Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Conductor controls Aussie pipe organ through MIDI and Kinect, explains how he did it (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/conductor-controls-pipe-organ-with-kinect/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/conductor-controls-pipe-organ-with-kinect/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/conductor-controls-pipe-organ-with-kinect/#comments ImageDoing a little desktop DJing with Kinect and a MIDI device is nothing new, but last year a man with loftier musical machinations took Kinect conducting to the next level. Chris Vik composed a piece that he and vocalist Elise Richards performed using the sensor bar and the massive Town Hall organ in Melbourne, Australia last November. Recently, he released a video explaining how he made the magic happen. The organ, despite being built in 1929, was retrofitted to take MIDI input back in the late 1990s, which allowed Vik to use a custom bit of code he wrote, called Kinectar, to communicate with it. That software also allows users to assign various notes, chords, and scales to different spatial zones and gestures, then trigger them through Kinect. The results were pretty impressive, so head on after the break to soak up the sonic goodness for yourself.

Continue reading Conductor controls Aussie pipe organ through MIDI and Kinect, explains how he did it (video)

Conductor controls Aussie pipe organ through MIDI and Kinect, explains how he did it (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiachris vikChrisVikconductorhackhackskinectkinectarmidimidi controllerMidiControllermodmodsmusicorganpipe organPipeOrganvideoMon, 09 Apr 2012 22:31:00 EST<![CDATA[A spreadsheet based music tracker: get ready to rock your accounts (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/a-spreadsheet-based-music-tracker-get-ready-to-rock-your-accoun/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/a-spreadsheet-based-music-tracker-get-ready-to-rock-your-accoun/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/a-spreadsheet-based-music-tracker-get-ready-to-rock-your-accoun/#comments Art and geekery: two sides of the same coin. A fact wonderfully demonstrated by this spiffy spreadsheet-based music sequencer. Live-coder and all-round music hacker Patrick -- aka cappel:nord -- spotted the LibreOffice spreadsheet's sonic potential and decided to work his magic. The result is demonstrated in the video below. Sure, it's a little bit senza functionally, but it does appear to have velocity control, based on the cell's number value, as well as effects. Not bad for what the creator claims was "a three hour hack". Sadly there's sparse detail on how exactly the task was accomplished, but if you know your quavers from your variables, grab the source code by tapping the via after the jump.

Continue reading A spreadsheet based music tracker: get ready to rock your accounts (video)

A spreadsheet based music tracker: get ready to rock your accounts (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cappel nordCappelNordhackhackinglibreofficemusicmusic sequencermusic trackerMusicSequencerMusicTrackerofficeOpen OfficeOpenOfficepatricksequencerspreadsheettrackerWed, 11 Jan 2012 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Developer teases voice control of Zune, using PC and Windows Phone (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/developer-teases-voice-control-of-zune-using-pc-and-windows-pho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/developer-teases-voice-control-of-zune-using-pc-and-windows-pho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/developer-teases-voice-control-of-zune-using-pc-and-windows-pho/#comments The great thinkers of the world have long known a secret that we're now happy to disclose: it's not necessity that's the mother invention, but rather laziness. Fortunately, expending a great deal of effort on a project -- simply to perform a task effortlessly -- sometimes brings very cool results. A concept app known as ZuneVoice easily passes muster in this realm, which is used to control Zune software on the PC with only a standard microphone and spoken commands. As you can see in the demo video, its creator, keyboardp, is able to play individual songs, issue commands such a "pause" or "next song", and even display full-screen music videos from YouTube. The developer even crafted an app for his Lumia 800 known as PhoneZune, which serves as a remote control for times when he's away from the box. Neither application is yet publicly available, though feedback is welcome. Next, we're told to expect Kinect integration. Perhaps one day, these gems will see the light of day.

Continue reading Developer teases voice control of Zune, using PC and Windows Phone (video)

Developer teases voice control of Zune, using PC and Windows Phone (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappshackhackskeyboardpkinectlumia 800Lumia800microsoftmobilepostcrossmusicnokiapcphonezunespeech recognitionSpeechRecognitionvideovoicevoice controlvoice recognitionVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionwindowswindows phoneWindowsPhoneyoutubezunezunevoiceTue, 29 Nov 2011 19:06:00 EST<![CDATA[How-to: use Google Music from anywhere (yes, outside of the United States)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/how-to-use-google-music-from-anywhere-yes-outside-of-the-unit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/how-to-use-google-music-from-anywhere-yes-outside-of-the-unit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/how-to-use-google-music-from-anywhere-yes-outside-of-the-unit/#comments Now that Google Music has finally clawed its way out of the realm of beta-ware, anybody in the US can sign up to play without an invitation. Of course, that leaves many folks out of the equation, so we thought it a good time to point out at least one other route to let you get involved in the service, no matter where you live. See, the rub seems to be that Google checks your IP address on your first attempt to log in, and accept its terms of use -- only the first time, and yeah, you're definitely going to be ignoring that doc by following this guide.

So, in essence all we need to do is find a way to gently tiptoe past that gatekeeper and we're home free. Keep in mind that while you can upload your music, buying new tracks isn't going to happen until it rolls out in your neck of the woods in a more official way -- but hey, most of a good thing is still a good thing. There are various means to get this done, and we've found a pretty straightforward route, and if you're up to it click on through to the guide.

Continue reading How-to: use Google Music from anywhere (yes, outside of the United States)

How-to: use Google Music from anywhere (yes, outside of the United States) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcanadaglobalgooglegoogle musicgoogle music canadagoogle music europegoogle music hackGoogleMusicGoogleMusicCanadaGoogleMusicEuropeGoogleMusicHackhackhow tohow-tohowtointernationalmobilepostcrossmusicproxyususavideoworkaroundSat, 19 Nov 2011 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect BeatWheel hack makes you do the windmill]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/kinect-beatwheel-hack-makes-you-do-the-windmill/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/kinect-beatwheel-hack-makes-you-do-the-windmill/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/10/kinect-beatwheel-hack-makes-you-do-the-windmill/#comments Running out of avant garde ways of making music? Then perhaps this BeatWheel hack for Kinect, made at a recent Music Hackday in Boston, will give you some fresh ideas. Music samples are separated into eight segments, which encircle the user like a clockface. You then control which part plays by waving your hands around like a severely caffeinated Bernstein. Check out the shadowy BeatWheel demo after the break.

