OpnBeat is a DIY lo-fi sampler anyone can learn to use
Most electronic music is created either by sampling or by synthesizing sounds. A synthesizer generates sounds on demand based on input parameters (like frequency and amplitude), while a sampler plays pre-recorded sound clips, often with layered effects to modify the sound. Both are very versatile, but that means they can be difficult to learn. OpnBeat is a DIY lo-fi sampler that promises to be easy for everyone to understand.
OpnBeat was designed by Hiro Akihabara to be as easy to use as possible. Its capabilities are therefore quite limited. But OpnBeat still provides enough features to be useful and fun. It's kind of like an advanced Talkboy (the fictional Home Alone 2 device that became a real toy), as it allows users to record short clips and then play them back. It can record and store eight different clips at any time via a line-in jack or the built-in microphone, then can play them back when the user presses the corresponding key. A sound editing mode allows the user to cut and trim recorded clips. A metronome and "beat edit mode" help make playback more musical.
Building an OpnBeat device requires a custom PCB. This circuit board contains an Arduino Nano board, a 16×2 character LCD display, key switches, potentiometers, a rotary encoder, sound chips and an amplifier. The sound chips are Nuvoton ISD1720SY ICs, which were designed specifically for voice recording and playback. Most of the components are SMDs (Surface Mount Devices), so you will need some soldering skills to assemble the PCB. The enclosure is 3D printable.
If you've been intimidated by complex and expensive samplers in the consumer and professional market, then OpnBeat may be the more accessible alternative you've been looking for.
Most electronic music is created either by sampling or by synthesizing sounds. A synthesizer generates sounds on demand based on input parameters (like frequency and amplitude), while a sampler plays pre-recorded sound clips, often with layered effects to modify the sound. Both are very versatile, but that means they can be difficult to learn. OpnBeat is a DIY lo-fi sampler that promises to be easy for everyone to understand.
OpnBeat was designed by Hiro Akihabara to be as easy to use as possible. Its capabilities are therefore quite limited. But OpnBeat still provides enough features to be useful and fun. It's kind of like an advanced Talkboy (the fictional Home Alone 2 device that became a real toy), as it allows users to record short clips and then play them back. It can record and store eight different clips at any time via a line-in jack or the built-in microphone, then can play them back when the user presses the corresponding key. A sound editing mode allows the user to cut and trim recorded clips. A metronome and "beat edit mode" help make playback more musical.
Building an OpnBeat device requires a custom PCB. This circuit board contains an Arduino Nano board, a 16×2 character LCD display, key switches, potentiometers, a rotary encoder, sound chips and an amplifier. The sound chips are Nuvoton ISD1720SY ICs, which were designed specifically for voice recording and playback. Most of the components are SMDs (Surface Mount Devices), so you will need some soldering skills to assemble the PCB. The enclosure is 3D printable.
If you've been intimidated by complex and expensive samplers in the consumer and professional market, then OpnBeat may be the more accessible alternative you've been looking for.
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