Show HN: A beat composer by placing beans on paper [video] (opens in new tab)

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6 pointsunrealp1y ago2 comments

Bean beat sequencer allows you to make music by placing beans on a piece of paper. The bean placement is captured by a webcam and Processing and Sonic-Pi together render the audio.

8 rows represent 8 instruments. 16 columns represent time slot. If a bean is placed in the time slot, the corresponding instrument for that row is played.

2 comments

_spduchamp1y ago

Nice! I like this a lot. I'm not usually a big fan of sequencers, but applying a physical interface like this where you literally move the onsets around is kinda cool.

This would be a great activity for kids.

What are you planning on doing with the project? You releasing it?

If this is done in Processing, do you think a P5.js version would work? Then anyone could just conjure this instrument up with a browser on a cell phone.

unrealpOP1y ago

I am planning to add more features. Say volume control - a volume square and place more beans there to increase volume. Or a pause button - currently while placing beans hand gets into camera view and gets interpreted as object and plays several odd notes haha. Things like that.

One plan is to try with people. Camera overhung and people walk below and compose music as a group!

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