Continue reading Kinect BeatWheel hack makes you do the windmill

Kinect BeatWheel hack makes you do the windmill originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatwheelBoston Music Hack DayBostonMusicHackDayhackinstrumentkinectkinect beatwheelkinect hackKinectBeatwheelKinectHackmusicsample loopsSampleLoopsXbox 360xbox kinectXbox360XboxKinectThu, 10 Nov 2011 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Artists hack Sony Ericsson's Xperia phones to see the unseen universe, use fire as a flash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/11/artists-hack-sony-ericssons-xperia-phones-to-see-the-unseen-uni/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/11/artists-hack-sony-ericssons-xperia-phones-to-see-the-unseen-uni/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/11/artists-hack-sony-ericssons-xperia-phones-to-see-the-unseen-uni/#comments For most of us, cellphones are for texting, calling and maybe the occasional tweet, but what happens when you hand them over to some of the world's most creative minds? Giving hackers, artists and intellectuals free reign to mess with the various Xperia phones, Sony found out just how capable its handsets really are. Using a few tweaks and hacks, artists were able to create an installation that breathes fire when you snap a photo, a remote-controlled boat with GPS and a bike that uses colored lights to spell out secret words only visible when captured on camera. When Sony asked astrophysicist Joshua Peek to give it a go, he took full sky maps and telescope image data to build an app with an up-close view of electromagnetic patterns in the sky. To round out the project, musician Annabel Lindquist composed a song based on the sounds of Paris she recorded with an Arc. Now, if they could just mod one to avoid dropped calls, we'd be all set. Videos of their ingenuity in action after the break.

Continue reading Artists hack Sony Ericsson's Xperia phones to see the unseen universe, use fire as a flash

Artists hack Sony Ericsson's Xperia phones to see the unseen universe, use fire as a flash originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Annabel LindquistAnnabelLindquistappappsarcartartistartistsastrophysicistelectromagneticGPShackhackathonhackershackinginstallationJoshua PeekJoshuaPeekmodmodsmusicmusicianplayrcremote controlremote controlledRemoteControlRemoteControlledsmartphonesmartphonesSonysony ericssonSonyEricssonsoundXperiaxperia arcxperia playxperia studioXperiaArcXperiaPlayXperiaStudioSun, 11 Sep 2011 04:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot band covers Marilyn Manson, renders sullen teenagers obsolete (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/robot-band-covers-marilyn-manson-renders-sullen-teenagers-obsol/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/robot-band-covers-marilyn-manson-renders-sullen-teenagers-obsol/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/18/robot-band-covers-marilyn-manson-renders-sullen-teenagers-obsol/#comments
Sure, we've seen robot bands before. But even when insecure and egotistical, they never quite capture the youthful disaffection we want from our mechanical pop stars. Until now. End of Life is a robot band consisting of a cello, and electric guitar, drums, and, for some reason, a flat-bed scanner -- maybe he's the cute one? The group recently covered Marilyn Manson's three-string anthem "The Beautiful People," and it sounds almost exactly like you'd expect: we'll call it "raw, visceral, and uncensored." We can't wait to see them sneer at Rock Band-playing robots too lazy to learn a real instrument. Catch them in the video after the break, and you can tell all your less-cool friends you knew them back before they sold out.

Continue reading Robot band covers Marilyn Manson, renders sullen teenagers obsolete (video)

Robot band covers Marilyn Manson, renders sullen teenagers obsolete (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artautonomousbandeolhackinstrumentmechanical bandMechanicalBandmusicmusic makingmusic videoMusicMakingMusicVideomyspacerobotrobot bandRobotBandroboticsRobotsvideoMon, 18 Jul 2011 16:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Android Honeycomb's music app extracted, brings cloud sync and streaming to phones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/android-honeycombs-music-app-extracted-brings-cloud-sync-and-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/android-honeycombs-music-app-extracted-brings-cloud-sync-and-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/android-honeycombs-music-app-extracted-brings-cloud-sync-and-s/#comments Those who are familiar with Android Honeycomb might have already come across its music player's cloud syncing feature, though previous attempts to port said app to phones hadn't been successful. Whatever it was that kept crashing the app back then, it seems to have fixed itself -- after xda-developers member WhiteWidows slapped the leaked app onto his rooted EVO 4G, the phone started to automagically sync his tunes to his Google account. The modder then swapped in an empty SD card, but he was still able to stream music straight from the cloud after checking the "Stream music" option in the app. Pretty neat, eh? That said, we do wonder if Google will be able to handle the exabytes worth of high-quality Justin Bieber and Spice Girl tracks.

Android Honeycomb's music app extracted, brings cloud sync and streaming to phones originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid honeycombAndroidHoneycombappcloudcloud syncCloudSyncgooglegoogle musicGoogleMusichackhoneycombmodmusicmusic appmusic playbackmusic playermusic streamingmusic syncMusicAppMusicPlaybackMusicPlayerMusicStreamingMusicSyncrootstreamstreamingstreaming musicStreamingMusicsyncsync musicSyncMusicMon, 07 Mar 2011 22:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect used to shoot a gorgeous, ghostly music video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/kinect-used-to-shoot-a-gorgeous-ghostly-music-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/kinect-used-to-shoot-a-gorgeous-ghostly-music-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/kinect-used-to-shoot-a-gorgeous-ghostly-music-video/#comments
You might think you've seen all that can be done with Kinect, but you would of course be wrong. Here's another example of how Microsoft's bundle of sensors and cameras can be utilized to freshen up an old concept -- in this case a music video -- with some arresting new visuals. Just sit back, relax, and hit play.

