The daïs is an open source new interface for musical expression (NIME). The daïs main feature is a disk that is suspended by elastic string. The instrument is played by pushing down and moving the disk around. The position and angle of the disk is captured by sensors and can be used to control sound synthesis algorithms or audio effects.
Multiple parameters to be controlled with a single movement, and the gestures afforded by the instrument result in a performative playing style. The disk is haptically enabled using vibrotactile transducers that facilitate an intimate playing experience.
The Daïs was presented at NIME 2020 and was later featured on the Bela blog. See also the video made for the blog post.
This repository contains everything you need to build your own daïs.
The source folder contains a ready-to-use Bela application that will read the sensors and produce a synthesized bowed string sound.
dais_mechanical_design.scad is an OpenSCAD file of the mechanical design of the daïs that can be used to generate files for laser cutting.
To build a daïs you will need the following tools and software
- OpenSCAD.
- A vector drawing program such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw or Inkscape (free).
- A laser cutter.
- A soldering iron.
- Misc. small tools such as scissors, cutter, and pliers.
The electronics parts you need are
- A Bela.
- An APDS9900 breakout board (e.g. the one from Sparkfun).
- A Bosch Sensortec BNO055 breakout board (e.g. this one on ebay).
- A small stereo amplifier board (such as this one).
- A surface transducer (like this one).
- Some wire and optionally some Bela-compatible Molex connectors.
Other matrials needed are
- Solder.
- SuperGlue.
- Strips.
- Elastic string, 1m, around 3mm in diameter.
- Leather straps or string, around 2m.
- Duct tape (don't know for what exactly but you will probably need it).
The parts and materials should be assembled like so:
This repository is far from perfect, these are the things needed to make it good:
- Add desciption on how to get the source code onto the bela (use the push script in the source folder)
- Add descriptions of the parameter mapping of the software.
- Add the paper (when its done).
- Through build instruct with step-by-step pictures.
- Clean up code and add comments.
- Make a video of the build process and the instrument being played.