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GYROZ 3000x

Projects

The GYROZ 3000x: The future of performance

A project by André Molkenthin, Paul Raum, Daniel Best and Marie Mälzer, 3rd semester, 2019
Supervising lecturers: Prof. Thorsten Greiner, Prof. Dr Kyrill Fischer, Prof. Dr Jürgen Schwab

With the GYROZ 3000X, we have developed a MIDI controller for live performances.

The device itself consists of a 4×4 encoder matrix, 2 touch strips, 10 buttons and a gyro sensor. It communicates with the connected computer via MIDI data using a Teensy (a smaller version of the Arduino). The various components can be used to control the MAX/MSP patch we have developed, which is primarily designed to record samples and then process them using various audio effects (ADSR, filter, reverb, etc.).
Once the software has been further developed, it will also be possible to use the device to control conventional audio programmes such as Live.

Every stage of the development process presented a challenge: keeping an overview of the increasingly complex software, soldering the components correctly, writing error-free code to ensure they communicated with the software, and cutting the Plexiglas casing using a laser cutter.

We are all the more pleased, therefore, with everything we have been able to take away from this, our most demanding project on the study programme to date.

The first sketch of the GYROZ – back then it still had an ‘S’ instead of a ‘Z’, but it already featured an encoder matrix and a touch strip.
Connecting the touch strips to the Teensy
Soldering the encoder matrix and thereby assigning an address to each encoder
The GYROZ user interface; the complexity of the underlying patch is not apparent here.
Here you can see the complexity of the patch: an ADSR curve for every possible sample and the global effects chain.
More than just a few faltering first steps in the vector graphics programme Inkscape.
After lots of attempts using various programmes: the sketch of the top of the Gyroz in Fusion 360 for the laser cutter.
Final sketch in Fusion 360
After cutting out the housing parts with the laser cutter: fitting the encoder matrix into the front panel
Soldering the Encodermatrix and the two touch sensors, and tidying up the tangle of cables.
After the initial assembly. There is very little space inside the case, so every cable route has to be planned carefully.
Now that the LEDs have been fitted, our logo finally lights up when the device is switched on.
Our finished GYROZ 3000x during the video shoot.
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