Using an Xbox controller to play the guitar

One of my favourite examples of the power of Ensemble is to use an Xbox controller to play an electric guitar solo.

An Xbox controller is a great sensor to use as it is very ergonomically designed, has many switches and sensors, and a lot of people are familiar with how to use it. It is the last point which makes this such a good theme to use. Most people (myself included!) don't have the confidence to play a guitar solo, but as soon as you use a familiar controller instead of a guitar they are more than willing to have a go!

A Rock 'n' Roll backing track is set to loop continuously, inviting the user with the controller to join in. On the back of the controller are two triggers which, when pressed, will move up and down a Blues scale. I use a Blues scale as I know any of the notes will fit with the backing track at any time.

Because Ensemble allows you to use as many inputs at the same time as you like, you could easily use the other switches to trigger more sounds. For those who are really able to use the controller with ease you could expand the theme by triggering lights, drum sounds, or cymbals.

To use an Xbox controller with Ensemble you'll need the Gamepad plugin, get in touch to find out more!

Ensemble at the University of York

The room is dark. A group of shadowy figures huddle around the glow of a computer monitor. Two of their number raise Xbox controllers and silence falls. At a predetermined signal, the opening other-worldly strains of the choral theme to “Halo” permeate the room.

But this is no computer-gaming contest - it’s a musical recital and the performers are students on the BSc Music Technology course at the University of York. They’re using Xbox controllers, not to play a game but to play the music! Each controller device is hooked up to the Apollo Ensemble system and is being used to trigger and shape the sung sounds of a vocal synthesiser in real time.

It might seem frivolous but there’s a serious, audio engineering purpose behind the event, the culmination of a good deal of work on an assessed module of the course. It’s the second year that the Ensemble technology has been part of the course and this year Apollo Creative has been invited along to witness the final performances, chat to the students and hand out prizes for the best performances! You can read about the course in the interview with Prof David Howard and Dr Andy Hunt at:

http://www.apolloensemble.co.uk/case-studies-york-university.shtml

The students surpass themselves this year and the pieces range from dark and mysterious to overtly light-hearted and theatrical. There’s a curious rendition of “Happy Birthday”, Carl Orff’s “O Fortuna” as you’ve never heard it before and an exploration of vowel sounds that is vaguely reminiscent of Tibetan Throat Singing. However, they all demonstrate an obvious passion for the creative process and a desire to push the technology as far as it will go.


Student comments about Apollo Ensemble:

“Really good fun.”

“Easy to use - pretty straightforward and obvious.”

“The Ensemble Designer software is very straightforward and intuitive.”

“It was really simple to hook up to third party software.”

“Being able to use the Xbox controller is great because it puts so much real time control right under your fingers.”
 

Tip - Triggering in time

We've just been asked if you can trigger events so that they will stay in time (something which Mike Sissons also talks about at the end of his customer story). When triggered, the Pulser block will send out an on and off signal at specified intervals so everything connected to it will be kept in time.


All you need to do is specify how long the Pulser should stay on and off for, and connect the output to the blocks you want to trigger. The picture below shows how I use it to trigger various drum sounds and a bass guitar using the MIDI Notes block, all in time.

The Pulser block is included with all the latest versions of Ensemble, but will also work with older versions. If you've got an older version and want to add the Pulser, head over to our website to download it.

Sound for portable setups

It's always an issue with portable setups, trying to get good sound quality. Previously we've recommended the Edirol/Roland/Cakewalk MA-7A speakers. The problem with these is the additional weight that tends to cancel out the benefits to the highly portable Ensemble system.

During a recent visit to the Music Therapy department at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in Putney, London, I was introduced to the Logitech range of laptop speakers. It's a highly portable speaker, powered from USB, that clips onto the laptop screen. I've got to admit I was sceptical, but quickly won over by the volume and quality of sound produced.

I've now purchased a Logitech Z305 (about £35 from Amazon) for use in demos. Highly recommended.

Tips from the Dales School

In his interview for our latest case study, Mike Sissions from the Dales School expresses his belief in music as being of great benefit for the pupils at the school. Along the way he touches on some great uses for the Ensemble.

1. Find the right sensor or switch to enable a pupil to play. Ensemble presents a range of options.
2. Develop a link between cause and effect using simple sounds and one-to-one work.
3. Allow a student time to develop at their own pace. This can take weeks or months, but the reward is worth the wait.
4. Colour coded switches can be linked to simple scores and cue cards.
5. Try putting an entire song onto a single switch (using the MIDI Notes block), then work with the pupil to develop the rhythm to play the song. 
6. Ensemble can be used in drama and storytelling sessions. Use switches to trigger lighting and sound effects for different parts of a story. 
7. Maps can be designed with more able members of a group. Use a video projector to allow everyone to see how blocks are being joined together.

You can read the full case study on the Ensemble website.

Interesting switches

There are lots of switches around that can be made compatible with the Ensemble, simply by using an off the shelf adaptor. Most assistive technology switches just plug straight in.

Whilst surfing the web today I came across these switches that are designed for people parachuting to use to trigger their cameras. There is a Bite Switch and a Tongue Switch. I expect both of these could be useful.

A UK reseller is here: The Jump Shop.

Let me know in the comments below if you get one.

Tips from Accessible Arts and Media

More tips from our new series of case studies, this time from Accessible Arts and Media in York. Whilst describing their Sensory Drop-in sessions, Molly, Rose and Aled touched on a number of great uses for the Apollo Ensemble.

1. Use a portable recorder or microphone to record peoples own voices and sounds. Then allow them to trigger those back using a switch or sensor.
2. Do the same with video and images. 
3. Try combining sensory outputs such as audio, image and lighting.
4. Use the wireless sensors to help encourage engagement by taking the switch or sensor to the person. 
5. Put the EnsembleDice into a soft play or foam dice so that it can be thrown around a room.

You can read the full case study on the Accessible Arts and Media Drop-In sessions.