Drum Machine + Groove Box - Help us getting it as a real product

Guys, thanks to a collaboration between Wusik and Rugged Circuits, we will be able to turn our Drum Machine + Groove Box project into a real Arduino Shield. :grin: But now we need everybody's help in order for this to really happen! Spread the word around, include the link below, contribute to the project so we can order the initial PCBs and have Rugged Circuits take care of the hardware portion of the project.

Best Regards, WilliamK from Wusik Dot Com


http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ruggedcircuits/arduino-drum-machine-step-sequencer-groove-box

The Arduino Drum Machine is a 14-track Drum-Machine Step Sequencer with 2 accent tracks and 32 steps. Check out the videos -- it's a lot easier to understand when you see it:

The Arduino Drum Machine is like the classic Roland TR707 but with some twists, as it actually has 32 x 1/32 or 32 x 1/64 steps. The 2 note-step sequence feature allows you to do bass and/or synth lines -- it's a MIDI groove-box!

This project is a joint collaboration between Wusik.com and Rugged Circuits. We're going to take the breadboard prototype of the drum machine shown in the videos and make it into a proper Arduino shield that plugs in on top of an Arduino Uno, Duemilanove, or Mega/Mega2560 (not included). The software performs all the drum machine functions, but you can always tweak it to do whatever you want (with the source code reward levels).

We're also going to add EEPROM, FLASH, and expandability options and connectors. Suggestions from backers are welcome too (as long as they don't break the bank!)

Here are the project specs:

  • Arduino shield (we're aiming for about 8" x 3") that plugs on top of an Arduino Uno, Duemilanove, Mega, or Mega2560

  • 14 Drum Tracks + 2 Accent Tracks (a total of 3 MIDI-note velocities can be sent from each step)

  • 2 Step-Sequence Tracks (each step has its own Note selection, Velocity is set by the accent tracks)

  • Multi Pattern and Song Mode

  • Number of Patterns and Songs depends on the total amount of system EEPROM -- the base system will have 32kbytes of EEPROM (enough for 99 patterns and 99 songs), expandable to 128kbytes by adding more EEPROM chips

  • 16 buttons for sequence programming, with LED for each button

  • 8 buttons for control functions (up, down, left, right, shift, play, stop, record)

  • 16x2 LCD with backlight

  • Each pattern has 32 x 1/32 or 32 x 1/64 steps and 14 tracks + 2 accent tracks

  • Each track has a note-number and MIDI-channel number, so you can also use tracks to output regular notes (one note fixed per track)

  • MIDI Input and Output connectors with MIDI Echo

NOTE: International backers (outside the USA) PLEASE ADD USD$10 to your pledge for any reward levels that require shipping physical items (that is, $50 and up). These items will ship by US Priority Mail International and usually take 6-10 days to arrive (though it is not guaranteed). Shipping by courier companies like UPS or DHL is much more expensive but allows for shipment tracking -- please contact us for prices. Also please contact us for combined shipping prices for group buys and multiple-order pledges.

Some updates:

Thank you Rugged Circuits, we hope that you guys can make this.
BTW: the new code already supports the project EEPROM, I will make a new video showing this when possible. Also, didn't you say something about NAND FLASH for Song Storage? :wink:

BTW: this is a Rugged Circuit hardware project, Wusik only did the initial prototype and software for the Arduino. Now we are working together, and Rugged Circuits is trying to produce the final shield. So, all the money goes to Rugged Circuits, not Wusik. We hope that's clear.

Another update to the Arduino Wusik Drum Machine. Rugged Circuits first videos of the PCB in action.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ruggedcircuits/arduino-drum-machine-step-sequencer-groove-box/posts

Very cool stuff. As are the Wusik plug ins. I may donate a little to the project. :slight_smile:

Thanks, much appreciated! 8)

Good news, they funded the project already, just waiting for Rugged Circuits to build the first units. :fearful: :grin:

And there's still plenty room for more people. :wink:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ruggedcircuits/arduino-drum-machine-step-sequencer-groove-box

Wk

I have one doubt, this hardware can generate all the sounds or does it relly in the MIDI connection to a PC or other hardware to make sound?

It has no sound, it sends MIDI information which can be used by a MIDI Keyboard, Sound-Rack or computer.

Wk

The first hardware prototype is shown running at Rugged Circuits' labs with Wusik.com drum sequencer software. Just a couple of bugs to iron out: pushbutton debouncing and getting the LED's to travel the right way.

Normally the sequence is sent out to the MIDI OUT port, but we don't have a MIDI synth here. In this demonstration the sequence is sent over the USB port instead and fed into a soft synth (Wusik.com's own Wusik Station) using the MIDI-OX MIDI Yoke software and SpikenzieLabs Serial-MIDI Converter. This software-based replacement for a true low-latency MIDI port peripheral is what is causing the occasional lags and note dropouts.

Follow us on Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ruggedcircuits/arduino-drum-machine-step-sequencer-groove-box

So, its official now!! 8) :grin:

http://www.beat707.com/

Wk

I'm starting a new topic about this project:

http://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,56863.0.html

And here's a quick showcase of the latest youtube videos...