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[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