Adafruit
Adafruit 8x8 NeoTrellis Feather M4 Kit Pack
Best interactive controller for DIY musicians and creative hardware makers.
The Adafruit NeoTrellis M4 Kit Pack is a versatile development board designed for interactive projects. It features a powerful 120 MHz Cortex M4 processor and a 4x8 grid of NeoPixel-illuminated elastomer buttons. With stereo audio output and input, an onboard accelerometer, and STEMMA/Grove compatibility, it's perfect for creating custom controllers, musical instruments, and more. This kit supports both CircuitPython and Arduino, offering flexibility for developers of all levels. It includes the mainboard, enclosure, and button keypads for a complete setup.
$108.75
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
28
/ 1544
#28 in Development Boards
Price vs Category Average
+24%
Above average
Processor
51324120
/ ATSAMD -bit Cortex M @ MHz
Who it's for
- Developers building complex MIDI controllers or graphics-heavy projects
- Makers creating interactive interfaces with vibrant visual feedback
- Prototypers needing rapid development via the CircuitPython ecosystem
Who should skip it
- Beginners uncomfortable with manual soldering and hardware assembly
- Engineers working on battery-powered projects with limited current capacity
- Budget-conscious hobbyists seeking simple, low-cost LED matrix solutions
Performance breakdown
Processing Power
The 120 MHz Cortex M4 handles complex audio synthesis with ease.
Input Responsiveness
Elastomer buttons provide tactile, satisfying feedback for high-speed musical performance.
Audio Versatility
Integrated stereo DACs and microphone support enable professional-grade sound project capabilities.
Development Flexibility
Seamless support for both CircuitPython and Arduino caters to every skill level.
Expansion Potential
STEMMA and Grove compatibility makes adding external sensors a plug-and-play experience.
Build Integration
The all-in-one kit design eliminates messy wiring for a polished finish.
Key Specs
Processor
ATSAMD51 32-bit Cortex M4 @ 120 MHz
Memory
512 KB Flash, 192 KB SRAM
Onboard SPI Flash
8 MB
Input
4x8 grid of elastomer buttons with NeoPixels
Audio Output
Stereo DACs via TRRS headphone jack
Audio Input
Electret mic amplifier and line-in via TRRS headphone jack
Sensors
Analog Devices ADXL343 triple-axis accelerometer
Connectivity
Native USB, 4-pin JST hacking port (I2C, ADC, UART)
Features
- Powerful 120 MHz Cortex M4 processor
- 4x8 grid of illuminated elastomer buttons
- Stereo audio output and input
- Onboard accelerometer for motion sensing
- STEMMA and Grove compatible expansion
- Supports CircuitPython and Arduino
- Ideal for music and interactive projects
- All-in-one USB, NeoPixel, and audio board
What customers say
This Adafruit kit earns high praise for its powerful performance and excellent integration. Users consistently highlight the speed and responsiveness provided by the Feather M4 and the vibrant NeoTrellis matrix, making it ideal for complex interactive projects like visualizers and controllers. A key strength is the robust support for CircuitPython, which simplifies advanced development. Reviewers value the high quality of components and the clear documentation that aids assembly. While the price is premium, most agree the superior performance, reliability, and strong ecosystem support deliver excellent value for serious makers. It is viewed as a versatile and powerful platform.
Know before you buy
Yes, the NeoTrellis M4 is highly capable of acting as a MIDI controller. Its 4x8 button grid and stereo audio capabilities make it an excellent platform for creating custom musical instruments or MIDI interfaces.
Not at all. The board supports CircuitPython, which is beginner-friendly and allows you to write code directly on the device, as well as the Arduino IDE for those who prefer a more traditional development environment.
The TRRS jack supports standard stereo headphones for audio output and allows for microphone input. It is designed to handle both output and input, making it suitable for projects involving sound synthesis or voice recording.
Yes, this kit pack comes with the mainboard, the elastomer button keypads, and the enclosure, providing everything you need to assemble a complete, functional unit.
The board features STEMMA and Grove-compatible ports, which allow you to easily plug in additional sensors, displays, or peripherals without needing to solder complex wiring.
The ADXL343 accelerometer detects motion and orientation. You can use it to trigger sounds or control parameters in your projects based on how you tilt, shake, or move the device.
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$109