Wonder if it need linear pots? Also, when rotating the middle pot all the way to the right, the sound goes too high, where there's no audible pitch. Any way to limit how high it goes?
A few questions regarding the front panel artwork. I tried this process for a guitar pedal I’m building and noticed that the lamination is lifting up around the holes for potentiometers and other components. How do you prevent that from happening? Could it be due to the fact that I was using regular printer paper and not matte photo paper like you did? Cheers!
Couple of weird issues in this video. 1). Why didn't you use tape to hold down the graphic when cutting it, as you did before when aligning the holes? 2). Why not just by short shaft pots as opposed to cutting down long shafts? This gets exacerbated when the measurement wasn't taking into account a riser from the guitar pick!
Have an issue where only one pot is working. Can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. (currently just building it into an Uno and not the separate board). The pot that works only does the pitch sweep.
+Jacob H. Hi Jacob. If you have a multimeter, touch the negative probe to the arduinos ground (GND) and the positive probe to one of the Analog pins. Check that the voltage varies from 0 to 5 volts as you turn the pot.
i am pretty convinced that this is A0-A4 on a regular arduino(because I just dont have the time to make an arduino from scratch nor learn everything, I just wanted a nice paint by numbers project. Is there a schematic for this on a regular arduino?
Hi, I loved the video and I'm building one, If I want to add a volumen control, what should I do? Add a potentiometer between the audio jack and the signal out from the proto/pcb? Thanks!
Hey amazing video! Dying to make one of these, I've got an arduino that I never, ever use at all and am happy to dedicate it to this project and don't need to make a bread board one. Is the process exactly the same with a real arduino? Thanks so much for your help, i'm subbed!
Lovely! Thanks :) I have a question: What about circuit bending that? How would it be done, since there are not many "Bend points", it seem there would be a big challenge.
Hi Abstract. Since the audio for this project is entirely created inside the Microcontroller, there are probably not a lot of bending points. There is certainly a lot of flexibility in the code though.
+Liam Adams Hi Liam. Follow the link in the video description for the sketch (it's in Part 1 of this series). I used 22 Gauge stranded wire for hookups.
would it be possible for this to be used as a guitar pedal? by getting an analog input getting proccesed and altered through the synth and then out again for an amp? Thanks for your great videos!
sizorblade Hi SB. The circuit as it is wouldn't do this without a compete redesign. The code generates its own waveforms simply by using the Atmega's built in timers and interrupts. There's no place to inject an external signal. On the other hand, running the Auduino through guitar FX pedals is really fun!
I am at an intermediate level. I'm a third year media technologies student with some experience with Arduino, electronics, etc. How long would you estimate all of this would take to complete from start to the finished product, and what is your roughly estimated cost for all of this? Thanks in advance!
+Ariel Blacher-Rasheed Hi Ariel. I experimented with using Midi CC commands from an external controller with the synth. It did work but there was an issue with smoothness. The pots on the Auduino generate values from 0 to 1023, where as the Midi controller can only output 0 to 127. I had to scale the midi values up in the software which caused a bad steppiness to the sound. I didn't pursue it further.
I have several spare Arduino units, and would like to know if I can bypass building the breadboard version and create this unit with an Arduino. Which one? How would I go about it?
+Pete Spaker The UNO is the best match. All you need to do is figure out what the pins on the Atmega328 are called on the UNO. Google "atmega328 aruduino pinout" and check the images for this info.
I quickly realized that spending the entire $$1.56 on two of the necessary ATmega328-PU was well worth it no matter how many Arduinos I have lying around,. I have to applaud you on your extensive planning, complete with drill guide, top panel, rubber feet... everything. This type of extensive planning is not found online to this extent. I am wondering if this method (using an Arduino programmed IC or not) could be used to make a MIDI controller with 4-5 arcade style buttons, 4-5 similar knobs, and 2-4 1/4" jacks meant for foot pedals. In case you don't know, there are momentary foot pedals, that act like "buttons," as they are pushed on, then off- as well as "expression" pedals that act like knobs, the more you press downward, and release upward, the action is just like turning a knob "up," or "down" in the eyes of MIDI. I have been making my own controllers with these features, but have been forced to use Arduino "Teensy++," or specialized (extremely similar proprietary micro-controllers that cost $18 on the low and upwards of $40 on the high. It seems to me that this method could be adapted to make MIDI controllers with buttons, knobs, faders, jacks for pedals, push encoders, LED reactive buttons and knobs, etc., while [possibly integrating other desirable features on MIDI controllers, like navigation, headphone jack / volume, MIDI send/ receive sync, CV & gate control, sequencing, the use of LEDs to signal features in use / off.... etc. Thoughts?
