Tag: DIY projects

$50 Open-Source MIDI Controller, The Chomp, Looks Awesome

Atlanta high school student Max Justicz has announced a new DIY MIDI controller ‘brain’, the CHOMP, that looks awesome. Basically, the CHOMP (Configurable Hardware Open-source MIDI Platform) is a cheap board you plug switches and pots into to create custom MIDI controllers. Features: Completely open-source. Affordable ($50). Compatible with ANY MIDI configuration. 48 Inputs/Outputs! Made and assembled in the… Read More $50 Open-Source MIDI Controller, The Chomp, Looks Awesome

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The VoltAxe Super-Furry Cyborg Franken-Controller

Julie Covello, aka DJ Shakey, wanted a unique DJ controller. So, she created the VoltAxe – a super-furry cyborg frankenthing. CDM’s Peter Kirn describes Covello’s VoltAxe as “an explosion of color, buttons, keys, velcro, and fur, and coupled with a cyborg-chic eyepiece. The VoltAxe is controllerism gone Mad Max, a post-acocalyptic keytar bred from salvaged parts.”… Read More The VoltAxe Super-Furry Cyborg Franken-Controller

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Pencil Fields – DIY Pencil Controlled Synthesis

Reader Palle Dahlstedt sent in this video that captures a live performance on a custom built instrument, using a pencil drawing as a gestural interface for controlling complex analog synthesis (on a Bugbrand Modular). Here are the technical details: The instrument works by creating a voltage potential field in the graphite/pencil markings on the paper using custom… Read More Pencil Fields – DIY Pencil Controlled Synthesis

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Will Google + Arduino Open Hardware Kill The iOS Music Juggernaut?

Long-time readers know that, for better or for worse, we’ve been talking about the way iPhones and iPads are going to be major new platforms for electronic music from day one. Our coverage of mobile devices has focused primarily on iOS because Apple was the vendor making the right decisions, for the time, to create… Read More Will Google + Arduino Open Hardware Kill The iOS Music Juggernaut?

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Livid Adds Expansion Jacks To All Its Block MIDI Controllers

Livid Instruments has announced that all Livid Block MIDI controllers now come with expansion connectors, making it easy to customize your MIDI control setup: Two ¼” jacks allow you to connect Roland-style foot pedals and single analog controls. Put your feet in the mix for additional controls, or experiment adding different sensors and switches. If that’s… Read More Livid Adds Expansion Jacks To All Its Block MIDI Controllers

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