Skrasoft Dev Blog

I made an Octave script to simulate and graph all the 2A03 sweep unit settings as they change pitch over time. It is based entirely on my understanding of some documentation I found online… no measurements have actually been done. Each staircase represents one iterated combination of bit shifting and clock dividing. Something about the various quantizations weaving in and out of each other is strangely hypnotic.

Sweeeeeeeep

Droppin' Logs

Open them in a new window for the full glory.

Audio Clip 1

It’s just another clip from the mystery project. This time with portamento and adjustable vibrato depth.

Audio File 1

What does it mean???

I’m still waiting on some parts to get back on track with the Pokey synth module, so I’ve been tweaking the mystery project more. The audio clip above is just a 4-note sequence. Each note generates its own pseudo-random rhythmic pattern.

Here are a couple short clips from playing around today. They’re from a top secret mystery project being played live. No effects have been added.

Clip One

Clip Two

I am always working on audio projects and am constantly amazed by the creativity I run into on the internet daily. Through this blog I hope to consolidate progress for the projects I am designing, in addition to showing other people’s work that inspires me.

I have three large projects going right now:

The first is a synthesizer module using an old Atari Pokey chip at the sound generator. It is made to take old digital audio technology and give it real-time analog control.

The second follows in the same vein, but uses a 2A03. It was the CPU used by the Nintendo Entertainment System and several old arcades. It is not a sound chip like the Pokey, but contains sound-generating hardware.

The third is entirely different. It is a program for DJ’s and turntablists to record/edit/manipulate scratches. Many programs already exist that allow digital media to be controlled via turntable, but I have not seen any that allows the actual hand motions of a DJ to be recorded and reproduced. My program allows recording and editing of both crossfader and vinyl movement.

Soon each project will have its own dedicated page, but I will try to keep track of minute progress here.