OH. I hinted, but failed to mention that I did make your controller. Then another. Then another. Then one for a friend. Then one for his friend. I hook mine up to my Roland AIRA MX-1. If you're not familiar, it works with the Roland AIRA line: The new TR-8 (The new 808, 909, 707, 727... the new TB-3: the newest 303, a new Roland Synth that has Plug Out technology that emulates vintage Roland Synths, all plugged into the MX-1 Performance mixer, with on-board Beat Effects, Filters, Side Chaining, Slicing, Delays, Rolls, Flangers, Bit Crush and a new ""Scatter" range of effects. In fact, each of those effects has at least half a dozen variations per function. Using this Arduino Synth with the MX-1 is simply amazing. Using it with the TR-8, and TB-3 is unmatched sonic fun. I use it every week when I play at a local club. Thank you. I hope you keep going! This has been a real treat.
Hi Pete! Man, you have been busy :) Congratulations on all your accomplishments! I love it when people use their own DIY gear for live gigs. This is one of the main reasons I got into electronics. When I played live shows, I had very little money for equipment so I would come up with homemade solutions to get my rig working how I wanted. My bandmates would crack up when I would show up to rehearsals with my latest "creation". But they'd sure love me when their gear would break right before the show - there's nothing like soldering behind the stage in a dark club Lol! I like to feature pictures of gear people make though my tutorials on the Notes and Volts facebook page. If you ever have something to share just let me know.
Hi Pete. Have you checked out my Midi controller tutorial? Some of what you are trying to do could be done with it. And it is UNO based. ua-cam.com/video/DXhxdsGREsU/v-deo.html It won't do everything but could be a good starting point for you to expand on.
Z0NKED Hi Z0NKED. This circuit actually produces it's own sound rather than effecting incoming audio so it probably would be useful for guitar. On the other hand, running the Auduino through some FX pedals is pure awesome!
please ok a good job however #1 on the circuit you do not have anything negitive,you have ground,please use nuts and bolts to secure the board to the box,take it to the beach in 100 degree temperature and the tape melts,also please cut with the knife pointed away from body parts,also why did you not use the ARDUINO symbol
This is exactly the thing that I was looking to do for one of my future projects. This stuff is awesome!
Thanks for taking the time to make these charming videos! The past couple of hours have been enlightening. I now know I'm fascinated by circuitry.
+zoopezoop That's awesome zoopezoop, welcome to the club!
Great videos, clean work and awesome synth. This should have had hundreds of thousands of views.
Dani El Thanks Dani! I agree with every part of this comment
Very nice project! I wonder why so few people saw this!
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
really polished project mate! great work
Gains Thanks! Glad you liked it
Thank you so much for explaining in an easy to understand way...clear, concise, to the point :)
Thanks wizz!
Wonder if it need linear pots? Also, when rotating the middle pot all the way to the right, the sound goes too high, where there's no audible pitch. Any way to limit how high it goes?
it worked !!! thanks so much for your amazing detailed and explained tutorial !! I love you so much
Thanks Jeremy! Glad you liked it :)
This is fantastic! Thanks for sharing and keep it up!
fghjkdfghj Thanks! I'll be posting some cool upgrades for this circuit very soon.
That was friggin' awesome.
Suggestion: I'd add an LED on the front to do possible 2 things. 1) Displays that power is on,
or 2) have it sink with LED 13.
Thanks for explaining things so thoroughly. Seems like a project even I can do : D
This is sick! Do you think I could replace the middle potentiometer with a jack for CV?
Any ideas on how to add CV?
A few questions regarding the front panel artwork. I tried this process for a guitar pedal I’m building and noticed that the lamination is lifting up around the holes for potentiometers and other components. How do you prevent that from happening?
Could it be due to the fact that I was using regular printer paper and not matte photo paper like you did?
Cheers!
One question: How could I add an Input to this project?
So if you used a nano, would the pin numbers line up or would you have to change the sketch?
Couple of weird issues in this video.
1). Why didn't you use tape to hold down the graphic when cutting it, as you did before when aligning the holes?
2). Why not just by short shaft pots as opposed to cutting down long shafts? This gets exacerbated when the measurement wasn't taking into account a riser from the guitar pick!
A paper cutter would make the step at 2:33 much cleaner, and straighter!
They're cheap at Walmart, but will do the job.
Lol. Thanks for reminding me of my old work. ;) Great videos btw. Do you have links to any other resources on the building of synths?
Have an issue where only one pot is working. Can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. (currently just building it into an Uno and not the separate board). The pot that works only does the pitch sweep.
+Jacob H. Hi Jacob. If you have a multimeter, touch the negative probe to the arduinos ground (GND) and the positive probe to one of the Analog pins. Check that the voltage varies from 0 to 5 volts as you turn the pot.
hi!
I have the same issue. Just one pot works fine when the 5 pots are connected. How did you solve that?
Awesome video intro! Great video and presentation. Nice work!
Thanks kiefer!
Hi , I proceed to your website link , but could not find the file for Arduino code , can you share the code please ?
What would be the best way to add CV functionality?
can i use 3.5mm audio phone jack instead of 1/4" mono phone jack in this project ????
Yes
i am pretty convinced that this is A0-A4 on a regular arduino(because I just dont have the time to make an arduino from scratch nor learn everything, I just wanted a nice paint by numbers project. Is there a schematic for this on a regular arduino?
Ahhh the instant Slash box!
can I use just arduino nano with ATmega 168 instead of this ATmega 328?
The code doesn't seem too big for nano. I don't think there's a problem, but I haven't tried it
Can i plug in my guitar amplifier?
Isn't that kinda dangerous?
I just got to this point and I don't get any sound:'(
Hi, I loved the video and I'm building one, If I want to add a volumen control, what should I do? Add a potentiometer between the audio jack and the signal out from the proto/pcb? Thanks!
that's very cool!
think i found my inspiration from now on
+Роман Игоревич Awesome!
Hey amazing video! Dying to make one of these, I've got an arduino that I never, ever use at all and am happy to dedicate it to this project and don't need to make a bread board one. Is the process exactly the same with a real arduino?
Thanks so much for your help, i'm subbed!
@notesandvolts should this work with headphones? If so, I am getting nothing :/
Lovely! Thanks :)
I have a question: What about circuit bending that? How would it be done, since there are not many "Bend points", it seem there would be a big challenge.
Hi Abstract. Since the audio for this project is entirely created inside the Microcontroller, there are probably not a lot of bending points. There is certainly a lot of flexibility in the code though.
nice work. Just two questions... where's the sketch? and. .. Are you using single core or stranded hookup wire on your pots? Thanks
+Liam Adams Hi Liam. Follow the link in the video description for the sketch (it's in Part 1 of this series). I used 22 Gauge stranded wire for hookups.
+Notes and Volts. Thank you very much :)
can i use a regular arduino uno instead of a 'stand-alone' arduino with the same code?
Hi Sergio. Yes you can. I did a live stream where I built this using a Arduino Nano. You can see it here: ua-cam.com/video/xb0ZMlqXh-0/v-deo.html
would it be possible for this to be used as a guitar pedal? by getting an analog input getting proccesed and altered through the synth and then out again for an amp? Thanks for your great videos!
sizorblade Hi SB. The circuit as it is wouldn't do this without a compete redesign. The code generates its own waveforms simply by using the Atmega's built in timers and interrupts. There's no place to inject an external signal. On the other hand, running the Auduino through guitar FX pedals is really fun!
Is it possibly to control the synth over Midi and can some filterboards added, too?
There is no Midi control currently. I'm pretty sure adding a filter board is possible.
I am at an intermediate level. I'm a third year media technologies student with some experience with Arduino, electronics, etc. How long would you estimate all of this would take to complete from start to the finished product, and what is your roughly estimated cost for all of this?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Miniology. You should be able to complete it in a couple of days. Cost is around $50. It's pretty straight forward.
How difficult would it be to replace the "pitch" pot with an in/out jack input set for using a control surface?
+Ariel Blacher-Rasheed Hi Ariel. I experimented with using Midi CC commands from an external controller with the synth. It did work but there was an issue with smoothness. The pots on the Auduino generate values from 0 to 1023, where as the Midi controller can only output 0 to 127. I had to scale the midi values up in the software which caused a bad steppiness to the sound. I didn't pursue it further.
Hmm that's interesting. Thankyou for your help
how would i do this if i just wanted to use my arduino uno and not a stand alone circuit. im a total noob.
in reference to programming
Hi Will. The code will work on an uno as is. You just need to make sure you hook up the pots and the audio output to the correct pins on the uno.
