Standalone DIY Synth With Daisy Seed (Embedded Audio Overview)

Ever wished Arduino can be a standalone synth? Then Electrosmith’s Daisy Seed got you covered! Daisy is like an Arduino BUT we can put a synth code inside it! And the audio will come out of it directly also!
You can purchase Daisy Seed at www.electro-smith.com/daisy/d...
Getting Started: github.com/electro-smith/Dais...
Let’s learn about embedded audio programming!
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Footage Credits
Throwing a laptop in water - Climate Town (love this channel btw)
• 2 Minutes Of Fact-Chec...
Guitar spin - Daichi Matsuo
• ギター回し　guitar spin
DEP live footage - INVADETV
• The Dillinger Escape P...
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0:00 - Intro & Performance
1:30 - What Is Daisy Seed?
3:00 - Why Embedded Audio?
6:23 - Daisy Seed's Hardware
8:21 - Programming With Daisy Seed
10:19 - Let's Hear It In Action!

[@electrosmithco]

There will be more Daisy tutorials over on our official channel!! And they'll be produced/hosted by Sound Simulator AKA Takumi!

[@GertBoers]

I love this channel! And great to finally see the guy behind it. You're doing an awesome job! I've never heard of the Daisy Seed. I am definitely going to check it out. Thanks for sharing.

[@SoundSimulator]

A nonchalant face-reveal video! Thank you so much for your continued support!! I'm glad to hear that this video got you interested in Daisy!!

[@johngalvin6352]

Wow, that was amazing and thank you for introducing me to Daisy. I have been looking for something like this for some time. I think that this is a project that I will get into. Thanks for sharing. Respect.

[@SoundSimulator]

Nice!!! I'm glad to hear that this video was helpful, John!

[@ynschannel_]

I finally bought a Daisy Seed, and I love it, I think we are just starting with microcontrollers in music, this will grow in an important way.

[@SoundSimulator]

That's awesome to hear!! And I'm glad you're loving it already! Yeah, I'm excited to see the community develop and grow! It's just getting started!!!

[@prestonashworthmusic]

Just ordered a couple, and definitely called out your channel as the reason why!

[@SoundSimulator]

That's exciting!! Keep me posted about what you'll be creating! And thank you so much for doing that! I greatly appreciate it. Please do let me know if you have any questions.

[@justinleokennedy]

Your video made such an impact on me I ordered a Daisy Seed right after viewing. I cited your video as reason for my purchase. Thanks for this. I am overjoyed that I can put some Max patches on a board.

[@SoundSimulator]

I'm happy to hear that! And thank you so much for letting them know! I greatly appreciate your doing that. I do have to reiterate that it needs to be in [gen~]. I hope you're still excited about Daisy!! [gen~] is certainly designed in a way to make it intuitive for Max users. I'm looking forward to seeing what you'll create! Please do feel free to share a video of it!

[@justinleokennedy]

@@SoundSimulator Thanks for the head's up. I figured using [gen~] would be necessary. It'll be a bit of reading for me to get it all working, I imagine, but I hope it'll be easier than coding a synth in C++ from scratch, which I find so very daunting.

[@bigwendigo2253]

Holy crap, definitely looking into this chip! Awesome video.

[@franksonjohnson]

Such a helpful video, thank you. Also lol Climate Town clip, love it.

[@SoundSimulator]

I'm glad to hear that!! Thanks! And yeah! Climate Town is one of my most favorite channels right now.

[@saftigesfruchtchen456]

This thing looks sick! thanks.

[@SoundSimulator]

That's great to hear! Yeah, it's a lot of fun!! I hope it's something that you'll find enjoyable to use!!

[@gustavosalmeron2013]

I tried playing with a midi controller + Windows 7 laptop, then a midicontroller + linux optimized for low latency... THEN, I bought a raspberry pi, installed a synth in it and tried to setup for live performance. None of these satisfied my expectations to make a real synth. This is what I've been looking for since 2016, and it looks AWESOME! I can code it the way I want it and the sound is great. Thank you so much, Electrosmith, for developing such an awesome hardware, I already bought my daisy pod ^.^

[@SoundSimulator]

YES!! I'm happy to hear that this is what you were looking for. I hope you enjoy using the Pod!!

[@jonathanpascone]

THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH FOR SHARING

[@SoundSimulator]

Excited to hear that this video was helpful!! Please let me know if you end up getting Daisy and create a project!

[@kelvint03]

congrats on the sponsorship!

[@SoundSimulator]

Thank you so much! I'm so grateful that it happened.

[@alextkalenko]

[pure data] I'm another one who bougth it right away so the sponsorship is already a success electro-smith! If I'm not mistaken the PureData side of it works compiling (translating) the code with HeavyCompiler/OWL style, so it might not recognize all the Pure Data Vanilla objects... #hope BTW, awesome content SoundSimulator!

