Week 11 – Theremin-like instrument

This project provided valuable insights into the potential of technology in musical expression and exploration. Despite its seemingly simple design, utilizing two push buttons for sound generation and an ultrasound sensor for frequency modulation, the project unveiled a range of creative possibilities and highlighted areas for further development.

The incorporation of the ultrasound sensor was particularly intriguing. By translating physical distance into audible frequencies, the sensor effectively transformed space into a controllable musical parameter. This interaction proved to be a captivating demonstration of how technology can facilitate new forms of musical interaction and expression. The concept invites further exploration, prompting questions about the potential for incorporating additional sensors to create a multi-dimensional instrument responsive to a wider range of environmental stimuli.

// Check if distance is within range for playing sound
if (distance < 200 && distance > 2) {
// Map distance to frequency
int frequency = map(distance, 2, 200, 200, 2000);
tone(buzzerPin, frequency); // Play sound at calculated frequency
} else {
noTone(buzzerPin); // Stop sound if distance is out of range
}

 

While the project successfully demonstrated the feasibility of generating sound through Arduino, the limitations of pre-programmed sounds became evident. The lack of nuance and complexity inherent in such sounds presents a challenge for creating truly expressive and dynamic musical experiences. This observation underscores the need for further exploration into sound generation techniques, potentially involving machine learning or other advanced algorithms, to expand the sonic palette and introduce more organic and evolving soundscapes.

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