[Thanks, Joe]

Kinect used to shoot a gorgeous, ghostly music video originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhackingkinectmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmusicmusic videoMusicVideovideoxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 02 Feb 2011 05:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect meets its maker with new air guitar hack (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/kinect-meets-its-maker-with-new-air-guitar-hack-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/kinect-meets-its-maker-with-new-air-guitar-hack-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/kinect-meets-its-maker-with-new-air-guitar-hack-video/#comments Let's face it, the daddy of all motion-controlled gaming is the humble art of air guitar. There's no question about it, creationists and evolutionists all agree, the genesis of our modern craze for motion sensitivity was your uncle rocking out to Jimmy Page's face-melting solo in Stairway to Heaven. Now that we've got the history lesson out of the way, someone's gone and programmed Kinect to recognize the fine craft of your air strumming and deliver concordant chords in response. Excellent!

Continue reading Kinect meets its maker with new air guitar hack (video)

Kinect meets its maker with new air guitar hack (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air guitarAirGuitarc++chris osheaChrisOsheaguitarhackhackingkinectlibfreenectmicrosoftmotionmotion gamingmotion recognitionmotion sensorMotionGamingMotionRecognitionMotionSensormusicofxkinectopencvopenframeworksopenkinectvideoxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[O-Bow repurposes a mouse sensor for artificial bow tracking]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/o-bow-repurposes-a-mouse-sensor-for-artificial-bow-tracking/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/o-bow-repurposes-a-mouse-sensor-for-artificial-bow-tracking/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/o-bow-repurposes-a-mouse-sensor-for-artificial-bow-tracking/#comments Here at the Engadget HQ we're very serious about articulating the noise and action of a bow when it comes to our synthesized string instruments, and the O-Bow looks like it could be the low cost solution we were dreaming of. (No, Smule Magic Fiddle doesn't count, it's a devil "instrument" and it lies). Hacker / musician Dylan Menzies has devised a method using the optical sensor from a mouse for tracking anything with a grained surface, like a wooden stick, and using it to make a single sample synthesizer "sing" like a real bowed instrument. Unfortunately, that single sample sounds pretty terrible right now, but Dylan is working on a more sophisticated method of modeling the instrument. Until then, we'll just have to resort to giving Smule dirty looks and messing around with our Korg joystick. There's a video after the break, but don't say we didn't warn you about that sample.

Continue reading O-Bow repurposes a mouse sensor for artificial bow tracking

O-Bow repurposes a mouse sensor for artificial bow tracking originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 22:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowDylan MenziesDylanMenzieshackinstrumentmouse sensorMouseSensormusico-bowoptical mouseoptical mouse sensorOpticalMouseOpticalMouseSensorsynthsynthesizervideoMon, 22 Nov 2010 22:51:00 EST<![CDATA[SuONOIO synth takes soundgeeks from zero to tweaking in fewer than 60 cycles (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/suonoio-synth-takes-soundgeeks-from-zero-to-tweaking-in-fewer-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/suonoio-synth-takes-soundgeeks-from-zero-to-tweaking-in-fewer-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/suonoio-synth-takes-soundgeeks-from-zero-to-tweaking-in-fewer-th/#comments We'll admit that sometimes it doesn't take much to get our engines running here at Engadget HQ. If you can throw a couple of knobs, exposed circuitry, a 9v battery, and a sense of adventure into a semi-coherent package, we'll be pleased as punch. The SuONIO synthesizer, therefore, makes us very happy indeed.

SuONOIO is the band of former Nine Inch Nails keyboardist Alessandro Cortini, and SuONOIO is a pint-sized slab of silicon that comes bundled with a digital copy of the band's latest album. Delivered bubble-wrapped in a hand-stamped cardboard box -- if you've ever had the pleasure of unboxing an Arduino kit, you'll know the feeling -- it's pre-loaded with two banks of samples that were used to create the album.

Although it's a sample-based instrument, it's the user's job to create new noise using an array of jumper-activated effects and mixing techniques. It's not quite as expansive as an MPC, but as any good experimentalist knows, there's a lot to be gleaned from limitations and new interface paradigms.

Read on for our impressions of the noisebox and a tour of its inner workings!

Gallery: SuONOIO

Continue reading SuONOIO synth takes soundgeeks from zero to tweaking in fewer than 60 cycles (video)

SuONOIO synth takes soundgeeks from zero to tweaking in fewer than 60 cycles (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alessandro cortiniAlessandroCortinicircuitcircuitrycontrollerdiyhackhands-oninstrumentkeyboardknobsmusicnine inch nailsNineInchNailssamplessynthsynthesizervideoMon, 22 Nov 2010 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[iPod nano modded to play inside 8-track player, blow minds with ease (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/07/ipod-nano-modded-to-play-inside-8-track-player-blow-minds-with/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/07/ipod-nano-modded-to-play-inside-8-track-player-blow-minds-with/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/07/ipod-nano-modded-to-play-inside-8-track-player-blow-minds-with/#commentsOh, sure -- they've a place in history, but the 8-track ain't got nothing on the record player when it comes to retro audio sources. This, however, is no vanilla 8-track deck. The Mad Hacker decided to add a little 2-oh-oh-to-the-dime to his Channel Master by modding a Beach Boys deck to connect to his iPod nano. He even threw a headphone socket and USB port on the front for listening on the go and charging (respectively), but the real amazement comes when you plug the thing in. Somehow or another, he hacked the 8-track to transfer iPod signals into the antediluvian source, providing a bona find plug-and-play solution that's (way) more awesome than practical. Seriously, it needs to be seen to be believed -- lucky for you, the video demonstration is just a click away.

