Pocket Synth

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)
User Interface Drafts

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.