Arduino Synthesizer Uses Modified Slide Pots

There comes a point in every Arduino’s life where, if it’s lucky, it becomes a permanent fixture in a project. We can’t think of too many better forever homes for an Arduino than inside of a 3D-printed synthesizer such as this 17-key number by [ignargomez] et al.

While there are myriad ways to synthesizer, this one uses the tried-and-true method of FM synthesis courtesy of an Arduino Nano R3. In addition to the 17 keys, there are eight potentiometers here — four are used for FM synthesis control, and the other four are dedicated to attack/delay/sustain/release (ADSR) control of the sound envelope.

One of the interesting things here is that [ignargomez] and their team were short a few regular pots and modified a couple of slide pots for circular use — we wish there was more information on that. As a result, the 3D printed enclosure underwent several iterations. Be sure to check out the brief demo after the break.

Don’t have any spare Arduinos? The BBC Micro:bit likes to make noise, too.

7 thoughts on “Arduino Synthesizer Uses Modified Slide Pots

    1. it certainly is and the projects website is quite clear about it:

      A=attack: time for a tone to reach its maximum loudness (range 8ms-2s)
      D=decay: time for a tone to go down to its steady level of loudness (range 8ms-2s)
      S=sustain: steady level of loudness (range 0-100%)
      R=release: time for a tone to die out (range 8ms-2s)

    2. as mention ed on the website of the project:

      A=attack: time for a tone to reach its maximum loudness (range 8ms-2s)
      D=decay: time for a tone to go down to its steady level of loudness (range 8ms-2s)
      S=sustain: steady level of loudness (range 0-100%)
      R=release: time for a tone to die out (range 8ms-2s)

  1. I don’t understand why the article talks about slide pots? They are not used here. They were used in the prototyping stage, but the builder realised the box would get goo big, so they went for standard rotary pots. So there is no slide pots in this build, still it’s a part of the heading. Why?

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