Continue reading iPod nano modded to play inside 8-track player, blow minds with ease (video)

iPod nano modded to play inside 8-track player, blow minds with ease (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 06:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 track8-track8Trackaccessoryappleaudioawesomeboomboxdiyeight trackEightTrackhacki-Trackipodipod nanoIpodNanomodmusicsound systemSoundSystemvideoMon, 07 Jun 2010 06:56:00 EST<![CDATA[8-bit arcade guitar sounds (and looks) like a little piece of nerd heaven]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/8-bit-arcade-guitar-sounds-and-looks-like-a-little-piece-of-ne/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/8-bit-arcade-guitar-sounds-and-looks-like-a-little-piece-of-ne/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/8-bit-arcade-guitar-sounds-and-looks-like-a-little-piece-of-ne/#comments
The hand built, 8-bit "arcade guitar" that you see above is the result of a DIY senior project, and it's a pretty cool accomplishment. There's not a ton of detail about how it was constructed, but we know that it's got an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) for logic and function, strings and a joystick for adjusting the pitch, and it also boasts selectable waves and save banks. Most importantly, however, the final product sounds really, really good -- and we'd advise you to check the video below.

Continue reading 8-bit arcade guitar sounds (and looks) like a little piece of nerd heaven

8-bit arcade guitar sounds (and looks) like a little piece of nerd heaven originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bit8nitfpgagamesgamingguitarguitarshackhacksmodmoddermodsmusicvideoWed, 28 Apr 2010 22:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Floppy drives, Arduino board mangled into audio delay effects (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/floppy-drives-arduino-board-mangled-into-audio-delay-effects-v/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/floppy-drives-arduino-board-mangled-into-audio-delay-effects-v/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/floppy-drives-arduino-board-mangled-into-audio-delay-effects-v/#comments
If you're a DIY music hardware developer, there's a pretty good chance you're familiar with the charms of the Arduino. In this space alone we've seen it used for everything from controlling Max/MSP effects to an entire robot band. The above jumble of parts, however, might be our fave yet. Part of an ongoing project by a certain Daniel McAnulty, the Floppy Audio website details the use of the magnetic media inside a floppy disk for looping analog audio. The most ambitious of the lot even combines three floppy disk drives and the aforementioned Arduino to create a continuous tape delay effect! Things are still really rough, but he does have working prototypes, and he's not at all shy about sharing his methods and results with the rest of the world -- so feel free to hit the source link to get started yourself! If you're not the type to get your hands dirty, at least peep the videos after the break.

Continue reading Floppy drives, Arduino board mangled into audio delay effects (video)

Floppy drives, Arduino board mangled into audio delay effects (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog delayanalog reverbAnalogDelayAnalogReverbaudio effectsAudioEffectsDaniel McAnultyDanielMcanultydelaydiyfloppy audioFloppyAudiohackmodmusicmusic makingMusicMakingreverbvideoTue, 27 Apr 2010 12:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Steampunk sequencer generates audio from Lego blocks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/steampunk-sequencer-generates-audio-from-lego-blocks/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/steampunk-sequencer-generates-audio-from-lego-blocks/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/steampunk-sequencer-generates-audio-from-lego-blocks/#comments In 2007, steampunk musician Yoshi Akai wrote his master's thesis on how to turn color into sound, and he's been dreaming up unorthodox ways of producing music ever since. Case in point: the Lego Sequencer MR II, a contraption that uses three-dimensional Lego structures to emulate a three-channel, eight-step sequencer, where each differently colored plastic brick produces a different sound and complex combinations (including tremolo and overdrive) are possible when the blocks are stacked. Akai tells us it works using resistors embedded in each and every block, with parallel networks of resistors formed as the bricks pile up, equalling lower resistance and thus a higher frequency sound generated by the contraption. While the result certainly won't back a techno track -- Akai says he's "building sound more than playing sound" -- it looks like a good step up from the lethargic phaser noise produced by his Wireless Catcher, a lot of fun to play with, and much less expensive than hiring a team of hot models. Video after the break.

Continue reading Steampunk sequencer generates audio from Lego blocks

Steampunk sequencer generates audio from Lego blocks originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiodiyhacklegolego sequencerlego sequencer mr iiLegoSequencerLegoSequencerMrIimodmr iiMrIimusicsequencersoundsteampunksynthesizervideoYoshi akaiYoshiAkaiWed, 10 Mar 2010 05:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Yoshi Akai's Wireless Catcher senses nearby wireless waves, makes music (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/28/yoshi-akais-wireless-catcher-senses-nearby-wireless-waves-make/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/28/yoshi-akais-wireless-catcher-senses-nearby-wireless-waves-make/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/28/yoshi-akais-wireless-catcher-senses-nearby-wireless-waves-make/#comments What's cute, cuddly, and makes all sorts of bizarro noises when it senses wireless waves? Yoshi Akai's Wireless Catcher, of course! This analog synth contraption is simplistic in nature and complex in design, utilizing an onboard antenna to sense WiFi signals and then alter the sounds being outputted depending on signal strength and direction. It's not exactly the symphony that Bach forgot to write, but it's certainly beautiful in its own nerdy way. Have a look at the video past the break, won't you?

Continue reading Yoshi Akai's Wireless Catcher senses nearby wireless waves, makes music (video)

Yoshi Akai's Wireless Catcher senses nearby wireless waves, makes music (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 04:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analog synthAnalogSynthaudiodiyhackmodmusicsoundsynthSynthesizervideowifiwirelesswireless catcherWirelessCatcherwlanYoshi AkaiYoshiAkaiSun, 28 Feb 2010 04:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Stimmmopped lets you tune your axe with LEDs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/stimmmopped-lets-you-tune-your-axe-with-leds/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/stimmmopped-lets-you-tune-your-axe-with-leds/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/stimmmopped-lets-you-tune-your-axe-with-leds/#comments Look, that BOSS TU-2 has served you (and eleventy billion other guitarists) well, but isn't it time for something a bit different in the pedal board mix? Stimmmopped is that very thing, which is a darling little contraption that uses LEDs rather than a microphone in order to tell you if your strings are tuned as they should be. Put simply, the device illuminates a string with a pair of lights, both of which are flashing at the frequency that the string should be vibrating at if it's in tune; if you're off, the illuminated part of the string will appear to be moving (thanks, stroboscopic effect!), and if you're on the money, the lights will appear fixed. Have a peek at the source link for more, but don't go building one yourself without a steady hand and a few vacation days to spare.

