Hi Pete!
Very interesting the NovaDrone schematics, (does it is somewhat inspired by Benjolin?) but I pricked up my ears reading about the news on the modular synth SSM2164 based. I'm looking forward to listen some news about it.
About the DroneLab sequencer, I am doing the same thing, using a very simple system (programmable by BASIC) the PICAXE family of MCUs. I am following this way in that I will use DroneLab with my students and I need of a very simple and user friendly approach to programming.
As usual, you are doing an excellent work!
Keep all things up!
Best regards
Giancarlo