"1Song" is a simple, microcontroller centered synthesizer module for generative (self composing) music. It both composes the melodies and produces the audio itself, requiring no other modules to make music, but it also features inputs and outputs for timing which help it integrate with other modules in a modular synthesizer system. It can also be built in a stompbox style enclosure without these inputs and outputs and act as a standalone music producer, powered from a 9V battery or power adaptor.
The melodies that "1 Song" produces are not traditional melodies produced from a diatonic scale and using duple or triple meter for rhythms. Instead, it composes by using algorhythms to produce semi-random numbers, and uses these numbers for it's pitch and length a note is held. Notes are held anywhere from 1 to 16 beats, and there are a total of 64 different notes which can be played. The notes are not arranged 12 per octave, but rather as divisions of the highest frequency, the lowest note it produces is 1/64th the frequency of the highest, the second lowest note is 1/63rd, and so on.
The board features PC mounted pots for less wiring, and mounting holes for flexibility in panel layout. There are Eurorack and MOTM power connecters.
This is an mp3 demo of 1Song being used in conjunction with a VCA and VCF.
Here are three video demos of 1Song
Demo
1. Standalone
Demo 2.
Timing Outputs
Demo 3.
Timing Inputs
For complete descriptions of the way the module is used, and how to build it, including schematics and parts list; download this PDF file.
Boards and PICs are available now. Price for 1 PCB and PIC set is is $18.
Unfinished eurorack
panels are available for this project, they are 8HP and cost $8 each.
There is
more information here about panels. If you're interested in drilling your own panel for
this project, feel free to use my
drill guide. That image should be printed at 300dpi for proper
scaling.