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Stimmmopped lets you tune your axe with LEDs originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diyguitarguitar tunerGuitarTunerhackinstrumentledmodmusicStimmmoppedtunertuningFri, 19 Feb 2010 17:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Bleep Labs builds Arduino-based Nebulophone, wants to sell you one]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/29/bleep-labs-builds-arduino-based-nebulophone-wants-to-sell-you-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/29/bleep-labs-builds-arduino-based-nebulophone-wants-to-sell-you-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/29/bleep-labs-builds-arduino-based-nebulophone-wants-to-sell-you-o/#commentsWhat do you get when you mash together an Arduino-based synth with a Stylophone-like keyboard? A month ago, even we wouldn't have known, but now that Handmade Music Austin has come and gone, we're happy to say that this beautiful concoction leads to the creation of a Nebulophone. Unfortunately, there's no video (yet) to showcase what this musical wonder can do, but we're told that it has "adjustable waveforms, a light controlled analog filter, LFO and an arpeggiator that can be clocked over IR." Hit the source link if you're looking for all the code, schematics, and instructions necessary to give yourself a weekend project, and feel free to drop the guys / gals there a line if you're interested in just buying one.

Bleep Labs builds Arduino-based Nebulophone, wants to sell you one originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArduinocircuitcircuitrycodediyhackmodmusicNebulophonephonesoundsynthSynthesizerFri, 29 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero and Rock Band drums combine for ultimate MIDI kit (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/guitar-hero-and-rock-band-drums-combine-for-ultimate-midi-kit-v/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/guitar-hero-and-rock-band-drums-combine-for-ultimate-midi-kit-v/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/guitar-hero-and-rock-band-drums-combine-for-ultimate-midi-kit-v/#comments We've seen our fair share of Guitar Hero / Rock Band drum kit mods, but without exception, this one is our fav. Tipster (and tinkerer) Jordan has taken the time to wire up a Guitar Hero kit and a Rock Band kit in order to create the most bodacious set of MIDI skins this planet has ever seen. Using a combination of Osculator, JunXion Lite and Logic, he was able to rig up the Rock Band pedal to operate as a high-hat pedal, while reprogramming some of the heads to act as cymbals. We'd bother explaining more, but we'll just point you past the break and advise you to watch (head to 2:20 if you're short on time!).

[Thanks, Jordan]

Continue reading Guitar Hero and Rock Band drums combine for ultimate MIDI kit (video)

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Guitar Hero and Rock Band drums combine for ultimate MIDI kit (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diydrumdrum kitDrumKitdrumsguitar heroGuitarHerohackinstrumentkitmidimodmusicrock bandRockBandvideoFri, 06 Nov 2009 21:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Korg Nanokey controller repurposed into MIDI foot pedal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/korg-nanokey-controller-repurposed-into-midi-foot-pedal/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/korg-nanokey-controller-repurposed-into-midi-foot-pedal/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/korg-nanokey-controller-repurposed-into-midi-foot-pedal/#comments Korg's Nanokey MIDI controller is pretty awesome in its own right, but using it with your feet gets a little difficult under "normal" conditions. We can't say for certain why Marc Fischer decided to convert his perfectly good control board into a MIDI foot pedal, but frankly, that's beside the point. The point is he did it, and he did it with just a bit of ingenuity, some wooden blocks for risers and a bit of Plexiglas to cover up the missing keys. Hit the read link if you're interested in doing something similar, and feel free to ask the man himself where that gorgeous shag carpet came from. Kinky!

[Via MAKE]

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Korg Nanokey controller repurposed into MIDI foot pedal originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diyelectronicsfoot pedalFootPedalguitarguitar pedalGuitarPedalhackkeyboardkorgmidimidi pedalMidiPedalmodmusicnanokeynanopedalWed, 28 Oct 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[OpenChord allows actual guitars to play Guitar Hero, sound atrocious]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/07/openchord-allows-actual-guitars-to-play-guitar-hero-sound-atroc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/07/openchord-allows-actual-guitars-to-play-guitar-hero-sound-atroc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/07/openchord-allows-actual-guitars-to-play-guitar-hero-sound-atroc/#comments
You've heard that saying "so close, yet so far away," right? This, folks, is why that very quote exists. The obviously brilliant team over at OpenChord has designed a system that enables an honest-to-goodness guitar to sync up with Nintendo's Wii in order to play Guitar Hero. You simply plug the Wiimote into the axe and use the bona fide strings and frets in place of those plastic buttons you're so used to using. The only problem? Guitar Hero wasn't designed for use with six strings and 22 to 24 frets, and man, does it show. Hop on past the break to have a listen, and yes, your dreams of actually taking advantage of this will be shattered. Bet on it.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading OpenChord allows actual guitars to play Guitar Hero, sound atrocious

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OpenChord allows actual guitars to play Guitar Hero, sound atrocious originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axecontrollerguitarguitar heroGuitarHerohackinstrumentmodmusicnintendo wiiNintendoWiiopen chordOpenChordopenchord v1OpenchordV1v1wiiwii controllerWiiControllerwiimoteFri, 07 Aug 2009 09:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Arduino-based 'insecure, egotistical' robot band]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/video-arduino-based-insecure-egotistical-robot-band/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/video-arduino-based-insecure-egotistical-robot-band/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/video-arduino-based-insecure-egotistical-robot-band/#comments
One part gadget, one part art project, and 100% awesome, the Cybraphon is a MacBook powered, Arduino-based mechanical band housed in an antique wardrobe. Including an organ, cymbals, a motor-driven Indian Shruti box (played with 13 robotic servos, no less), and a gramophone, it relies on infrared motion detectors to sense when it has an audience. A number of factors, including the amount of attention it gets on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, help the device determine its "mood," which in turn determines when the "band" plays, and what material it selects. According to one of the artist / inventors, the Cybraphon is a "tongue-in-cheek comment on people's obsession with online celebrity. We modeled it on an insecure, egotistical band." That's our favorite kind! And you know, the thing doesn't sound half bad. Check it out for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Video: Arduino-based 'insecure, egotistical' robot band

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Video: Arduino-based 'insecure, egotistical' robot band originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoartbandcybraphonefacebookgramophonehackmechanical bandMechanicalBandmusicmusic makingMusicMakingmyspacerobotrobot bandRobotBandroboticstwitterFri, 31 Jul 2009 17:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Coconut headphone mod makes us long for Kokomo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/coconut-headphone-mod-makes-us-long-for-kokomo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/coconut-headphone-mod-makes-us-long-for-kokomo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/coconut-headphone-mod-makes-us-long-for-kokomo/#comments You knew somebody would do it, and now you're just downtrodden that said somebody isn't you. Yes friends, the gadget you see above really is a pair of working headphones with coconut halves for earcups. We already got word that Dave Chappelle's crack-infused twin fully approves, but we're still waiting for Dr. Dre to give us the all-clear before we deem them "street credible."

