This weeks project is a simple 4-step sequencer based around a 4017 decade counter chip. The basic schematic is based on this circuit, using a 555 timer as a clock source:
I changed it a bit by having the 4017 outputs drive transistors that switch current to the pitch pots (instead of turning on LEDS). [...]
Next in line for my ongoing ‘One Instrument a Week’ project is an Atari Punk Console with a few mods to make it more interesting.
The basic schematics for the APC are pretty simple:
The entire thing is built around a cheap 556 dual timer IC. GetLoFi sells a kit, but I chose to get the [...]
I’m starting a new project that will hopefully get me motivated to make some tracks. It’s called ‘One Instrument a Week’, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. I’ll be building one simple music instrument or effect a week for the next year, and using them in my experimental Year of the Duck [...]
DPC latency is an extremely well documented problem in the Dell XPS line of laptops. The problem is characterized by occasional CPU spikes that cause a brief stutter or crackle in the audio stream. In my case, it only occurred every 30 seconds or so, and only for an instant. But I use the laptop [...]
One of my most recent toys is a Wacom Bamboo pen tablet.
I’m using it for developing animations for an old school Sierra-style adventure game that I’m working on, but I started thinking that it would be an interesting way to interact with music software via MIDI. The tablet registers pressure as well as X [...]
An Arduino powered sound synthesis / effects box.
