Summary

Our Idea:

Create unique and programmable synthesizer with a variety of musical functions and modulation options
Most Synths are the size of Keyboards
Synths are infinitely customizable
Analog Synths rarely have speaker output
Synthesis on the go

How:

Mozzi Library
Potentiometer knobs for a/d/s modulation, etc.
Aesthetically appealing and user friendly case.

Parts

8-ohm speaker
4 Potentiometer Caps
Adafruit Electret Microphone Amplifier
3 Potentiometer Dials
LM386 Audio Amplifier
1/8" Audio Jack
3-D Casing

Timeline Overview

Implement grain synth with simple parts
- Tone library
- Mozzi
LCD Display, Menu with selections
- What do we want our pots to connect to and modulate? What parameters? How do we do this?
- Sample Selection
  - Create a handful of samples (maybe 3-5)
  - Input samples into revolving array that is integrated with buttons
    - What does middle button do?
- Preset Selection
Physical Layout & Hardware Implementation
- Potentiometers
- Buttons/Input
- Case
Hardware/Software Interaction + Expansion
- Arpeggiator
- Sampling
- Looping
Extraneous Features (Visual Indicators, Modulating Displays, etc.)
- LEDS
- Frequency, Pitch, Volume Display
Debugging

Task List:

Blynk and Arduino to read/write values.
- 1. Generate one tone through buzzer
- 2. Have multiple tones available
- 3. Multiple tones simultaneously
- 4. Modulate MOZZI
- 5. Input one note to MOZZI
- 6. Multiple notes simultaneously w/ MOZZI
Read potentiometer input
Do we need the makerboard for the LCD?

April 1, 2018 - April 7, 2018

Deconstruction of Makerboard + Initial Hardware design
Determined synth size (W: 8cm, 9 w/ 0.5 cm gap L: 12.5cm, 13.5 w/ 0.5 cm gap, H: 2.5 cm)

April 22, 2018 - April 28, 2018

Completed

Hardware

Have potentiometers working to control parameters of synthesis
Amplifier and Speaker are able to receive input from Arduino and output Synthesis created by MOZZI and Pots

Software

Have a working MOZZI sketch that responds to the parameter changes from Pots
Have a functioning UI that mirrors the values being altered by Pots and tells which Synthesis preset is being used

Needs Completion

Hardware + Software

Want capacitive pins and LCD screen to interface with MOZZI sketch
- Conflict with internal libraries - Currently Seeking Help. Hope to have resolved by end of week.
Final 3D case design
- Have several drafts - Plan to choose final after figuring out software issues - Figuring out what hardware parts will work/need to be scrapped
- Should have design finalized by end of the week - After figuring out software difficulties

Roadblocks

Depending on library conflicts, may need to avoid using LCD screen and capacitive pins - Rely solely on Pots to control synthesis

Final Presentation Printout

Summary: Portable battery-powered multi-parameter synthesizer enclosed in a 3-D case. Features include preset selection, 4 parameter adjustment knobs, and on/off switch.

Technical Contributions:

Programmed custom Mozzi implementation.
Printed + Designed 3D enclosure.
Soldered 5 potentiometers to perfboard.
Wired and Assembled components within enclosure.
Hardware components include: LM386 Audio Amplifier, 8-Ohm speaker, Potentiometer Caps, Arduino UNO, 9V Battery, SPDT switch.

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