[Via MAKE]

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Coconut headphone mod makes us long for Kokomo originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioCoconutdiyfruithackhacksheadphoneheadphonesmodmodsmusicportable audioportableaudioFri, 31 Jul 2009 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Cacophonic typewriter doubles as piano]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/18/video-cacophonic-typewriter-doubles-as-paino/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/18/video-cacophonic-typewriter-doubles-as-paino/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/18/video-cacophonic-typewriter-doubles-as-paino/#comments See, we knew those check writers in NYC had something brilliant in mind when dropping a cool million on typewriters this week! As the tale goes, they've contracted one Fabien Cappello to modify each and every one into a 'Typing The Sound' concept, which bangs away at letters whilst making all sorts of racket. Unfortunately, there aren't any how-to details to be found (nor any real proof that a pianist isn't behind this guy fooling us all... nor any truth to the aforesaid tale), but the video past the break is still worth a gander. Honest.

[Via MAKE]

Continue reading Video: Cacophonic typewriter doubles as piano

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Video: Cacophonic typewriter doubles as piano originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 01:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artconceptdesignFabien CappelloFabienCappellohackhacksMIDImodmodsmusicTypewritertyping the soundTypingTheSoundyamahaSat, 18 Jul 2009 01:22:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY WiFi radio built with ASUS WL-520gU router, sweat and tears]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/06/diy-wifi-radio-built-with-asus-wl-520gu-router-sweat-and-tears/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/06/diy-wifi-radio-built-with-asus-wl-520gu-router-sweat-and-tears/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/06/diy-wifi-radio-built-with-asus-wl-520gu-router-sweat-and-tears/#comments Are you just now coming to the stark realization that you've nothing whatsoever to do this weekend? Calm down, there's no need to freak out. Thanks to Jeff Keyzer over at mightyOhm, you can now get to work on your very own DIY WiFi radio. In one of the most elaborate how-to guides we've ever had the pleasure of gawking at, Jeff has detailed exactly how to turn an ASUS WL-520gU router, a few spare pieces of wood and a couple of unwanted knobs into an open source internet radio streamer. Sure, there's always Pandora for those who aren't inclined to get their elbows dirty, but seriously, what fun is that? Roll up those sleeves, grab whatever tools your pop gave you when you left for college and hit the read link. Pronto.

[Via Hacked Gadgets]

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DIY WiFi radio built with ASUS WL-520gU router, sweat and tears originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asusaudiodiydiy radioDiyRadiohackhackshow-tointernet radioInternetRadiomodmodsmusicportable audioportableaudioradiorouterwifi radioWifiRadioWL-520gUSat, 06 Jun 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY footswitch for Ableton Live frees up your hands, makes you dangerous onstage]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/09/diy-footswitch-for-ableton-live-frees-up-your-hands-makes-you-d/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/09/diy-footswitch-for-ableton-live-frees-up-your-hands-makes-you-d/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/09/diy-footswitch-for-ableton-live-frees-up-your-hands-makes-you-d/#comments
When Ableton forum member AlexMC came across plans for a no-fuss, no-muss USB foot controller for the company's world-renowned music app, he liked what he saw -- but not so much that he couldn't make a few changes his own self. By adding a sturdy wooden case, a 30 degree pitch to the top of the thing, some extra buttons, and some razzle-dazzle (that'll cost you extra) he now has a device that sports twenty buttons and a bank switch (making for forty unique outputs total), useful for things like play / record on individual tracks, stop / fade, and of course, everybody's favorite -- tap tempo. The best part? He built this bad boy for ten bucks! The excruciating step-by-step plans and photos (including circuit diagrams and all that jazz) are yours when you hit the read link below -- and you'll be mashing up Katy Perry and the Cure live on stage, while jamming along on your keytar, in no time. But please, don't mash-up Katy Perry and the Cure.

[Via Make]

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DIY footswitch for Ableton Live frees up your hands, makes you dangerous onstage originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abletonableton liveAbletonLivediyhackhacksmodmodsmusicmusic makingMusicMakingperformancerecordingThu, 09 Apr 2009 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Wiimote repurposed into theremin, Vincent Price's ghost perks up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/wiimote-repurposed-into-theremin-vincent-prices-ghost-perks-up/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/wiimote-repurposed-into-theremin-vincent-prices-ghost-perks-up/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/wiimote-repurposed-into-theremin-vincent-prices-ghost-perks-up/#comments
Both practical and not-so-practical applications for the Wiimote have been around since Nintendo's console launched, but this latest hack is quite possibly the oddest thus far. Ken Moore, tinkerer extraordinaire, has inexplicably converted the controller into a new-fangled theremin. By coupling IR-infused gloves with a JV-1080 synth and the Wiimote's built-in Bluetooth, he's been able get his PC to recognize the left hand position as volume, and the right hand position as pitch. Once the IR camera in the Wiimote sends the positioning info back to the PC, MIDI sends it to the synthesizer to create sound. Now, you could just pick up a copy of Guitar Hero or Rock Band if you wanted to casually riff on some classics, but if you've got an intrinsic urge to perform a rendition of the original Star Trek theme, this might be your speed. Peep the setup in video action after the break.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading Wiimote repurposed into theremin, Vincent Price's ghost perks up

