Bratzeltoys

Projects

A compact MIDI controller that, thanks to its simple yet versatile design,

takes every live performance to a whole new level.

A study project by Vincenz Adler, Furkan Gülüs and Vincent Ruhl, 3rd semester, 2020

Supervising lecturers: Prof. Dr Kyrill Fischer, Prof. Thorsten Greiner

Bratzeltoys are an attempt to take live performance to a whole new level.

The ‘Bratzelbox’ is a MIDI controller that stands out thanks to its minimalist design. It controls a plug-in designed in Max/MSP and available as an Ableton Live device.

The plug-in has two oscillators, each of which can produce four different waveforms (sine, sawtooth, square and triangle) and can be amplified via an amp knob. The behaviour of the waves can be precisely controlled using the ADSR knobs. The noise generator allows the user to work not only with waveforms but also with white or pink noise. A simple filter with cutoff and resonance frequencies helps to shape the sound. The Detune knob brings back that nostalgic feel of 80s synths. Equipped with reverb and delay, this compact unit offers all the tools a sound designer’s heart desires.

The ‘Bratzelband’ is a wristband designed to control the parameters of the effects section via movement and speed. It is intended to be connected to the Bratzelbox via Bluetooth. A bypass switch ensures that the band does not permanently affect the sound, allowing the user to play parts of the performance without it. Users can also define the controllable parameters themselves. The band is currently in the prototype phase and is therefore not yet ready for use.

The Bratzelbox stands out due to its size, which allows it to be used in all sorts of venues. This is of particular interest to DJs and live performers, as there is rarely much space for equipment in clubs. The Bratzelbox is designed to give users the opportunity to expand their live set simply yet effectively.

Here is a picture of the paper prototype that was built to test the controller’s proportions.

Here is a screenshot of the Fusion 3D model created for 3D printing.

Finally, a screenshot of the Max/MSP patch, which forms the basis of Max for Live Devices, has been included.

As you can see – small but powerful.

The hardware code for the controller was written in the Arduino IDE and then flashed onto a Teensy 4.0. The Teensy board is built into the hardware so that the synthesiser plug-in can be controlled via MIDI CC values using the buttons and faders. The unit is connected to the computer via a micro-USB cable.

After 3D printing, the box was painted black and then assembled. To do this, all the cables had to be soldered to the relevant circuit boards and the rotary potentiometers, faders and buttons fitted. The rotary potentiometers were then fitted with blue caps.