I built this proof-of-concept last year.\u00a0 There are lots of people doing circuit-bending experiments, and the older model of the Alesis SR16 is a somewhat popular platform. It’s affordable, if you can find the older through-hole model (the surface mount version runs about the same price, and there are more of these out there on eBay et al, and it might be difficult to tell the difference.\u00a0 But most circuit-benders are happiest with traditional analog switches, knobs and patch cables. I wanted something a bit more flexible, and for lack of a better word, fluid.<\/p>\n
So I set about connecting all the available\/usable pins of the sound module IC to opto-isolator relays, and connecting all of the relays to a common “ground.”\u00a0 Then I set up a Raspberry Pi to control the relays via the GPIO pins.\u00a0 Then I added the 7″ RPi touch screen and slapped together a quick Python GUI for controlling the relays through the Pi, stealing some on\/off switch graphics from somewhere on the net to populate the GUI.<\/p>\n
This isn’t what I consider an end result, it’s a jumping off point.\u00a0 From here I can easily figure out which pin combinations generate my preferred sound modifications.\u00a0 I can then add buttons that apply those pin groupings as “mood” combination settings. I can add a MIDI controller so that I can automate it from my keyboard or DAW.\u00a0 The possibilities are limitless. Flexible, fast pin coupling changes, automation, etc.<\/p>\n
Now that my soldering skills have leveled up a few points, I’m going to spend some time revisiting this project, and maybe mount it in a more permanent housing.\u00a0 What other fun things can I do from here?\u00a0 Oh yes, blinky LEDs?\u00a0 That’s a must.<\/p>\n