[@SoundSimulator]

That's awesome! Thank you so much for letting me know!! I'm relieved and happy to hear that. Yes, Daisy also uses hvcc so there are vanilla objects that are not supported. Here's a list: wasted-audio.github.io/hvcc/docs/10.unsupported_vanilla_objects.html I hope you're still excited to receive it in the mail soon!! And please show us what you create with it!!! Looking forward to it. (I also just added a pinned comment to this video that you may find useful!)

[@mandem5943]

Beautiful 😍

[@SoundSimulator]

Thanks!

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Having one of these would be fun to tinker with. Having a whole Eurorack full of them, would be powerful. They all have the same front panel layout, that you could swap paperface labels, to match the programmed function. Have them all daisy chain connected, through serial data links, for quick connection to, and programming with a laptop. It would be scalable, reprogrammable, cable patchable (could also do virtual patching through serial links), and maybe not to expensive.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Gotta say i was following a lot of Arduino based Synth projects over the years but ALL of them turned me off a lot due to the fact that you still needed at least a computer with software, which i really don't like. I prefer putting together hardware with as little software as possible. Except for the Arduino based Open Theremin project, nothing really looked interesting enough. THIS thing here however is a LOT more like it. This is so much better when you can add code to a little programmable PCB and turning it into an embedded standalone device that even has a built-in DAC for audio output. You got me hooked :) And i love the idea of a ribbon manual. Not only for the convenience but also for the fact that you are not limited by keys and being able to play Glissandi. I bet if you put together 2 of these you basically have 2 voice polyphony. I wonder if there's also the possibility to add code for a formant filter and a frequency shifter to this thing?

[@SoundSimulator]

I'm glad to hear that this video got you interested in Daisy Seed! What programming language would you use with Daisy? If I recall correctly, I don't think there are formant filter or frequency shifter examples that come with Daisy. But I'm sure you can find a good patches for Pure Data (make sure it has hvcc supported objects) and gen~. I'm sure you can build one with C++ but I'm not certain how easy it is to implement it.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

@@SoundSimulator I think Pure Data sounds very interesting as i am a very visual person and need to be able to put together blocks of content to build what i need. Back in 2005/2006, when i was still making VST synthesizers with Synth Edit, it was thankfully a graphical developing environment which was perfect for my needs and it still provided a lot of depth to alter things the way you want. Basically using modules and changing them and their relation & interaction to each other, like a modular system that grew with your needs and was as complex or simple as your creative idea. And there was even support for third party modules made by others. And i loved being able to create a standalone VST at the end and that was great to build an instruments the way you want and sharing it with others. I never learned to code and find coding a little too abstract and really rely on a graphical interface. So yeah, Pure Data it is.

[@TheOleHermit]

Very interesting. Wasn't aware of the Daisy Seed until now. Very similar to the 'you know who' board I'm using on the laser synth. Except for the brand name and objective, you've just precisely described the same development process. I'm nearing the end of my 'tweaking' presets stage and getting very lost in testing the imagery, instead of coding. All MIDI notes & controls are currently mapped to an OTC APC40 MIDI controller, which makes a great laser control desk. PD is being used for additional features, such as a touchscreen GUI for monitoring/entering the 14 different image frequencies and gains. Now, I need to learn about creating and using MIDI programs and banks to store multiple pages of presets for buttons and sequences. I know very little about creating audible music and only learned the definition of DAW a few months ago. As a laserist, I know what I need and only need to walk the path to get there. Thank you for sharing your technical knowledge and guidance. You're enabling folks like myself to achieve previously unimaginable goals. 👍😎

[@SoundSimulator]

It's still quite new! I hope this video will help people get into the world of embedded audio! As I said before, your project sounds complex and almost overwhelming. It seems like you're close to sharing a footage??

[@TheOleHermit]

@@SoundSimulator Laser synth = 4 standard stereo waveform generators, plus RGB Basically, multiple synths, just like your embedded synth, with 6 DAC outputs, instead of only 2 ((just add some audio shields). But, I don't need all of the DSP filters, because frequency, amplitude, PWR, phase, & detune and a few AM multipliers are all I need. So, in many ways, your synths are far more complex. Yes, I've started editing a video, but need to allow some more time for the project to simmer down, before an official 'reveal'. Half-cocked demos never turn out well. Need to set up some HD RPi cams for live recording, instead of just the smartphone. Perhaps, I'll be there in a few more months... if I can ever stop brainstorming new ideas. lol

[@SoundSimulator]

@@TheOleHermit Looking forward to it!! Yeah, it's really difficult to stop yourself from trying out new ideas.

