PulsR
Team Members: Ian Birnam, Shana Hu, Meena Vempaty
PulsR is a guitar-inspired instrument that takes advantage of force sensing and computational technologies. It is meant to be an inexpensive and accessible instrument that draws from the best elements of both traditional instruments like guitars and electronic instruments like synthesizers.
The PulsR should be thought of as neither a guitar nor a synthesizer or controller, but rather as an entirely new instrument. Like a guitar, it allows for embodied performance, and like a synthesizer, it gives increased control over the sound’s qualities. However, it is unique in its simplicity and dual focus on both auditory and visual performance.
The PulsR has four parts: the body, the connecting cavity, the neck, and the head. The top surface of the body will be a touch surface. Tapping the surface will play a note, and holding the touch will sustain the note. The volume is determined by the pressure of the touch on the pad. The surface will be translucent, with a variety of LEDs underneath. The LEDs pulsate and fade with the frequency of the sound being played from the PulsR.
The cavity is a hollowed section that connects the neck and the body. It will host the speaker. The head, which is at the top of the neck, will host the microcontroller.
The neck will have 3-4 rows with 10 to 22 frets that can be used to control the pitch of the instrument. Moving down the neck, and to the far side of the instrument, gives a higher pitch. The range of pitches is continuous, but the molding of the neck gives tactile feedback as to where the fingers are placed.
- Login to post comments
