Fenestration and Debauchery

Part I: DemonstrationPart II: The Hardware

It’s Done! I gave it to my sister last weekend and she really liked it.  If you’re just tuning in now, I have posts about the hardware development, waveform crafting, an early demonstration, and the software algorithm.  The final version has the following features:

• Four octaves of continuous pitch variation by moving your hand nearer or farther from an ultrasound sensor
• Digital volume control
• Continuous waveform variation–can generate a pure sine tone like a classic theremin, or one with overtones, which sounds like an 80′s synth organ.
• Spectral glide–similar to a Wah pedal or the instrument used in Peter Frampton’s ‘Do You Feel Like I Do’
• Decay/Sustain–envelope shaping to play notes
• Distortion–sounds like the guitar effect.

Listen to the Tone of the Future:

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1. 0:00-0:00 Pure tone, no effects
2. 0:45 Waveform selection– no overtones
3. 1:05 Decay effects
4. 1:37 Wah
5. 2:45 Distortion

And here is a video with me demonstrating the operation (and also explaining several key features completely incorrectly):

Keep reading for a walkthrough of the hardware and software…

Go to Section:

1. Part I: Demonstration
2. Part II: The Hardware
3. Part III: The Software
4. View All