[Davearneson] developed a contemporary version of a traditional synthesizer with his diy Fairlight CMI. If there were a hall of fame for electronic instruments, the Fairlight CMI would be on it. An early sampling synth with a built-in sequencer, the Fairlight was a game changer. everybody from A-ha to Hans Zimmer has utilized one. The striking thing about the Fairlight was the individual interface. It utilized a light pen to choose entrances from text menus as well as to interact with the audio waveform.
The original Fairlight units offered for £18,000 as well as up, as well as this was in 1979. Surviving units are well outside the cost variety of the typical musician. There is an alternate though – [Peter Vogel] has released an iOS app which emulates the Fairlight.
[Davearneson] had an old iPad 2 lying around. as well sluggish to run numerous of the most recent apps, however just quick sufficient to run the Fairlight app. An iPad doesn’t precisely look like a traditional instrument though. So he broke out the tools as well as produced a situation that looked the part.
The front of the situation is made from framing mat board. The rest of the shell is wood. [Davearneson] utilized Plasti-Dip spray to replicate the structure of 1970’s plastics. The audio interface is a Griffon unit, which offers audio as well as MIDI connections. [Davearneson] prolonged the connections from the Griffon to the rear of the case, making for a clean interface.
The iPad doesn’t precisely support a light pen, so a rubber tipped stylus on a coil cord takes it place. The result is a gadget that looks as well as works like a Fairlight – however doesn’t requirement a stable diet plan of 8″ floppy discs to operate.
Interested in traditional digital synthesizers that are a bit much more budget plan friendly? inspect out Al Williams’ short article on the SID chip, or this 3D printed synth based upon the 4046 PLL chip.