How do arpeggiators work, really? And how can we design one using simple code in Arduino and C++?
The Simple kit has 80 footprints for knobs, switches and sockets. You can design and build your own unique layout within a couple of hours. And, we're using the Daisy Seed microcontroller, which allows lots of sound design flexibility. It's so immediate, you'll have a sounding instrument in the first workshop day!
Let’s make a simple drum machine and learn how to generate a drum pattern, add swing, reuse knobs to control different parameters and use classes to organize the code.
Case study: a simple drum machine
…with bass drum, snare and hihats! We’ll be able to change pattern for every drum, speed and swing.
Generating rhythms
We will look at a simple yet efficient algorithm for generating euclidean-like rhythms and explore the famous LM-1’s shuffle aka swing.
Multi-functional knobs
Even with a limited number of knobs it’s possible to build a fully functional instrument. We will look at how to route a knob output to different parameters.
Organizing the program code into modules/classes and communicating between them.
As the complexity of an instrument grows we need to organize the code in a way that helps us design and reason about our software. And the classes are perfect vehicle for doing this. We will look at how we can structure a drum machine.
Other topics
Will go further into C/C++ programming topics
We will touch on simple templates, arrays and other topics.
All you need is a computer. If you have the Daisy Seed you can install the toolchain on your machine beforehand. You can also check out the code we will be working with on this Github page.
Vlad is software engineer with over 15 years of experience. Designing software for mobile devices by day and quirky sound machines by night. Vlad is the engineer behind the Spotykach generative looper we have released at Superbooth 2023.
We will be using the synth DIY kits below during the workshop. These are not mandatory, but they make your life easier. They also allow you to build more instruments and follow other workshops in the future.
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