Ask HN: Where are the open source physical music production tools?
1 comments
I've purchased a low cost passive matrix mixer from Tindie, so there definitely seems to be a marketplace for these sorts of bespoke hardware. https://www.tindie.com/products/ruccielectronics/4x4-matrix-...
I find that I have no shortage of ideas of hardware I'd like to build, but I'll never be able to make everything, so I start building simple things that I can execute with my limited resources and abilities. Just starting, and finishing little projects and seeing the results has been very satisfying.
I recommend just build something. Anything. Make it simple and finish it. Then play with the results, and learn and repeat. With this, over the past 4 years, I've been able to turn daydreaming in the bathtub into a new musical instrument (Electroduochord), and 3 albums made with that instrument. I've learned so much along the way and each step seems to open a new door to possibilities. None of that would have happened if I didn't just start building and experimenting.
I find that I have no shortage of ideas of hardware I'd like to build, but I'll never be able to make everything, so I start building simple things that I can execute with my limited resources and abilities. Just starting, and finishing little projects and seeing the results has been very satisfying.
I recommend just build something. Anything. Make it simple and finish it. Then play with the results, and learn and repeat. With this, over the past 4 years, I've been able to turn daydreaming in the bathtub into a new musical instrument (Electroduochord), and 3 albums made with that instrument. I've learned so much along the way and each step seems to open a new door to possibilities. None of that would have happened if I didn't just start building and experimenting.
What boggles my mind is that the hardware for some of this gear is nothing new; Motorized faders have been commonplace since the mid 70’s, knobs and potentiometers have been around for a while, and to my understanding most older control boards are simple computers. Is there anyone on HN that might have domain experience in this or could direct me to someone who does?
I think making custom hardware for myself and others sounds like a nice hobby in my free time, but it seems like I am not aware of any resources that break down how to get into doing so. I have experience in basic circuit design and can read diagrams, and could stand to build back my abilities to solder from more than a decade of not using them.
I do understand that there are Eurorack synths and stuff out there, but I’m more talking about making music hardware at a small scale and making it available for anyone to build upon or learn from.