Multi-channel audio

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

hello all,

i'm working on an interactive art project where various sound samples will be played according to the level of the interaction. i'm very new the the area interactive media btw.

is it possible to output multi-channel audio with arduino? i would like to generate the sound from my computer (meaning speakers coming out of it.) but the sound out put be controlled by the board. i would like to achieve this w/o using an expansive interface device.

thank you in advance!!

2

hi

yes, you can use the Arduino as controller, and PD or MAX as the audio software for multiple channels of sound..

D

3

hi daniel,

thanks for the response.

yes, i will be using MAX to generate sound. so i'll need to send it as analog outputs through arduino using op-amps? the sound samples shouldn't be more than 60 sec. and speakers no larger than 6" in dia.

i'm so new to this stuff, so please bear w/ me. i would really appreciate any additional information.

thanks again!!

4

Can you just send the sound from the computer's audio output?

You will have a data rate problem sending through the Arduino. You will be sending serial data at maybe 19200 bits per second which is only going to allow terrible quality audio. For reference, telephones are 64000 bits per second of PCM audio data. I'm not sure how fast you can set the serial interface on an Arduino and still get reliable data transfer. If you an get to 115k then there might be hope.

To make matters worse, I'm fairly certain the analog outputs on the Arduino have their PWM clocks in the audio range which will sound like hell, though you could grab 8 outputs or so and using 8 different resistors in powers of two to make a nice smooth 8 bit analog output.

5

i think i'll fork up $200 and get an audio interface like the m-audio 410.

thanks for all the tips!

ns

6

hi daniel,
yes, i will be using MAX to generate sound. so i'll need to send it as analog outputs through arduino using op-amps? the sound samples shouldn't be more than 60 sec. and speakers no larger than 6" in dia.

Hi

most computers wil have hardware for Max to send two channels of audio through... For more than that you will need an external audio interface.

D