Spooky Sequencer
Background information:
I’m experimenting with different sequencer approaches on the Launchpad. The code is running on a DIY microcontroller board, turning the Launchpad into a standalone MIDI hardware sequencer.
In this clip the top 6 rows of the Launchpad grid are mapped to MIDI notes (counting along and upwards from note C3). When the step counter in the lower 2 rows hits a green square it plays the next green note selected in the grid, same goes for red notes.
A yellow square in the step counter plays next red and green notes together. A yellow note in the grid behaves like both a red and green. The result is two cycling note lines that fall in and out of synch with each other depending on how many notes are selected of each colour. It comes out kind of hypnotic and spooky – not really what I was originally going for, but I ran with it anyway.
The hardware is an FTDI VNC2 chip on a DIY board. I am fighting with the buggy IDE and compiler to try to get a useful standalone hard sequencer/control surface from the Launchpad.
seqSQUARED: The Analogue Pattern Generator
seqSQUARED is a programmable voltage controlled switch used to generate complex patterns with multiple analog step sequencers. It is designed to be used in a modular synthesizer and will be available in Eurorack kit and assembled form, as well as many other DIY formats.
For more information, and to preorder, check out the project funding page at Indiegogo:
http://igg.me/p/89405?a=227451
Closer look at the 16 Step Sequencer Vari-Clock Quantizer
This is a demonstration of the features of the new Vari-Clock Quantizer for the MFOS 16 Step Sequencer.
“You can make one yourself but it’s a very challenging project and I don’t recommend it for people just getting started. Seasoned synth-diyers will have no problem with this project. PC boards will be available in a few weeks if you’re interested (sometime in June 2012).”
Here is a link to the project:
http://www.musicfromouterspace.com/index.php?MAINTAB=SYNTHDIY&PROJARG=SEQ…
Features:
- Each step’s duration can be set independently.
- Each step’s duration is settable from 1 to 16 clock cycles.
- Main clock adjustment affects all steps equally.
- Clock selection: Quantized or Normal
- Two gate/trigger modes: Single per step and Multi per step.
- External clock supported.
- Clock out supported.
Music Thing Random Sequencer
DIY shift register sequencer module for Eurorack modular synth. Full details: musicthing.co.uk/modular/?page_id=21
Music Thing Random Sequencer:
The Random Sequencer is a circuit that produces clocked randomly changing control voltages. These can also be locked into loops that repeat every 8, 16 or 32 steps.
This is an open hardware project – all the project files (Eagle CAD projects, Gerbers PCB files, a Mouser BOM and Illustrator/PDF front panel designs) are available on this page, covered by a Creative Commons Attribution Share-a-like license, which allows for commercial use.
This is a relatively advanced DIY project, and I’m not able to provide support. I am not selling PCBs, kits or finished modules, but hopefully all the information you’d need to get your own is here.
Circuit Bending – Build Your Own Instrument
DIY and Circuit Bending all the way:
“Filmmmaker Maren Sextro created this portrait of me for Groove.de in May 2012. Together, we visited the flea market and my studio, and spoke about my approach to sound, performance, “circuit bending” (a term I rarely use to describe my own constructions), DIY electronics and self-education.”
All-in-one DIY DJ Controller workstation
Background info:
Here is an awesome computer mod that I have been working on for the last four months. I built this computer mod to appeal to DJ’s and music artists. I call it DJ SOUND CONTROL or DSC for short.
I made it as compact as possible, but not too small that you could not be comfortable performing a set. I added a powerpack that allows true portability, giving you a full hour of power without plugging it in.
With the 23″ touch screen the performance can now include finger gestures and multitouch controls. Crazy RGB backlit panels makes sure your party keeps hoppin’ through the night. Cutting edge DJ hardware, like the Midifighter that has been customized to put super fresh effects right at the fingertips of both your right and left hands, will make this a musical game changer. Built in Meeblip digital synth controlled by the optional slide out keyboard will let you rip off an amazing bass solo or dub step routine.
On board effects from the Alesis NanoVerb give you instant overall expression of the multiple outs. And the meat and potatoes customized Numark Mixtrack gives you all the standards that every DJ needs to stylize their set. With tough Lexan custom CNC machined panels and high strength aluminum frame this box is ready to travel around the world with you no matter where and how you perform.
See Blarsky’s site for more info!
New modular kit from Casper
Casper Electronics has announced plans for a mini modular synthesizer kit:
I’m working on a new compact modular synth kit project, based largely (but not entirely) on the SSM2164 quad VCA chip.
Modules will include:
- QUAD VCO (wide range VCOs from LFO to audio)
- VCO/VCA/VCF (single voice module)
- S&H/RING/RUNGLE(modulation and complex sequencer)
- TOUCH CONTROL,PROGRAMMER (touch controlled voltage and preset bank)
Details and pricing are to come.
Fun stuff: Bananaphone TouchSynth
Playing the Bananaphone
Project details at: http://www.gadgetgangster.com
I was recently inspired by a Kickstart project which used Bananas as sensors to control a video game on a PC. I’ve done some video game controls using the Propeller in the past, but I thought this would make an interesting synthesizer project.
Parts List:
- Your favorite Propeller board. (I used a Quickstart board w/Terminal Module)
- A couple packs of alligator jumper wires. (Radio Shack)
- Nine Bananas (8 notes & 1 to snack on)
- A 220ohm resistor (Radio Shack)
- An amplified speaker w/connector
- The spin source archive
HackMe Rockit Synthesizer Demo
A close up look at the HackMe Rockit synth:
This is a demonstration of some of the sounds and features of this HackMe Rockit synthesizer, designed by Matthew Heinz, which I built from kit a little while back. This demo is less about music and more about the technology and functions of the machine so if you are not into synths you will probably find it boring. You can find out all about the synth or order your own kit from this site http://hackmeopen.com/?page_id=474&fb_source=message.
The Rockit is a dual oscillator monophonic synthesizer. The oscillators are 8 bit and each have 16 different waveforms. It has a VCA with full ADSR as well as a multi-mode 2 pole VCF again with full ADSR. Add to this a pair of LFOs with complex routeing options, Full MIDI support and 16 patch memories and you have a nice little package.
Because of the 8 bit wave table oscillators this thing can do a plethora of Atari sound with the VCA and VCF wide open but once you start get them involved then it moves over to more traditional analogue mono sounds.
Just so you are aware I built the little box case for my Rockit from scratch, the designer does have a case for sale from his site but I am planning to rack mount this thing at some point so I built my own cheap case as a temporary method of keeping it dust free.
Livid Instruments Builder V2
Livid shows off their latest development in relation to their Builder DIY controller set:
Brain v2 expands the original Brain with a lot more functionality. We’ve added the Brain v2 Bus Board that make it easy to connect your controls to the Brain. We expanded LEDs from 48 to 192 with added circuitry for extra brightness. Encoders can now be used with led encoder ring support. RGB LEDs can also be used to greatly enhance your possibilities. We’ve also added a 5v power jack for standalone operation without a computer. Velocity sensitive pads and can also be used with version 2. Music by Henry Strange
DATAMASKIN
