Impressively Responsive Air Drums Built Using the Raspberry Pi Pico
In their ECE 4760 microcontroller class at Cornell University, students Ang, Devin, and Kaiyuan undertook the challenge of building a set of air drums using the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller. The system employs MPU6050 inertial measurement units attached to drumsticks to detect movements, while a simple button serves as the kick pedal.
What sets this project apart is its sophisticated sound synthesis method. Instead of playing pre-recorded samples, the team implemented the Karplus-Strong Drum Synthesis function combined with a wavetable to generate a variety of drum sounds. The result is a highly responsive and impressive performance instrument that produces authentic drum sounds.
In a demo video, the air drums are showcased alongside a Stylophone playing melodies, demonstrating their responsiveness and sound quality. Unlike toy versions that lack rhythm and precision, these air drums offer a compelling alternative to traditional drum kits, proving to be both compact and capable of delivering a satisfying drumming experience. With further refinement, they could serve as a versatile and engaging musical instrument for performers and enthusiasts alike.
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