Client: Self
Year: 2008
Role: Sound Design, Instrument Design
Does someone have to be a musician to play a melodic solo?
I built a series of MIDI devices over time, each one controlling a different part of a composed piece running on a central computer. The devices are simple enough for anyone to pick up. The system quantizes all input, so timing mistakes get absorbed into the music. Most “errors” end up sounding like arrangement decisions.
CDMIDI Controller
The CDMIDI has a CD mounted on it and connects to a softsynth. The player’s only decision: go up or go down in the melody. One axis of control. That’s enough for an improvised solo.
MidiTable
A MIDIBOX 64 with 54 sensitive buttons and 4 foot switches. Large, heavy, built for one kind of performance. Divided into six parts: drums, sample 1, sample 2, bass, synth 1, synth 2. You can record drums, trigger samples, and record phrases with a MIDI keyboard.
I presented the first working prototype at 400 Seconds in Istanbul, a cross-disciplinary creative showcase where 14 people each presented their work in 6 minutes.
The Sensitive Buttons
I made the buttons from acetate papers and aluminum foil tape, inspired by how silicone and USB keyboards work. They mimic touch-sensitive behavior. The performer wears special gloves.
Midibox Cassette Player
My first successful MIDI device. Housed in a cassette player from the 80s. 8 buttons, 2 knobs, 4 switches. Buttons send MIDI note on-off events, knobs send CC. In this setup it controls the drums section, triggering layers and adjusting delays and reverbs.
Once a Gamepad - 1
A modified USB gamepad in a custom case with arcade buttons and knobs. Buttons send MIDI note on-off, knobs send CC. In this setup it triggers pads, rhythmic vocal samples, and male vocals. The knobs handle pitch, starting points, delay, and reverb.
Once a Gamepad - 2
Another modified USB gamepad, this one in an old BETA cassette rewinder. Six arcade buttons and a knob. Designed to limit the performer to one specific function. The casing was too fragile, so it never got used.
Two videos below. First one is musicians using the setup. Second one is non-musicians.
Same setup both times. The music worked either way.