[sdiy] Modular - sound or song

[Tom Wiltshire]

On 9 Apr 2009, at 08:10, David G. Dixon wrote:

> Yes, Aaron, it's all about the interface.  Put a computer behind a  
> big ol'
> metal panel covered with knobs, switches and blinking lights, and  
> I'd be
> happy as a clam, and probably none the wiser (unless it was running on
> Windows -- then, I think I'd know something was amiss...)

Aaron used Buchla as an example, but this is also what some of Bruce  
Duncan's (Modcan) recent modules do. They're a microprocessor behind  
a panel filled with knobs and jacks, and they feel exactly like  
analogue, although they're not.

> However, let's not overlook the fun of actually designing and building
> circuits, laying out and assembling panels, and finally getting to  
> play our
> creation.  I doubt that programming a microcontroller provides the  
> same kind
> of thrill.

Having been the programmer for one of Bruce's above-mentioned  
modules, I think I can say that for me at least, it does provide the  
same kind of thrill. Getting the code working on the Quad Env and  
hearing it the first time fed into the filter on my SH101 was a big  
buzz. The flexibility is an incredible bonus. I have a quad-envelope  
generator prototype, but I've often used it as a test bed for other  
ideas and put firmware in it that turns it into a quad random  
modulation generator or LFO or other things. There have been  
discussions before on this list about designing a general-purpose  
microprocessor controlled modular module. Seb's current Digimod  
project is one example.

Like many others, I find poking at things with a mouse pointer rather  
unsatisfying, even if it the things I'm poking at are very powerful.  
Making an experience physical as well uses more of your brain and  
makes the whole thing more engaging.

T.