This Arduino Nano-based synthesizer can produce a wide range of intriguing sounds
Synthesizers have been around in their current form for several decades now. Essentially, they generate simple waveforms which are then added or subtracted together and modified through the use of filters, envelopes and modulators to control pitch, volume and several other characteristics. Due to their simplicity, many types of components can be combined to create them with a wide variety of unique characteristics.
Built by Ignacio Ríos, his version of the synthesizer incorporates an Arduino Nano as well as a series of buttons, potentiometers and an amplifier to produce sounds. It begins by taking a carrier frequency which is modulated by a secondary oscillator, similar to how FM radio works. From here, four potentiometers change how the carrier frequency responds to the modulated wave. Four other potentiometers alter the attack, decay, sustain, and release times, all of which are read by the Nano's onboard ADC.
Each of the keys on the keyboard is operated by a tactile switch that is constantly polled when pressed or released. When you press a key, the program updates the note being played and each of the four channels with the values calculated from the aforementioned potentiometers. Finally, the PWM pin pulse width is updated to reflect the new value.
After 3D printing a shell, the 17 keys of the keyboard and some dials, Ignacio assembled the synthesizer and managed to play a series of varied notes. To see this in action, you can watch Ríos' YouTube video below or check out his article on Instructables.
Synthesizers have been around in their current form for several decades now. Essentially, they generate simple waveforms which are then added or subtracted together and modified through the use of filters, envelopes and modulators to control pitch, volume and several other characteristics. Due to their simplicity, many types of components can be combined to create them with a wide variety of unique characteristics.
Built by Ignacio Ríos, his version of the synthesizer incorporates an Arduino Nano as well as a series of buttons, potentiometers and an amplifier to produce sounds. It begins by taking a carrier frequency which is modulated by a secondary oscillator, similar to how FM radio works. From here, four potentiometers change how the carrier frequency responds to the modulated wave. Four other potentiometers alter the attack, decay, sustain, and release times, all of which are read by the Nano's onboard ADC.
Each of the keys on the keyboard is operated by a tactile switch that is constantly polled when pressed or released. When you press a key, the program updates the note being played and each of the four channels with the values calculated from the aforementioned potentiometers. Finally, the PWM pin pulse width is updated to reflect the new value.
After 3D printing a shell, the 17 keys of the keyboard and some dials, Ignacio assembled the synthesizer and managed to play a series of varied notes. To see this in action, you can watch Ríos' YouTube video below or check out his article on Instructables.
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