published: September 17, 2016 — last modified: October 23, 2025
Hurray! I just finished the final Outmoded Sequencer device. The tuning of all frequencies was way faster than I expected, because I used a new method. Have a look at the following photo gallery before I tell you some details.
You can see the device is build like a control desk, with the PCB a little bit at an angle. The left knob on the top controls the speed of the sequencer and the right one the volume.
A did a few tests already and the idea with the steel balls is working, but not great - just ok. So sometimes they do not connect and you have to move them a little bit until they make contact again. Most of the positions are working always without problems.
It is a great fun to play with the device, changing the pattern while the melody is playing. Now everything is finished, I also can move two steel balls at a time which can create interesting variations.
Next I will do a detailed video, where I demonstrate the final Outmoded Sequencer. It should give you a better impression of the device in action. I will also setup a complete filter chain, so you can experience how easy you can use the sound of the sequencer as input to do various interesting effects.
I will also add the second part of the project page, where I explain some of the details about the magnet matrix and how the whole thing is built.
There are seven absolutely perfect PCBs left, so I think about to give them away if someone is interested into building the project. But be aware, this is no kit, just the plain PCB. You also have to use the exact same components as I did - or at least ones which perfectly fit into the holes. All components should be available to buy at various stores, and I will provide the exact part numbers.
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