Can you put a USB cable instead of a jack to connect it to a computer?
Hi Daniel. Not with this circuit.
Hi, I've been following the Granular Synth videos, is there a difference between using a "normal" sized crystal or that large one in the video?
Hi Robin. There is no difference, either will work.
Could you control this with a keyboard instead?
Check out my video - Build the Arduino Granular Synth - Midi Upgrade
I have several spare Arduino units, and would like to know if I can bypass building the breadboard version and create this unit with an Arduino. Which one? How would I go about it?
+Pete Spaker The UNO is the best match. All you need to do is figure out what the pins on the Atmega328 are called on the UNO. Google "atmega328 aruduino pinout" and check the images for this info.
I quickly realized that spending the entire $$1.56 on two of the necessary ATmega328-PU was well worth it no matter how many Arduinos I have lying around,. I have to applaud you on your extensive planning, complete with drill guide, top panel, rubber feet... everything. This type of extensive planning is not found online to this extent. I am wondering if this method (using an Arduino programmed IC or not) could be used to make a MIDI controller with 4-5 arcade style buttons, 4-5 similar knobs, and 2-4 1/4" jacks meant for foot pedals. In case you don't know, there are momentary foot pedals, that act like "buttons," as they are pushed on, then off- as well as "expression" pedals that act like knobs, the more you press downward, and release upward, the action is just like turning a knob "up," or "down" in the eyes of MIDI. I have been making my own controllers with these features, but have been forced to use Arduino "Teensy++," or specialized (extremely similar proprietary micro-controllers that cost $18 on the low and upwards of $40 on the high. It seems to me that this method could be adapted to make MIDI controllers with buttons, knobs, faders, jacks for pedals, push encoders, LED reactive buttons and knobs, etc., while [possibly integrating other desirable features on MIDI controllers, like navigation, headphone jack / volume, MIDI send/ receive sync, CV & gate control, sequencing, the use of LEDs to signal features in use / off.... etc. Thoughts?
OH. I hinted, but failed to mention that I did make your controller. Then another. Then another. Then one for a friend. Then one for his friend. I hook mine up to my Roland AIRA MX-1. If you're not familiar, it works with the Roland AIRA line: The new TR-8 (The new 808, 909, 707, 727... the new TB-3: the newest 303, a new Roland Synth that has Plug Out technology that emulates vintage Roland Synths, all plugged into the MX-1 Performance mixer, with on-board Beat Effects, Filters, Side Chaining, Slicing, Delays, Rolls, Flangers, Bit Crush and a new ""Scatter" range of effects. In fact, each of those effects has at least half a dozen variations per function. Using this Arduino Synth with the MX-1 is simply amazing. Using it with the TR-8, and TB-3 is unmatched sonic fun. I use it every week when I play at a local club. Thank you. I hope you keep going! This has been a real treat.
Hi Pete! Man, you have been busy :) Congratulations on all your accomplishments! I love it when people use their own DIY gear for live gigs. This is one of the main reasons I got into electronics. When I played live shows, I had very little money for equipment so I would come up with homemade solutions to get my rig working how I wanted. My bandmates would crack up when I would show up to rehearsals with my latest "creation". But they'd sure love me when their gear would break right before the show - there's nothing like soldering behind the stage in a dark club Lol!
I like to feature pictures of gear people make though my tutorials on the Notes and Volts facebook page. If you ever have something to share just let me know.
Hi Pete. Have you checked out my Midi controller tutorial? Some of what you are trying to do could be done with it. And it is UNO based. ua-cam.com/video/DXhxdsGREsU/v-deo.html
It won't do everything but could be a good starting point for you to expand on.
nice work
Thanks!
Would it be possible to turn this into a guitar pedal?
Z0NKED Hi Z0NKED. This circuit actually produces it's own sound rather than effecting incoming audio so it probably would be useful for guitar. On the other hand, running the Auduino through some FX pedals is pure awesome!
Could I hook this up to a keyboard?
Hi KP. Not with this version. I am looking into adding a Midi input in the future.
RIP side cutters.
...and how does it work?
please ok a good job however #1 on the circuit you do not have anything negitive,you have ground,please use nuts and bolts to secure the board to the box,take it to the beach in 100 degree temperature and the tape melts,also please cut with the knife pointed away from body parts,also why did you not use the ARDUINO symbol
this isn't a granular synth.
Can you also use a keyboard (midi or bus/matrix directly) to control frequency with this?