“Bare Metal” Raspberry Pi Synth – Part 2

This post builds on part 1 and starts to add some IO handling code and simple synthesis code to the bare metal Raspberry Pi experiments. Full index of posts in this series: Part 1: The basics of setting up an environment to build a “bare metal” Raspberry Pi synth application. Part 2: Adding potentiometer controls … Continue reading “Bare Metal” Raspberry Pi Synth – Part 2 →

Arduino MIDI LED Step Sequencer with MCP3008

Having now experimented with an SPI eight-way analog to digital converter in the shape of the MCP3008, I wanted to build a step sequencer where the type of analog input was configurable. This project allows you to choose between the following options for controller the steps of the sequencer: The native analog inputs on the … Continue reading Arduino MIDI LED Step Sequencer with MCP3008 →

Arduino Mozzi FM Synthesis with MCP3008

I'm always on the look out for new ways of building control modules for my Arduino synthesizers, so when I discovered the MCP3008 SPI 8-channel analog to digital converter, I thought I'd give it a go with my Arduino Multi-pot Mozzi FM Synthesis. https://youtu.be/A5if3Y4u8aM Warning! I strongly recommend using old or second hand equipment for your … Continue reading Arduino Mozzi FM Synthesis with MCP3008 →

JC Pro Macro (V2) MIDI Controller – Part 2

Following on from the JC Pro Macro (V2) MIDI Controller as a step sequencer, this project shows how it can be used as a generic MIDI controller. https://youtu.be/LjU9QdAnlJg Warning! I strongly recommend using old or second hand equipment for your experiments. I am not responsible for any damage to expensive instruments! These are the previous projects … Continue reading JC Pro Macro (V2) MIDI Controller – Part 2 →

JC Pro Macro (V2) MIDI Controller

I was exchanging some messages with Jeremy Cook on Twitter about Arduino tones on Leonardo compatible boards (i.e. those driven by the ATmega32U4) and that lead to a conversation about his latest crowd-funding effort for a Pro Micro-based "Macro" keypad and rotary encoder. One thing led to another and he very kindly sent me one … Continue reading JC Pro Macro (V2) MIDI Controller →

The Electric Lo-Fi Orchestra Concerto for a Rainy Day

The Electric Lo-Fi Orchestra presents the Electric Light Orchestra's Concerto for a Rainy Day. Every since doing my Lo-Fi Orchestra Mr Blue Sky I wanted to complete the whole Concerto, and here we are: Standin' in the Rain Big Wheels Summer and Lightning Mr. Blue Sky Featuring 11 Arduino Nanos, 6 Arduino Unos, 1 Arduino … Continue reading The Electric Lo-Fi Orchestra Concerto for a Rainy Day →

“Bare Metal” Raspberry Pi Synth

The Raspberry Pi is an "SBC" - a single board computer, whilst the Arduino (and the Raspberry Pi Pico for that matter) is a microcontroller. Simplistically a single board computer is, well, what most people would think of when they think about a computer - a board (with or without a case!) that you plug … Continue reading “Bare Metal” Raspberry Pi Synth →

Arduino MIDI Rotary Encoder Multi-Track Step Sequencer

Now I have the option for multiple colours for my step sequencer displays, I thought it might be interesting to start experimenting with a "multi-track" step sequencer. https://youtu.be/oQc1IVoJLeQ Warning! I strongly recommend using old or second hand equipment for your experiments. I am not responsible for any damage to expensive instruments! These are the key … Continue reading Arduino MIDI Rotary Encoder Multi-Track Step Sequencer →

Arduino MIDI Rotary Encoder Step Sequencer – Part 3

I am continuing my experiments with different ways of visualising a step sequencer and this comes from from a suggestion by Twitter user @AxWax - using a NeoPixel ring. https://youtu.be/u4WNbgCWvds Warning! I strongly recommend using old or second hand equipment for your experiments. I am not responsible for any damage to expensive instruments! These are … Continue reading Arduino MIDI Rotary Encoder Step Sequencer – Part 3 →

Arduino MIDI Rotary Encoder Step Sequencer – Part 2

In my last post, I mentioned other display options for my rotary encoder step sequencer. To be honest, I wanted an excuse to use some "LED bars" with a rotary encoder, so this post is more by way of an excuse to play rather than a serious option, but in reality it actually works quite … Continue reading Arduino MIDI Rotary Encoder Step Sequencer – Part 2 →