Turning Ordinary Objects into Dubstep Loops

Music
Turning Ordinary Objects into Dubstep Loops

[vimeo=http://vimeo.com/49484255]
An Instrument for the Sonification of Everday Things is an electronic device with a retractable spindle that will accept most any readily available item. A scanning laser then reads the distance of the object as it rotates and translates that data into musical notes.

Created by Dennis P Paul, this instrument creates loops that are remarkably reminiscent of Dubstep. The user can slide the laser back and forth, picking up different parts of the object, and a stepper motor that rotates the spindle can be synched to an existing drumbeat. The data from the laser is sent to Processing before being exported melodically.

[via The Creators Project]

20 thoughts on “Turning Ordinary Objects into Dubstep Loops

  1. Jake Spurlock says:

    That is so rad… I want one for my house/desk/car.

    1. Michael Colombo says:

      I know, right? I want to stick everything I own into that thing.

  2. Hank Curmudgeon says:

    Better to have called it a “Sound Lathe”.

  3. Eric says:

    This doesn’t sound anything like dubstep…

    1. Jake Spurlock says:

      WOBWOBWOBWOBWOBWOBWOBWOBWOBWOBWOBWOBWOBWOBWOBWOB

      What about now?

  4. chuck says:

    That’s exactly the kind of thing I come here hoping to see. As RPM = BPM in this instance it would be cool if it could be synced to an external clock or another similar unit. Incorporating DIY 3D printing skills to create custom objects to scan would be cool. You could design rythmic sculpture on a rotating pedestal with multiple lasers controlling multiple voices.

  5. MAKE | Your Comments says:

    […] the piece Turning Ordinary Objects into Dubstep Loops, chuck says: That’s exactly the kind of thing I come here hoping to see. As RPM = BPM in this […]

  6. ○DIY/Tip▶ Your Comments « dot dot dob tob tob says:

    […] the piece Turning Ordinary Objects into Dubstep Loops, chuck says: That’s exactly the kind of thing I come here hoping to see. As RPM = BPM in this […]

  7. VIDEO: Laser turns everyday objects into audio loops /  Perfect Porridge says:

    […] [via MAKE] […]

  8. Ramses says:

    Sounds like Roasted Chicken

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In addition to being an online editor for MAKE Magazine, Michael Colombo works in fabrication, electronics, sound design, music production and performance (Yes. All that.) In the past he has also been a childrens' educator and entertainer, and holds a Masters degree from NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program.

View more articles by Michael Colombo

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