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Bleep Drum Kit with MIDI

The Bleep Drum Kit with MIDI is an Arduino based, ~~lo-fi~~ rad-fi drum machine designed by Dr. Bleep of Bleep Labs. This easy through-hole soldering kit turns into a super addictive noise-maker that's sure to keep you entertained for irresponsible lengths of time.

The Bleep Drum has four drum sounds, two of which have pitch control. Once you've come up with an awesome beat, you can record it into the sequencer just by pressing the record button and jamming out. There are four separate tracks, allowing you to record and play back four different sequences. Recording is additive so you can keep layering sounds on sounds until things are noisy enough for your liking. You can also tap in the tempo and change the tempo of recorded sequences!

This version of the Bleep Drum Kit actually comes equipped with a MIDI input. This allows you to trigger the four samples, toggle noise and reverse modes, as well as change the pitch of all four samples with any device that can send MIDI.

If things still aren't noisy enough for you, hold down the "shift" button while turning the Bleep Drum on and it'll start up in Hyper Noise 30XX mode! In Noise mode, it works the same as before but now you can distort and crunch all of the drum sounds using the adjustment knobs.

Because the kit is all through-hole parts, it's easy for beginners. All you need is a basic soldering iron, a screwdriver and maybe a pair of pliers. The Bleep Drum runs on a 9V battery which isn't included so make sure you have one on hand. Also, the output from the Bleep Drum is a 1/8" audio jack, so you might want a pair of headphones to hook up to it.

If you're an advanced noisemaker, the Bleep Drum is also hackable! It will accept trigger pulses for all of the pads and the tempo button, so you can add electric drum pads if that's what you're into. Since the code is open, you can edit the code to get new sounds or add new functionality. A row of headers are broken out on the board to make hacking easier, these pins are explained in the user guide below.

  • Four sounds, two with pitch control
  • Four selectable sequences
  • Record patterns just by playing them
  • Tap tempo
  • Reverse mode
  • Hyper Noise 30XX mode
  • MIDI Input

Bleep Drum Kit with MIDI Product Help and Resources

MIDI Tutorial

October 8, 2015

Understanding the Musical Instrument Digital Interface.

Core Skill: Soldering

This skill defines how difficult the soldering is on a particular product. It might be a couple simple solder joints, or require special reflow tools.

2 Soldering

Skill Level: Rookie - The number of pins increases, and you will have to determine polarity of components and some of the components might be a bit trickier or close together. You might need solder wick or flux.
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Core Skill: DIY

Whether it's for assembling a kit, hacking an enclosure, or creating your own parts; the DIY skill is all about knowing how to use tools and the techniques associated with them.

1 DIY

Skill Level: Noob - Basic assembly is required. You may need to provide your own basic tools like a screwdriver, hammer or scissors. Power tools or custom parts are not required. Instructions will be included and easy to follow. Sewing may be required, but only with included patterns.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

2 Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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Comments

Looking for answers to technical questions?

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  • Seriously though, those buttons are gorgeous. I haven't been able to find them anywhere.

  • I'm with Lefty4000; those buttons are really awesome looking. Anyone have a lead on a supplier?

    • Dr. Bleep / about 10 years ago / 2

      Thanks! This is the part. We just fill the divot with enamel paint. http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/ALPS/SKHCBFA010/?qs=%2fha2pyFadug%252bSlm9EvDzxt8Vc26xW8IcRt3Zm0LdOA8hQNGf1FIXkQ%3d%3d

Customer Reviews

5 out of 5

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Fun!

There's quite a lot of function packed into this little project. It took about an hour to assemble, and I've been bleeping along merrily ever since. It's a welcome new sonic texture in my studio, and I can't wait to try adding a few mods