Autotune Kazoo: Transforming DIY Music Projects

The world of maker projects is constantly evolving, with makers pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology. One such fascinating project is Guy Dupont's Autotune Kazoo, which recently caught Ian's eye.

Watch Ian talk about Guy Dupont's Autotune Kazoo in this episode of The Electromaker Show

Guy Dupont's Autotune Kazoo is a remarkable project that combines microcontrollers and innovative thinking. This project utilizes several components, including the Seeed Studio Xiao ESP32 S3 board, various Adafruit components for power management, and a small MEMS microphone. The kazoo's unique design allows it to function as an autotuned instrument, a wireless MIDI controller, and a standalone synthesizer.

The MEMS microphone is cleverly placed inside the user's mouth to capture humming, which is then processed to produce autotuned sounds. The project’s versatility extends to controlling music software and playing music via a Bluetooth-connected keyboard on a phone.

Technical Implementation

The technical implementation of the Autotune Kazoo is very impressive. The MEMS microphone’s placement under the tongue ensures accurate sound capture. The ESP32 S3 board acts as the central processing unit, coordinating the various components, including the battery, power amplifier, and speakers.

While the coding aspect is complex, Guy Dupont provides a high-level explanation in his video, making it accessible for those interested in replicating or understanding the project. The code, available on GitHub, showcases the detailed work behind making the kazoo function seamlessly.

Practical Applications and Future Potential

The Autotune Kazoo can be used as a wireless MIDI controller, enabling musicians to control software like Serum on their computers. Additionally, its standalone synthesizer capability allows it to produce music independently when connected to a Bluetooth keyboard.

Guy Dupont’s approach to the project highlights an iterative process, trying different methods and making adjustments until achieving the desired functionality. This project exemplifies how innovative thinking can transform simple ideas into practical, multifunctional devices. We will be keeping a close eye on Guy's YouTube channel and reporting back on his future projects!

Did you enjoy this article?

Make sure you subscribe to The Electromaker Show for similar content and subscribe to our monthly newsletter!