Pocket Synth
Summary
Summary
Our Idea:
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:
How:
- Mozzi Library
- Potentiometer knobs for a/d/s modulation, etc.
- Aesthetically appealing and user friendly case.
Parts
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
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
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
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
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.