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psycho_synth is an Arduino DIY open-source synthesizer. Also known as the Norman Bates synth: a musical instrument with plenty of personalities.
psycho_synth is by no way related to psychosynth, though we like their name very much (we do).
Grab three knobs, one button, one led and attach them to your favorite Arduino: it is meant to be as cheap and easy as can be. Then:
- grab some sketch here (one of Norman's multiple personalities) and enjoy your little instrument
- mod it, code it, it is now truly yours
- share your sketches with the world! (in this repository for instance)
- give your psycho_synth to a friend and build another one
psycho_synth is deliberately limited, low-tech as can be. It is gritty, noisy, but we love it that way. It will bring you joy and self-confidence, as it did to so many musicians.
You'll need:
- one Arduino (nano, uno, you name it)
- three knobs (any knob between 1k ohms and 10k ohms should be fine)
- one LED + one 150 ohms resistor (or similar)
- one button + one 10k ohms
- one small speaker
Optional (but handy):
- some batteries (ideally 3x1.5V)
- a power switch
Obviously:
- wires and breadboard gear or a solder iron or clamps or whatever
- a computer with Arduino Studio installed
Here was my breadboard setup:
I strongly suggest that you follow Mozzi's introductory tutorial if there is something you don't understand in these instructions. Mozzi is an excellent piece of software, by the way.
- knob #1, #2, #3 are attached to A0, A2, A4
- button when pressed connects 5V to D4 (and D4 is connected to the ground with the 10k ohms resistor otherwise)
- LED is attached to D12 through the 150 ohm resistor (it lights up when D12 is high)
- speaker is attached to D9
That's it, I'll write down more details when I have a minute. Here are pics of the very first psycho_synth:
