This pitch tracking interface was originally created to add MIDI capability to a Vacuum Tube Theremin. It was only after it was finished that I realised it could be used as the basis for a whole range of different electronic instruments.
The idea is that this processor can be used to interface to a wide variety of hardware devices and allow anyone to develop electronic musical instruments of their own.
The original laser harp was very popular – can you create something better?
Featuring an ATMEGA328 microprocessor, MIDI In and Out ports, signal processing hardware and some clever software this device is able to track both pitch and volume from its audio inputs and output a stream of realtime MIDI data that accurately reproduces the sound using a MIDI equipped synthesizer.
The download includes Eagle CAD files, full parts list, all source code and a 26-page full color guide that not only shows you how to build and test the device, but also includes my own “secret formula” for making printed circuit boards at home.
Update : Bill Fredette emailed me to let me know he’d managed to create a board using his screen printing setup. Apparently it works with just the regular screen printing ink – which is a neat idea.
You might also like:
- …quite possible the most complex thing I’ve ever built.
- …Fritz Lang’s Theremin Stand
- …Treasure Finder for MAKE:Projects
- Air Guitar? …meet Air Piano
- DIY CO2 Laser Cutter – more test cuts…
Steve Hobley works for a software company, but in his spare time likes to deconstruct all the lovely consumer goods with a goal to make unique and interesting things.