[@draconianrhythms]

Very inspiring .. thank you

[@SoundSimulator]

I'm happy to hear that this video was inspiring! Thank you for watching!!

[@draconianrhythms]

@@SoundSimulator would you consider doing more content on this platform, maybe sticking with the arduino framework?

[@SoundSimulator]

@@draconianrhythms Definitely planning on it!!

[@draconianrhythms]

@@SoundSimulator dude that would be so awesome .. I feel that there is a steep learning curve to this, but once over the initial stages I think it will be easier to produce something - and that helps the community for sure :) keep doing what you’re doing mate, your content is excellent ❤️

[@yukailin1207]

Nice video, i will buy it🙆🏻🙆🏻

[@SoundSimulator]

I'm happy to hear that!! Please feel free to send me an update video like you did with your first instrument!! Looking forward to it!

[@jesusleugimofficial]

Great!...

[@SoundSimulator]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@_DRMR_]

Finally ready to build plugins using Pd? ;) Still have quite a way to go to add more functionality to Daisy (I really want to get MIDI i/o done, should be very doable!), but we have all the basics working :) I plan to soon to make a short series of basic Pd/Heavy patches that have compatibility between Daisy, OWL and "desktop" builds (VST2/LV2), hit me up if you feel like collaborating on some tutorials :)

[@SoundSimulator]

That sounds exciting!!

[@daytrace4635]

ik this was awhile ago, am looking into making my own multi effect pedal(have a high power laser cutter to help on container), I am very new to this in general, are there any tuts you recommend to start matching components as I assume there are ways to overload the circuit (ie a 250v 1a button vs a 250v 5a button)? Is there a set amp rating that is total and can not be exceeded (minus step ups)? Is this the purpose of resistors to limit this rating bc of the flow? If so, is there a way to calculate the minimal working amps for components as to not exceed boards power?

[@SoundSimulator]

It looks like people are interested in using Daisy Seed with Pure Data, so I'll write more information here! -Daisy uses hvcc so not all the vanilla objects are supported. Please have a look especially before getting Daisy. wasted-audio.github.io/hvcc/docs/10.unsupported_vanilla_objects.html -Pure Data Daisy tutorial that I followed and it works! github.com/electro-smith/pd2dsy Installation took about 1-2 GB (or less?) computer storage space. Make sure you don't skip any of the step like I did initially! -The final step of that tutorial can be confusing for Daisy Seed user but only for the first time! What you can do is python pd2dsy(dot)py --board POD beep(dot)pd This will make sense once you get to that step. By the way, beep(dot)pd is the name of the patcher that is shown at 8:49! Please feel free to send me a message via social media if you run into some issue. Thank you for watching!!!

[@colinward322]

Great video, I am starting to put together your synth but struggling with the coding - any chance of seeing the final Arduino Frankenstein code?

[@SoundSimulator]

Thank you for your interest!! I'm planning on making a tutorial where we dive deeper into programming with Daisy! Stay tuned... If you want to get a head start, please feel free to ask questions via DMs.

[@felipefs106]

Really nice overall view. Are you planning to make more coding focused tutorials?. LIke setting up the environment, and building a simple sound generator? either using Arduino IDE or something else 🙇‍♂

[@SoundSimulator]

Yes! I'm planning on it!

[@sonnyobrien]

Could you program a eurorack sequencer embedded on the daosy?

[@by.daekeryyy]

what dock u use for your macbook pro? is it good? or do you feel it gets hot after using for a while

[@SoundSimulator]

INNOMAX from late 2018. It's been 4 years and never had any issue with it.

[@shanebrown5643]

Can you use multiplexers for the daisy seed? And does it support sigmund~?

[@SoundSimulator]

hvcc unfortunately do not support [sigmund~]. And it should be possible to use multiplexers with daisy, but I recommend double checking on their forum. Some day I need to learn multiplexing instead of using Arduino Mega...

[@mystupidtheories6554]

Hi i Justr found your page and am ordering a Daisy as soon as I find a canadian supplier, Im curious if you have lookedinto using a mux/demux with the daisy via the pure data style programing. Fingers crossed you make a video or can send me in the right direction to find one. if i cant find one I willl probably put all my buttons on different resistors and feed them to a shared analog pin and disapate them through there to add a keyboard but I dont like that solution as much ps for context Im making a Moog taurus style bass synth out of organ foot pedals. and I would prefer to program in pure data as the arduino style

[@SoundSimulator]

