MichaelUna
Latest
Beep-It optical theremin for the masses makes sci-fi sound anybody's game (video)
We've seen theremin mod after theremin mod, but those seeking that distinct sci-fi sound without the physical labor or hefty price tag haven't had much of an outlet until now. Meet Beep-It, a $35 analog optical theremin that sports a simple on / off switch, volume control, one quarter-inch jack, and light sensitive resistor to make you the master of that otherworldly sound. According to its creator, Michael Una, the little sonic music maker started off as yet another mod -- a "single-oscillator square wave theremin" in a petri dish -- back in 2008, and underwent a number of incarnations before getting the wood grain treatment you see here. Beep-It is now available at select retailers or direct from the company's website -- then again, we suppose you could hire Bobby McFerrin to do the same thing. Trippy demo after the jump.
Beat-Bike brings "disco-bleeps" to cycling
Just in case you thought getting out from behind that computer screen to hop on your bike was too boring and low-tech for you, then you may want to talk to Michael Una. This Chicagoan has just built what he calls the Beat-Bike v.1, a "bicycle-controlled drum machine." He's loaded up this bike with sensors on the frame, which are activated by turning the front wheel, or, y'know, riding the thing. As Michael writes: "Once activated, they trigger a momentary sounding of a single drum sound- kick drum, snare, tom-tom, and "disco-bleep" from a kids' toy drum machine. As the wheel spins, the sensors are triggered in a sequence which becomes an audible, repeating drum beat." Nope, we can't think of a better way to get our "funky outer-space disco beat" on, either. Now while you're contemplating your weekend plans, go check out the video of the Beat-Bike in action on Michael's site.[Via MAKE: Blog]
