I finally finished building my second „instrument“ – a MIDI-based Fibonacci Machine. 👯♂️
It endlessly generates rhythmic and melodic patterns based on the numbers Leonardo Fibonacci observed in natural structures (such as rabbit reproduction or the way flower blossoms grow).
Through its MIDI output, the machine can trigger basically anything that works with MIDI, like synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, robotics, visual generators and so on.
It plays notes in programmable keys, adjustable velocity and (also clockable) tempo, which allows you to play entire songs with it or just trigger events in some sweet polyrhythms. With the step sequencer and the built-in „keyboard“, you can program up to eight different keys that will be played in a loop following the generated pattern. As the used numbers have rather odd relations to one another, the resulting rhythms can get really fun and will only repeat after a really high number of beats (with all numbers switched on, 185640 to be exact). 🙃
Each of the eight numbers (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 and 34) can be switched on and off, giving you the possibility to either play fast and complex synth riffs – or slow, reduced soundscapes with lots of room between the single notes.
All amateur style handmade and definitely far from perfect, but I had a lot of fun building and programming this thing. And I would be really happy to see what (real) musicians / producers can get out of it.
Much love,
M.
(photos by
@samuelsolazzo )
