Tenori-on / Monome clone for DS update : CellsDS

So awhile ago I joked about the possibility of a Tenori-on version coming out from Nintendo. Looks like homebrew won again. Bret from GlitchDS.com has released CellsDS which is actually more of a Monome clone where you can write your own engines and control surfaces (MIDI is still in the works).

Out of the box (aka zip) it comes with several Engines already so those of you that don’t want to write your own sequencers don’t have to. It includes a basic step sequencer, “Block” mixer, Tenori-on style Bounce sequencer, and a few more. Very cool.

The LUA scripting is very very easy to get a grasp of even if you are only slightly familiar with scripting (php experience and the like will benefit you) and the documentation + examples are well done and easy to follow, and surprisingly flexible (including sending custom variables from one engine to the other).

It comes with a large library of default sounds, so for the even lazier, you don’t have to create your own. Head over to http://www.glitchds.com/cellsds/ for more information.

I should probably mention that previously, there was Monomeds but it was largely an unfinished project and open source. I’m not sure if CellsDS is branched off of that code or not, but users that were looking forward to a finished Monomeds app for the DS should be aware of this program, esp. now since the midi implementation is set to take place soon.

Yes, midi note out and clock sync are planned. I’ve been debating how to do the midi note out. I’m torn. Here are my options:

1) Make it easy on the Lua programmer by making play_note(note_number) automatically output a midi note where the midi note is based on the note_number and the channel is based on the engine number.

or…

2) Add a new function called something like send_midi(param1, param2, param3, param4). This is more flexible but makes more work for the Lua programmer.

Anyways, CellsDS is a subtle yet killer application b/c of its flexibility. So if that sort of flexibility and the ease of LUA scripting appeals to you, or even if you just want another fun sequencer for the DS and don’t want to muck about with coding… check it out.

Kaossilator 16-step

Eventually I need to slow down with the Korg posts, but this is decent enough to share. As I mentioned previously I recently got myself a Kaossilator for a price i couldnt pass up…and I’m glad I did. There’s quite a few tricks to using the thing to speed up creativity like using the arp/gate patterns to automatically quanitze individual drum hits/ and drum synths, etc. (see the charts below, click for larger versions).

To the point: while exploring my KO, I discovered a boot-up mode by holding random buttons while powering the unit on. I googled a bit and found out ppl @ Korgforums and Youtube have already discovered this but the information seemed pretty buried so I thought I’d pass the info along myself.

When powering on the unit, hold down the TAP/BMP and Rec/Play buttons simultaneously and wait for the screen to boot up. DLY will read on the screen then release the buttons. Hold down Rec/Play and press the TAP/Bpm button again (Length setting). You can now change the overall pattern length to 16 steps and record some parameter automation like loop length and tempo, which can’t be recorded in regular mode. Recording acts differently as well, for example.. you can let go after laying down some sounds then make some changes on the length and tempo and the changes will be recorded.

You gain some you lose some. Overdubbing can no longer be undone via Fix and Cancel. In 16-Bar mode you can only delete the entire loop or keep overdubbing. Instead you have Erase and Clear. Erase works like it does in regular mode and so does Clear. Also, you can Pause the playback but if you stop it in order to sync something with the downbeat (pause/begin record on trigger), it will overwrite what was previously there.. not a big deal really.  Check out the video below the charts for a great example of the sorts of things you can do in this Mode by tripleninesquared.

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buaFeNpb0A0

Gameboy Camera (DJ Edit)

My next post was originally going to be about the Gameboy DS Lite. I recently bought a Krimson Red model (the previous models actually put me off) along with an R4DS Flashcart so I can load up homebrew roms and my own little experiments. However, I recently found myself taking a quick trip to Gamestop and stumbled upon a used/dusty lower shelf of Gameboy and Gameboy Advance accessories. Immediately my eye hit an old GB Carrying case, which my brother had with his original greybrick way back in the day. At 99 cents I couldnt pass it up…and since it was made for the original GB there was plenty of room to put my GBC, NDS, and all their accessories. That and its all retro and old and clunky.. the irony of it entertains me. When I took the GB Carrying case off the shelf, behind it I saw 2 GB Cameras for sale. The typical red one and a green one. I picked up the red one. Originally thinking only about the lowfi camera fun I could have with it I had completely forgotten about the DJ mode hidden on the cartridge under “Games”. In any case, that was a well spent 2$’s. Now, here’s some details on the GB Camera sequencer/synth/mixer…

 

Left image from the Gameboy Camera Manual. You can find a copy here:
http://www.replacementdocs.com/download.php?view.3292

For a review and description/explanation of it’s features read more…