2 archive page

German design studio Precious Forever has published an interesting interview with Kelli Cain and Brian Crabtree, the designers behind the Monome grid-based music controller.
Excerpt:
There are millions of electronic music controllers on the market. Regardless, many users seem to be unable to find a setup that is “just right” for them. Naturally, there’s no perfection, but [...]

My Home 2.0 is a bit too perky for my taste, but I have to admit that their latest how-to video is pretty hardcore.
They demonstrate how to use MidiTron with some infrared sensors to create a wall harp.
It’s a pretty straightforward MidiTron project. The sensors work like on/off switches to trigger various sounds when they [...]

Peter Speer demos the Voice of Saturn sequencer, an inexpensive DIY sequencer kit.
He’s also got a review at his site.
Bottom line?
“In total, the Voice of Saturn Sequencer took me three nights to complete (about 12 hours altogether). If you have more experience in kit building than I do (which is to say “some”), I’m sure [...]

Aurora is an awesome open source usb powered multichannel mixer in a typical DJ form factor. Aurora is designed to easily integrate with your favorite midi compatible software.
The device features two linear channel faders, a single a/b crossfader and eight backlit buttons.T wenty four backlit knobs allow you to control effects.
Aurora, unlike most midi controllers, [...]

This video showcases the Thingamakit, a fun DIY project that lets you build your own anthropomorphic noise maker.
Comes with:

detailed instructions
fully labeled components
simply layed out circuit board with minimal hand wiring.
2 ready to blink LEDacles
control panel and face stickers

Bleep Labs has introduced the Thingamakit - a DIY project that lets you build your own anthropomorphic noise maker.
According to Bleep Labs, the Thingamakit features “all the sounds of Thingamagoop plus
triangle wave LEDacle with shape and speed control. Second photocell patchable to modulator and photocell rate. Square and Triangle wave output.
The satisfaction for making an [...]

Here’s something fun I saw highlighted at the Califaudio blog - the Theremug, a DIY project that turns your cup of coffee or tea into a theremin, of sorts.
Here’s Kyle McDonald’s explanation of the Theremug:
1 Prepare some tea
2 Expose the L/R leads on an 1/8″ cable
3 Immerse leads in tea
4 Plug cable into audio input
5 [...]

If you need any more proof that interesting synths can be made from just about anything, for very little money, check out the Sonic Picnic Set:
the sonic picnic set is a low tech modular system
connections are made as needed using crocodile clips
these pictures show some of the boxes
You gotta love this 4-joystick panner, too:

Check out [...]

This video demos a cheap dub siren, made from a circuit bent sound generating keychain.
Full instructions at GetLoFi.com.

This video demos the Tapehead Inspector - a sort of tangible sampler. 
Here’s the background on it, via Roy Mohan Shearer:
Inspired by the reversal of the name of a musical trio that I play in with Chris Croasdale and Mr. Jonnie Common. We’re really into tapes, and as Chris’ birthday was coming up Jonnie and I decided to make him [...]