The Interface

HACK2020

Audio Synthesizer coded in C++ using the JUCE framework.

The Audio Synthesizer Project is a modernist attempt at rejuvenating the historical modular synthesizer invented in the 60s. Contemporary modular synthesizers have witnessed drastic transformations from cable-connection based devices to algorithmic designed music producers. Technical innovation likewise contributes to the reduction in the size of the instrument. This is our learning project on how to write synthesizers in C++, with the help of the JUCE framework. We took advantage of powerful open source libraries to build up the core of the physical entity of the instruments from ground-zero and inject operational communication with software foundation, highlighted by analog controls through Arduino. The Arduino portion of the project involves joysticks, buttons, and sensors as inputs, and LED lights, buzzers as output devices. There is a high potential of expandability out of this project, as the modular design structure is applicable on several inputs and output devices that take form of various interesting interactive ways. We demonstrate that the joystick is one of these unusual iterative typologies.

We learned a lot about waveform generation and display (i.e how to generate a square wave). We also learned C++, which none of us knew about beforehand. We were able to create lightweight devices in a short amount of time, to prove that the music industry nowadays is inundated with over-priced instruments.