From the MAKE Flickr pool

Flickr member rarebeasts put together this sweet little beat machine using a PicAxe microcontroller. Dubbed the “GrooveAxe“, it’s a relatively simple build that produces some rather musical squarewave loops. Instructions and source code are available on Gadget Gangster and the parts for the project are also available in kit form.

Projects like the GrooveAxe and the NoiseToy use microcontrollers to create what’s often seen as circuit-bent or retro/chiptune noises. It’s exciting to discover a compelling bend while hacking an instrument, but crafting such sounds from the blank slate of a programmable chip seem to say, “Yes, we really do like these sounds!” In a certain way, this shows direction and intention which can be refreshing after much modding and exploration.