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Wiimote repurposed into theremin, Vincent Price's ghost perks up originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiohackKen MooreKenMooremodmusicthereminwiiwiimotewiimotehackMon, 01 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Wiimote strapped on guitar for wild effects, whammy bar gets totally jealous]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/wiimote-strapped-on-guitar-for-wild-effects-whammy-bar-gets-tot/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/wiimote-strapped-on-guitar-for-wild-effects-whammy-bar-gets-tot/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/15/wiimote-strapped-on-guitar-for-wild-effects-whammy-bar-gets-tot/#comments
What can't be done with a Wiimote? No, seriously. You can use the thing to control your vacuum, homegrown video games and your very own robotic sentry. Oh, and now you can use it to make yourself a better guitarist. YouTube member rockin1208 has hosted up a video of him executing all sorts of nasty pitch bends and whatnot thanks to a Wiimote strapped onto his Strat. Put as simply as possible, he pipes the Wiimote data to Max / Msp, which then sends MIDI data to a Digitech Whammy pedal. We know, you have no idea what we just said, so we'll just encourage you to don your gnarliest cans and hop on past the break for an aural explanation.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

Continue reading Wiimote strapped on guitar for wild effects, whammy bar gets totally jealous

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Wiimote strapped on guitar for wild effects, whammy bar gets totally jealous originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiodiyguitarhackmidimusicpitch bendPitchBendvideowiiwiimoteWed, 15 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cythbot Guitar Hero robot uncomfortably demonstrated on video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/cythbot-guitar-hero-robot-uncomfortably-demonstrated-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/cythbot-guitar-hero-robot-uncomfortably-demonstrated-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/cythbot-guitar-hero-robot-uncomfortably-demonstrated-on-video/#comments
Not that we haven't seen robotic Guitar Hero masters before, but Cyth Systems' egotistically named Cythbot is just a full cut above the rest. Boasting some of the most advanced, high-dollar equipment known to mankind (okay, so maybe that's a stretch, but just barely), the creation uses a highly sophisticated viewing method to determine which notes to hit, and it can even decide whether slamming the whammy bar is a good idea or not. Too bad you'll be entirely too distracted by the introverted hosts to even notice how awesome this thing is, but the video's in the read link if you care to try.

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Cythbot Guitar Hero robot uncomfortably demonstrated on video originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomouscameraCyth SystemsCythbotCythSystemsengineeringgamingguitarguitar heroguitar hero robotGuitarHeroGuitarHeroRobothackmodmusicvideovideo gamesVideoGamesFri, 12 Sep 2008 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Furby Gurdy makes "music," trips you out]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/25/video-furby-gurdy-makes-music-trips-you-out/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/25/video-furby-gurdy-makes-music-trips-you-out/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/25/video-furby-gurdy-makes-music-trips-you-out/#comments
The Nervous Squirrel's Furby Gurdy (version 2) isn't the first music maker we've seen that's better understood when viewed during an out-of-body experience, but it's certainly one of the strangest. The circuit bent Furby sequencer, which is linked to a Korg SQ-10 in the demonstration vid after the break, combines centuries-old musical methods with some of the strangest characters to ever grace planet Earth. We could talk for hours on end and still not do this thing justice, so just click through and mash play to see what we're referring to. We're warning you, though -- we haven't seen anything this weird since Smash Mouth's lead singer showed up at an Intel press event.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

Continue reading Video: Furby Gurdy makes "music," trips you out

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Video: Furby Gurdy makes "music," trips you out originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>circuitcircuit bendingCircuitBendingdiyfurbygurdyhackinstrumentmusicvideoMon, 25 Aug 2008 03:36:00 EST<![CDATA[El Tunes gives Linux users iTMS playback capabilities]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/26/el-tunes-gives-linux-users-itms-playback-capabilities/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/26/el-tunes-gives-linux-users-itms-playback-capabilities/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/26/el-tunes-gives-linux-users-itms-playback-capabilities/#commentsIt has been a solid tick since we've seen a good FairPlay hack, so it's with great pleasure that we pass along El Tunes for Ubuntu 8.04 users everywhere. Tested to work on Hardy Heron using RhythmBox (but assumed to work on any modern Linux Distro with GStreamer and a media player that utilizes GStreamer), said plug-in enables open-source aficionados to play songs purchased from the iTunes Music Store. As for limitations, the current version has no Pause / Seek support and cannot de-authorize a machine for playback, but a future version should hopefully cure those two quirks and add support for purchased video content and audio streaming to an AirTunes device. Give it a shot and let us know how it treats ya.

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El Tunes gives Linux users iTMS playback capabilities originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Jul 2008 04:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiodrmEl TunesElTunesFairPlayhackHardy HeronHardyHeroniTMSiTunesLinuxmusicopen sourceopen-sourceOpenSourceportable audioportableaudioRhythmBoxriaasoftwareUbuntuUbuntu 8.04Ubuntu8.04Sat, 26 Jul 2008 04:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Power Pad hacked into musical controller, DDR trembles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/07/power-pad-hacked-into-musical-controller-ddr-trembles/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/07/power-pad-hacked-into-musical-controller-ddr-trembles/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/07/power-pad-hacked-into-musical-controller-ddr-trembles/#comments
We're not quite sure how Seth Sternberger, one member of 8 Bit Weapon, was able to pull this off, but he somehow compiled a number of old parts from local shops and eBay in order to transform an NES Power Pad into an instrument of awesomeness. Click on through for a video of Micro Boogie being performed on said Pad, and don't be shocked to find yourself immediately overcome with the need to get one of these in your own house (only to remember that you can't dance).

