing browser
- Requirement: Tool
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Build, configure or flash the software.
- Sourcing: Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.
- Evidence: Setup requirement — check against your configuration
- Source: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/1013493/vibe-coding-ai-music-gear-hacking-custom-firmware
- Source: https://18nelli18.github.io/Modded-Cycles/

### 1 × Device power supply
- Requirement: Required
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Power the device.
- Notes: Use the original matched supply; keep power stable while updating.
- Sourcing: Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.
- Evidence: Setup requirement — check against your configuration
- Source: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/1013493/vibe-coding-ai-music-gear-hacking-custom-firmware
- Source: https://18nelli18.github.io/Modded-Cycles/

### 1 × Headphones or powered audio system
- Requirement: Required
- Quantity basis: Planning quantity for one build; check the selected configuration
- Purpose: Hear the output.
- Notes: Choose the correct plugs or adapters for the device outputs; USB audio is another route.
- Sourcing: Use existing equipment or match the specification above. No exact purchase link verified.
- Evidence: Setup requirement — check against your configuration
- Source: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/1013493/vibe-coding-ai-music-gear-hacking-custom-firmware
- Source: https://18nelli18.github.io/Modded-Cycles/

Source reviewed, not assembled or hands-on tested. A working product page does not confirm stock, firmware compatibility or a complete build.

## Setup
Unofficial firmware

## Coding tool
Claude Code

## How the agent helped
Creator tells The Verge he used Claude Code to implement the first six-track USB-audio hack; project website confirms features.

## Before you build
Unofficial firmware can brick the device or conflict with future updates. Later features have multiple contributors.

## Sources
- Original build: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/1013493/vibe-coding-ai-music-gear-hacking-custom-firmware
- Supporting source: https://18nelli18.github.io/Modded-Cycles/

Source reviewed 2026-11-04. Not hands-on tested.