I hope there is a Canadian supplier! That's an exciting project idea!!! I highly recommend searching or asking the Electrosmith forum. They also have a Discord! Multiplex is something I ran away from for years by using the Arduino Mega. But with Daisy, I have to finally confront it! I'll definitely consider making a video on it as it is extremely useful! In the meantime... there could also be an I2C multiplex breakout-board (for expanding analog pins) that's worth looking up. Arduino IDE can work nicely with external libraries. This leads to another approach, the Arduino IDE! They come with great sounding examples (including a Moog Ladder filter emulation). You'll most likely need a code that deals with bunch of foot pedals, so text-based coding may be more efficient. I find myself going back and forth between Arduino IDE and Pure Data for specific purposes. Multiplexing in general may be easier to implement with Arduino IDE since so many people have done it with Arduinos. This is all to say that your project should be possible to implement and there will be various approaches that you can try out!! Best of luck and let me know if you have any more questions. My dms are open//

[@larka4754]

would you (or someone kind) mind sharing a step by step /more detailed description of how it's built and how the code is written? would be be great, and appreciated so much for learning purposes! thank you !!

[@SoundSimulator]

You can join the Daisy discord and then ask on the #arduino channel. I would be happy to answer over there.

[@guidosc3470]

Dear Mr. Sound Simulator ! :) Do you know if i could use daisy to keep track of four magnet-inputs from my Stringinstrment-Pickupsystem through 4 of the ADC of the Daisy-Seed ? I want to pitchtrack every string simultaniously with a MAX patch .. It would be increadibly if i could use the "daisy" for that as an embedded system .....

[@thewafflemancer]

Feel free to share your code! I'd love to see how you cobbled to together those examples, I'm having a really hard time with getting the DSP part of the library, especially with sensors involved.

[@SoundSimulator]

Hey Wafflemancer! Great to meet you on the Daisy Discord server. Good to know that you are interested in using DaisyDuino. For that code in the video, I remember analyzing the "oscillator" example. And then I looked at the moog ladder filter example to see how the effect is applied to the oscillator. These should get you started but if you have any specific questions, please feel free to reach out on the arduino channel of the discord server. Talk to you there!!

[@ermitec]

You can also program it using Faust AFAIK even though I have not tested it yet

[@SoundSimulator]

Yeah! I think there was an audio programming conference last week where a researcher gave a talk about Faust + Daisy. I've been wanting to learn more about Faust since it's great for embedded audio.

[@ermitec]

There is course in Kadenze in case you did not know which covers the fundamentals. Also for Max MSP and many others

[@SoundSimulator]

​@@ermitec Will check it out! Thanks!

[@massimookissed1023]

The pricey Critter & Guitari _Organelle_ uses PureData to create its patches. I wonder if there's a repository of code that might be reusable on the Daisy.

[@SoundSimulator]

Yeah, I haven't looked too deep into the repository. If they're hvcc, then they should work!!

[@lookmomonlycomputer]

Please make some videos about pure data with daisy seed. Really want to know if it feet to my prog level and project i want to make

[@SoundSimulator]

Planning on it!!

[@lookmomonlycomputer]

@@SoundSimulator nice!

[@ynschannel_]

Could it be programmed with Supercollider?

[@SoundSimulator]

As far as I know, I don't think you can program with Supercollider. I wish it did though! It could be worth asking them about it on their forum to see if they're planning on it.

[@alextkalenko]

For that you should check Bela Platform..

[@ynschannel_]

@@alextkalenko Yes, Supercollider is including the quark for connecting with Bela, but is 5 or 6 times more expensive, and I am looking for cheaper solutions for different purposes. Anyway, I work also with Max so I don´t have problems.

[@Daruma_Studio]

Sorry to spam you but god I hope youre working on a MAX MSP on Daisy Seed WITH tactile knobs/breadboard attachments.

[@Daruma_Studio]

Specifically a tutorial video for it lol

[@SoundSimulator]

@@Daruma_Studio OF COURSE! Hopefully I can make bunch of Daisy tutorials next year!!

[@Daruma_Studio]

@@SoundSimulator Next year!?!!?!?! If I PAY YOU for private lessons can we start sooner? lol

[@Subzearo]

Why would it be USB powered? Micro USB BLOWS!

[@SoundSimulator]

Don't worry, you can power it in other ways. I would personally use DC power jack for the final version.

[@lovemadeinjapan]

Why does it blow? Diving in my charger collection: tons of nice Nokia/Microsoft/Samsung micro USB chargers without hum, running cool, stable voltage. Average USB-C charger at the grocery store counter (phones no longer include chargers) are total junk. Annoying whine, getting hot. Even the plug is more fragile, and in case the board connector dies, you are toast. USB micro on the other hand can be replaced with a simple solder iron, as the feet are not too small.

[@subs4794]

Wow! Let's go outside with all those natural sounds and play a device that uses headphones...