Continue reading Power Pad hacked into musical controller, DDR trembles

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Power Pad hacked into musical controller, DDR trembles originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 Bit Weapon8BitWeaponhackinstrumentmodmusicmusic thingMusicThingnesnintendonintendo entertainment systemNintendoEntertainmentSystemPower PadPowerPadretrovintageMon, 07 Jul 2008 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[AirPiano single-handedly redeems air instruments from irrelevancy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/28/airpiano-single-handedly-redeems-air-instruments-from-irrelevanc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/28/airpiano-single-handedly-redeems-air-instruments-from-irrelevanc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/28/airpiano-single-handedly-redeems-air-instruments-from-irrelevanc/#comments
With the introduction of the Air Guitar Rocker, we pretty much bid the art of air rockin' adieu. No longer could we slam our belt buckles in an attempt to whammy a downright nasty Bb chord without feeling ashamed. Thanks to the AirPiano, however, imaginary musicians the world over may have one more chance to garner the respect of innocent bystanders. This instrument, which is truthfully more akin to a theremin than a bona fide piano, enables users to emit beautiful tones without ever touching the "keys." It's even smart enough to sustain a note if you hold your hand over a particular area for an extended time. We don't hand out unwarranted props, but we can't help but tip our hats to this one. Head past the break for a video of what we're gushing over.

[Via Hack-A-Day]

Continue reading AirPiano single-handedly redeems air instruments from irrelevancy

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AirPiano single-handedly redeems air instruments from irrelevancy originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airpianoaudiodiyhackinstrumentmusicmusic thingMusicThingpianosoundthereminvideoSat, 28 Jun 2008 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Midify board adds MIDI port to Nintendo gaming handhelds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/midify-board-adds-midi-port-nintendo-gaming-handhelds/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/midify-board-adds-midi-port-nintendo-gaming-handhelds/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/midify-board-adds-midi-port-nintendo-gaming-handhelds/#comments
Not like you really need another excuse to use your DS as a MIDI controller, but the hacking fiends over at Division 6 have just made available the aptly-titled Midify board. The tiny creation enables users to add a MIDI port to just about anything, but it specializes in Midifying Nintendo handhelds. It can be installed directly into a GBA, GBA-SP, DS or DS Lite, though it'll play nice with other electronics should you procure a few extra parts. We won't even bother mentioning what all you can do with this, but those already salivating at the thought shouldn't have too much trouble parting with $34.99.

[Via Hack A Day]

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Midify board adds MIDI port to Nintendo gaming handhelds originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioDivision 6Division6dsds liteDsLitegbahackmidiMidifymodmusicnintendosoundMon, 23 Jun 2008 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[ProteinDS app enables DJ-style scratching on Nintendo's DS]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/23/proteinds-app-enables-dj-style-scratching-on-nintendos-ds/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/23/proteinds-app-enables-dj-style-scratching-on-nintendos-ds/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/23/proteinds-app-enables-dj-style-scratching-on-nintendos-ds/#comments
Not like we haven't seen Nintendo's DS used as a music maker before, but this variant may be the most amazing to date. yarglaaaafr's ProteinDS application is currently in demo mode, but judging by the demonstrative video waiting after the break, it's remarkably solid as-is. C'mon, it's a tool that enables users to scratch up tunes via the handheld's built-in touchscreen -- how could Mario not approve?

[Via BoingBoing]

Continue reading ProteinDS app enables DJ-style scratching on Nintendo's DS

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ProteinDS app enables DJ-style scratching on Nintendo's DS originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>djdshackmusicmusic thingMusicThingnintendoportable audioportableaudioProteinDSscratchscratchingsoftwareturntablevideoFri, 23 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Guitar Hero axe transformed into MIDI controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/wii-guitar-hero-axe-transformed-into-midi-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/wii-guitar-hero-axe-transformed-into-midi-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/wii-guitar-hero-axe-transformed-into-midi-controller/#comments
Whatever the DS can do, Wii can do better, right? Apparently Dave agrees with said mantra, as he has converted a Wii Guitar Hero axe into a full-fledged MIDI controller. As in, there's a 5-pin jack down there and everything. In its current state, you can play two octaves of an eight note scale at time, alter the keys / octaves, change tonal modes, use the whammy bar to bend the pitch and blow the minds of electrical engineering buds you still see on a regular basis. Granted, this mod isn't exactly for the faint of heart, but feel free to hit the read link if you're hacker enough to handle it.

[Via MAKE]

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Wii Guitar Hero axe transformed into MIDI controller originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 May 2008 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not even 24 hours after catching a whiff of those sick Mushroom-headed Rock Band drum pads comes yet another mod that oozes awesomeness. The Rock Band Stompbox tackles an issue any digital rocker has faced -- accidental (and often unwanted) activation of Overdrive / Star Power. Put simply, this engineering fellow ripped his axe apart, ganked a spare effects pedal and put his superb wiring skills to good use. Hit up the read link for a pictorial step-by-step, or jump on past the break for a video demonstration.

[Thanks, Brad]

Continue reading Rock Band guitar hack enables stompbox to activate Overdrive

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Rock Band guitar hack enables stompbox to activate Overdrive originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whenever your baby monitor isn't pulling in live NASA feeds (or making sure all is well in the life of your child), why not let it really wail? An ingenious hack created by jovial_cynic has us all too excited to snag a Safety 1st monitor of our own, as he's figured out a way to convert it into a low-fi wireless guitar amp. Granted, Mr. Cynic uses a mandolin to demonstrate, but everything from an electric banjo to a Les Paul Custom could take advantage. Hit up the read link to see how it all came together, and peep the in-action video after the break.

[Via MAKE]

Continue reading Hacked baby monitor becomes wireless guitar amplifier

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Hacked baby monitor becomes wireless guitar amplifier originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've witnessed quite a few DIY journeys involving wireless speakers / headphones, but there's no better way to make lemonade from lemons than to take Sarah Lemarié's advice when your favorite Bluetooth 'phones snap in half. Apparently, the DIY'er figured there was still life left in her Logitech headphones even after the headband broke, so she gathered up a cheap pair of comfortable cans along with a set from Sony (for the drivers) and got to work. As you may imagine, she transplanted the speakers from the Sony pair and the Bluetooth module from the now-defunct Logitech set into the large, comfy Tesco cans, and after a bit of tinkering, the music was flowing (sans wires) once more. If you're looking to do something similar, head on down to the read link to hear how it's done.

[Via MAKE]

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Industrious DIY'er creates Bluetooth headphones from spare parts originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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