In the realm of music technology, where innovation and creativity intertwine, William Sun Petrus, a self-proclaimed “tinkerer and maker,” has crafted a remarkable musical instrument out of an unlikely source: an antique Remington Portable typewriter from the 1920s. This fascinating contraption, dubbed the “Typewriter Drum Machine,” has captured the imagination of music enthusiasts and tech geeks alike.
Unveiling the Typewriter Drum Machine: A Symphony of Keys and Circuits
Petrus’s typewriter drum machine is a testament to his ingenuity and passion for merging art and technology. At the heart of this unique instrument lies an iRobota Mega microcontroller, a powerful electronic brain that orchestrates the musical magic. Wires meticulously attached to the typewriter’s hammers act as inputs to the microcontroller, transforming keystrokes into electrical signals.
From Typewriter to MIDI Controller: The Alchemy of Sound
When a key is pressed, it strikes a metallic “live plate” in the center, completing an electrical circuit and generating an input signal. These signals are then converted into MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) signals, the universal language of electronic music. The MIDI signals are transmitted to a computer running Ableton, a digital audio software that serves as the conductor of this musical ensemble.
A Rhythmic Canvas: Composing Beats with the Typewriter
With the typewriter drum machine, Petrus has unlocked a new dimension of musical expression. Using the typewriter as a MIDI controller, he can create beats, melodies, and rhythms with an unprecedented level of tactile engagement. The typewriter’s keys, once used to compose written words, now produce a symphony of electronic sounds, transforming the act of typing into a percussive performance.
A Glimpse into the Creative Process: Behind the Scenes with Petrus
Petrus’s journey in creating the typewriter drum machine was not without its challenges. He encountered obstacles along the way, but his unwavering determination and problem-solving skills propelled him forward. In his own words, “It was a lot of trial and error, but it was also a lot of fun.” The result is a truly unique musical instrument that embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity.
Open Source Inspiration: Sharing the Knowledge
In the spirit of open-source collaboration, Petrus has generously shared the code for his typewriter drum machine on GitHub, inviting others to explore and build upon his work. Accompanying the code is a captivating video that showcases the drum machine in action, providing an immersive experience of its rhythmic capabilities.
Bonus: The Typewriter’s Hidden Message
Adding a touch of whimsy to his creation, Petrus has incorporated an LCD screen at the base of the typewriter. This screen displays lines from the beloved Dr. Seuss book “Green Eggs and Ham,” adding a playful touch to the otherwise serious musical instrument.
The typewriter drum machine stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities that emerge when creativity, technology, and a dash of whimsy converge. It is a reminder that even the most ordinary objects can be transformed into extraordinary instruments of expression.
Leave a Reply