Axoloti is a new open-source platform to build synthesizers, drum machines, audio effects and other weird instruments. The platform consists of the Axoloti Core microcontroller board, and the Axoloti Patcher software.
The Axoloti Patcher software runs on Mac OS X, Windows and Linux. The patches you create with it are uploaded to the Axoloti Core board, so you can unplug it from your computer, and use it as a standalone instrument.
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is primarily aimed at artists, musicians, makers who want to learn about sound design, creating performance instruments or interactive audio installations.
All of our workshops can be tailored to your needs. You can hire us to teach an intensive one-day workshop, or a workshop spanning multiple days so participants can work on their own projects and get personal coaching. Each workshop can be tailored to the needs of the participants.
This workshop is ideal for groups of 6 to 12 people.
Topics
We will use the book Getting Started with Axoloti to teach this workshop. This book contains lots of information on different topics.
- Basics of synth terminology: what is an oscillator, envelope or fillter?
- Sound design: what components do I use to create a bassline, a lead sound or snare drum?
- Exploring rhythm: building sequencers and drum machines
- Audio effects: create effects like flangers, or delays for your synthesizer patches, or use the Axoloti board as an effects processor for guitars
- Controlling the Axoloti: Connecting MIDI controllers or electronic components like buttons, potentiometers and distance sensors to create a truly personal performance instrument.
- Strategies to use Axoloti to create an interactive audio installation.
Workshop Instructor
Jan Vantomme is a Ghent based artist and computational designer. His work merges art, technology and design, and covers multiple creative disciplines including interactive installations, video art, digital & physical product design, sound design, fine arts printing and graphic design.
Teaching Experience
Jan has over 10 years of experience teaching classes and workshops.
2006 – 2011, Sint-Lukas Brussels, University College of Arts and Design
Teaching multimedia at the graphic design department. Topics include:
- Video editing and motion design
- Web design
- Interaction design
- Generative typography with the Processing programming language
2010 - now: Workshops on different topics at conferences, fablabs, ...
- Media Facade Reloaded, iMal, Brussels
- Computational design for 3D printing, Processing Bordeaux
- Computational design for 3D printing, Journées du code créatif, Nantes
2016 – 2018, KU Leuven (University of Leuven)
Programming for architects with the Processing programming language. Students learn how to build agent-based systems, aimed at creating simulations or form-finding.
Books
Jan wrote a book about creative programming with the Processing programming language, and one about sound design with Axoloti.
Processing 2: Creative Programming Cookbook, Packt Publishing, 2012 packtpub.com/hardware-and-creative/processing-2-creative-programming-cookbook
Getting Started with Axoloti, self-published with Leanpub, 2015 - 2016
leanpub.com/getting-started-with-axoloti
Terms & Conditions
Pricing
Our workshops are priced at €100 + 21% VAT per day / per participant.
If you have a company outside Belgium, with a registered VAT number, you will receive an invoice without VAT.
Participants for this workshop will also need an Axoloti Core board and the book Getting Started with Axloti which will be provide by us. Price for the Axoloti board and the book is €100.
Travel costs and accommodation are not included. Travel and accommodation can be arranged by you or us.
The full amount should be paid before the workshop date.
Cancellation and refunds
When you cancel the workshop, you are entitled to a refund under the conditions below.
- 100% refund of the workshop cost if cancelled up to 3 weeks before the workshop date.
- 50% refund of the workshop cost if cancelled between 3 weeks and 1 week before the workshop date.
- No refund if cancelled less than 1 week before the workshop date.
Travel and accommodation costs won't be refunded if we arranged everything.
You are entitled to a 100% refund should the workshop be cancelled by us.
Workshop materials
Participants need to bring their own laptop (Mac OS X, Linux or Windows). Code examples, presentations, and other digital materials used to teach the workshop will be shared with the participants for future reference.