Hi everyone! I am very new to all this, recently started learning how to use Arduino and IDE. I've been working with MAX MSP to create my first project but it seems like bela is way better. I would love to get your feedback on how to start it.

Thinking of creating a light sensitive audio device (w/ 8 photoresistors as inputs, could be more than 8 too). When the light source is moved (closer/further) from LDR pins, LDR pins will send the value of light intensity and play the sound attached to it(the value of the light intensity will also control the volume of each pin). Similar to this project but without computer being attached to it and not as complicated I believe (

)

I wonder if this is possible with Bela to begin with. Do I still have to use MAX MSP or PureData works? Can various pins give out audio simultaneously? Do I need extra storage/voltage to make the system work without any computer?

Thank youu!! I hope it makes sense 🙂 Very excited to make this happen!!

Hello,

Love this instrument by Leafcutter John, I've actually seen him perform live with it a couple of times (ah remember when we used to go to concerts!).

This is definitely possible with Bela. Instead of using Max/MSP you would use Pure Data as your programming language. We support Pure Data as it is fully open source and runs embedded on Bela. If you would like to get an idea of what it is like working with Bela and Pure Data I highly recommend having a look at our new course: https://learn.bela.io/tutorials/pure-data/fundamentals/course-introduction/

On Bela you have 8 high quality analog inputs which you could use for connecting the LDRs. Then use the signals from these sensors to control sample manipulation and playback in your patch, no problem. Have a look at the sample examples in the course for an idea of how the patch would look. There are also circuit diagrams for connecting LDRs in FM synthesis example.

The benefits of using Bela over an Arduino and MaxMSP is that there is no need for an extra computer once you have finished programming the board. You can just set your project to run on boot every time the board powers up. All you need then is a power source for the board and your project will start running, a common 5V phone charger works very well. See here for a guide on how to do this: https://learn.bela.io/using-bela/bela-techniques/running-projects-on-boot/

If you would then like to build a more complex interface with many more LDRs then you could use the Multiplexer capelet on top of a Bela cape, which extends the number of analog inputs up to 64: https://shop.bela.io/collections/extras/products/multiplexer-capelet (we have an order of these in progress and they'll be back in stock very soon).

I hope that answers your questions, please let me know if you have any more.

Robbie

Hi Robbie!!

Thanks for our message! This is def very helpful!

Damn that performance should have been amazing (oh well, one day hopefully soon we'll get back to those days)

I'll reach out if I face any problems!