Bare Conductive & LittleBits have announced one of the first modules created as part of their new BitLab, the i10 touch sensor – a capacitive proximity sensor that sends a signal to the attached Bits as you physically approach it.
The new sensor can be used along with the Korg Synth Kit and other modules to create proximity-controlled instruments.
Here’s what they have to say about the new module:
The touch sensor is a powerful capacitive proximity sensor that sends a signal to the attached Bits as you physically approach it. The closer you get, the higher the voltage it sends out.
Use an alligator lead with one end attached to the gold electrode on the touch sensor, then connect the other end to something conductive like tin foil, conductive foam, or even paint a square of Electric Paint. Once turned on, the touch sensor will automatically calibrate the material to create a custom capacitive sensor off of the module. Fine tune your proximity range using the included screwdriver and use it to detect a cookie thief with the Buzzer or have hands-free control of the Oscillator from the Synth Kit to drive some sweet audio!
The other module that has been announced as the first batch of BitLab modules is the Makey Makey module, which lets you turn everyday objects into controllers:
Other modules that are up for consideration in the BitLab include an oscilloscope and the Bleep Drum.
He must work outside a lot to have such a fun beard.
This looks really poor? Is it just me being the cynic (with 30 years experience of synths)
there’s a new generation discovering synthesis with very limited historical background. they aren’t the people who spent years in a electronic music history class at calarts with barry schrader… but it’s ok! they are discovering synths for them selves and with out the benefit of instructors, they are taking baby steps and learning. they are where we were and the lust for the gear we had is amazing. i wish we had toys like this 30 years ago!!!
Reminds me of one of the apple adds…
“So what weve done is taken the old charger, made it smaller, and made it digital, giving you unprecedented charging power, whichever you chose to plug it in”
Haha
It has potential to spawn new cool ideas, but other people are making far cooler steps in synthesis, than these clowns making a surface controller with no pitch control.
Please
nice photocell…