Summary of Truly Random MIDI Control
This article describes an experimental MIDI controller by [Danny] that generates truly random musical notes using radioactive decay data from a Geiger tube. Unlike pseudo-random systems, this device leverages physical radiation events to trigger interrupts in an Arduino loop, creating unique melodies without human input. The project features extensive documentation via a zine and allows users to configure root notes, scales, octaves, and velocity. While the controller produces no sound itself, it effectively drives external synths and samplers to create everything from bass lines to ambient textures. All code and files are available on GitHub.
Parts used in the Truly Random MIDI Controller:
- Off-the-shelf Geiger counter kit
- Arduino microcontroller
- Geiger tube
- External synthesizers
- Samplers
Generating random data is incredibly hard, and most of the random data around you isn’t truly random, but merely pseudo-random. For really random data, you’ll have to look at something like radioactive decay or *holds up spork* something like this. YouTube commenters will also suffice. The idea of using random data for generating musical notes is nothing new, but [Danny]’s experimental MIDI controller is something else. It’s a MIDI controller with the control removed, generating random musical notes based on radioactive decay.
The design of this controller is based on an off-the-shelf Geiger counter kit attached to an Arduino. The Arduino code simply counts up in a loop, and when the Geiger tube is triggered, an interrupt sets off a bit of code to generate a MIDI note. That’s simple enough, but where this project excels is its documentation. There’s a zine going through all the functions of this MIDI controller. There are single note or sequencer functions, a definable root note and scale type, an octave range, and velocity of the note can be set.
This is just a MIDI controller and doesn’t generate any noise on its own, but the video of the device in action shows off the range. [Danny] is getting everything from driving bass lines to strange ambient music out of this thing with the help of some synths and samplers. All the code and necessary files are available on the GitHub, with the video available below.
Source: Truly Random MIDI Control
- How does the controller generate random musical notes?
The device counts up in a loop within the Arduino code and triggers a MIDI note interrupt when the Geiger tube detects radioactive decay. - Can users define the scale and root note for the generated music?
Yes, the controller includes functions to set a definable root note and select specific scale types. - Does the MIDI controller produce its own audio output?
No, the device is a MIDI controller only and requires external synthesizers or samplers to generate noise. - What kind of music can be created with this device?
The video demonstrates the creation of driving bass lines and strange ambient music using the controller. - Is the velocity of the generated notes adjustable?
Yes, the velocity of the note can be set as part of the controller's configurable functions. - Where can I find the documentation for the controller's functions?
A zine is provided that goes through all the functions of the MIDI controller. - Are the source code and necessary files available for download?
All code and necessary files are available on GitHub. - What hardware forms the basis of this controller design?
The design is based on attaching an off-the-shelf Geiger counter kit to an Arduino.
