Audio Chopper

Concept:

Using a photocell, resistance can be applied and removed from an audio signal as a light source is switched off and on. The photocell mutes the audio signal when no light is being received. When light is received the resistance from the photocell is removed and the audio signal is no longer muted. By switching the light source on and off in defined intervals the audio signal is formed into rhythms and patterns.

In the circuit diagram below, the audio signal is constant and remains muted until the light source is switched on.

Circuit Diagram:

5V Logic Out: An interface, ie: Arduino or Highly Liquid's MD24, sends 5V out to power LED1 & LED2 on.
LED1: Indicator for when light source is on.
LED2: Coupled with photocell, is on when LED1 is on.
Photocell: Coupled with LED2, when LED2 is off resistance mutes audio signal.
Opto-coupler: Photocell & LED combined acting similar to a switch.
10K Resistor: Pull down resistor which facilitates muting of audio signal.
Audio Input: Source audio signal
Audio Output: Audio signal when LED2 is on, otherwise mute when LED2 is off.

Using Highly Liquid's MD24 (triggers 5V Logic Out using midi messages, ie: notes) & a midi sequencer (ie: MPC 500); a midi note, which corresponds to one the MD24's output pins, can be sent. When this defined midi note is received by the MD24 its corresponding output pin powers LED1 & LED2, which causes the photocell to remove its resistance on the circuit allowing the audio signal to be sent to the audio output. This connection is only made for the duration or pattern of this specific midi note.

Highly Liquid's MD24 Logic Output:
Highly Liquid's MD24

Slow Shutter Speed

Part one
Part two
Part three
Part four
Part five

Wireframe space

Still from 0:11

Piezo Disk Percussion

Wooden box housing with book, piezo disk, 50k potentiometer, and 1/4" jack output. The piezo disk is place within a book and is wired as a contact mic with the potentiometer used to control volume.

Wooden box closed:

Open:

Open with Potentiometer:

Piezo disk within book:

Video:

Clyde Drumming Mechanism

Drumming Mechanism made from a power door lock actuator, Meccano, springs, and drum stick.

Video Controlled by Midi

Short video clips controlled using midi from a MPC 500 which provides the drum samples; all other audio is from video clips. A single video clip is triggered when its defined midi note is received.

Video:

Felix's Machines

Felix's Machines by artist Felix Thorn & filmed by Tom Swindell.

Film:
felixsmachines.com

VPT - Video Projection Tool by HC Giljes

Test of video software used for projecting on different planes. The software is used to distort individual video clips to the desired plane to be projected on.

Three video clips on two walls and ceiling:
Video:


VPT v4.0 by HC Giljes

Highly Liquid: MD24 Midi Decoder

Interface similar to Arduino, but controlled using MIDI notes, programs, etc. The MD24 has 24-5V digital out pins that are triggered by MIDI messages, ie: a note. When a midi note is played the corresponding digital out pin is activated for that note's length. This interface doesn't require a computer to translate MIDI messages, which makes it simpler to control motor, solenoids, etc, than Arduino and a MAX/MSP patch.


Highly Liquid: MIDI Decoder MD24

Clyde Drumbot Test 2

Quick test using multiple lever systems activated by pull type solenoids. Midi data is recorded in Garageband and sent via a MAX/MSP patch (by Ali Momeni) to Arduino which triggers each of the solenoids. The basswood levers hit a small bass drum, a tom, and a tin can case.

Crude Clyde:


In action:

Solenoid with 12" lever

Solenoid with 12" lever. Solenoid pulls lever downward causing mallet to strike drum surface.

Wireframe Perspective:

Perspective:

Sideview:

Frontview:

Clyde Drumbot Test

Quick test using a simple lever system activated by a pull type solenoid. Midi data is recorded in Garageband and sent via a MAX/MSP patch (by Ali Momeni) to Arduino which triggers the solenoid. The basswood lever hits a small bass drum.

Arduino + MIDI - Ali Momeni

An easy way to control Arduino's digital outs with MIDI by using a MAX/MSP patch. When a MIDI note is triggered it activates the corresponding Arduino digital out. The intent is to use MIDI and Arduino to control various motors, leds, etc. MIDI allows for the recording of sequences (with audio software and/or hardware) which can be composed and replayed as desired.

Demonstration video by Ali Momeni:


MIDI to Arduino - Ali Momeni
Arduino.cc

Photosounder

'Photosounder is a one-of-a-kind image-sound editing program. It is unique in that it opens images and sounds indiscriminately, treats and processes them as images, and synthesizes them as sounds.' ~Photosounder.com

Original Audio file as Image played through Photosounder.


Video:



Altered Image file with Photoshop ripple filter re-imported into Photosounder.


Video:


Photosounder.com

Accordion Automation by Carl Drohomereski

Arduino controlled accordion.



More Info:
Carl Drohomereski

RedTed8 - Light Controlled Audio Chopper

~"RedTed8" - Light controlled sound chopper.
~"RedTed8", Moogerfooger ring modulator, and Arduino.

"RedTed8" is eight LEDs controlled and sequenced (on/off) by Arduino. Each LED is coupled with a photocell; when a LED is active the photocell receives light reducing its electrical resistance allowing the audio to pass through. A flashing LED and photocell cause the audio signal to be cut on and off at a given rate.

Audio sample using a Yamaha Portasound PS-3.
RedTed Number One.mp3

Atari Punk Console with two 555s

~Atari Punk Console with two 555s, Simon Pribec.
~Stepped Tone Generator - AKA Atari Punk Console, Rob the Fiddler


~Atari Punk Console, maomakmaa

Arduino Controller

Schematic drawing of eight Arduino controlled relay circuits. Each relay will act as a 'on/off' switch and is triggered by one of Arduino's digital pins. The circuits will use pin/socket connection points so that various different devices can be connected and triggered. A 'relay switch' could simply turn something on/off or act as a switch within a circuit or device altering the way it functions. Anywhere there is a switch or could be a switch a relay is placed so that Arduino is in control.

Code will be used to create delay sequences and patterns determining when each device is turned on/off or altered. Other inputs, ie: potentiometers, switches, photocells, and piezo disks, etc., could act as variables which alter the delay time frame within the sequences and patterns.

Parts:
Arduino
5V relay x 8
Pin/socket connectors
Wire
Breadboard
Potentiometers, photocells, switches, etc. (if required)

FM3 - Buddha Machine II

~FM3 - Buddha Machine II

Generative looping sound device.

Approx. $30 CAD from Juno Records - Buddha Machine II

Info + Loop Samples:
FM3 - Buddha Machine II

Light Sequencer Proto

All four optical theremin circuits, LEDs, and Arduino.



Playing with the rate control.

Samples:
Fourtimebeats.mp3
Fourtimes.mp3