N`` :fekifcc\i ]fi FlkYfXi[ D@;@ >\Xi

8l[`f `ek\i]XZ\

LJ9

LJ9

D@;@ `ek\i]XZ\

D@;@

>Xd\Yfp [XkXc`eb

Glj_g`e `ek\i]XZ\

8l[`f

E

:fee\Zkj kf Zfdglk\i m`X 9cl\kffk_

N``dfk\ n`k_ EleZ_lb

Fig. E: Hardware setup for Wiimote-controlling outboard Game Boy Color. Wiimote generates MIDI commands via OSCulator, which run out to Game Boy. Audio runs from the Game Boy headphone jack back to the laptop.

That’s where OSCulator comes in.

OSCulator (Figure C) is the ultimate tweakable gateway between your Wiimote and MIDI-controlled audio. It lets you set up exactly how you want the Wiimote to react to each action, either button pushes or rotations along its 3 axes: roll, pitch, and yaw (Figure D). You can assign a button to send Note On/Off commands (I like using the B trigger at the bottom for this) and assign which rotation determines the note’s pitch once it’s fired.

You can also set MIDI CC (Continuous Control) commands to various buttons and rotations, to vary volume, reverb level, and other note properties. You can research which MIDI CC number controls what property, and it’s also fun to just experiment and listen to what happens.

Photography by Bill Byrne

To get started, load one of OSCulator’s 2 preset patches for Live, Midi Note or Midi Note with Nunchuk, and select OSCulator In as an input in the MIDI preferences. Then set up a MIDI track with a Sampler as its instrument, and drop in a short sample. Move your Wiimote around while holding down the B trigger. A note will play when the button is pressed, and your movements control the pitch. For my band’s track “Hirsute Head Hunters Hole-Hearted Happiness,” I used this setting to trigger

F

G

Fig. F: This breadboarded Pushpin hardware interface connects MIDI input to the Game Boy link cable. Fig. G: Ableton Live's Arpeggiator plugin is great for creating 8-bit video-game-sounding melodies.

samples of my trumpet playing, in an attempt to conjure up On the Corner-era Miles Davis played by a broken robot.

OSCulator’s Midi Note with Nunchuk preset is designed for Live, but I also love using it to play drums in GarageBand; it creates a very liquid sound, which I used throughout our most recent album.

4. Outboard MIDI Hardware

HARDWARE

Mac laptop, Wiimote, and Nunchuk as in previous

MIDI-USB interface or MIDI controller with USB

I used my M-Audio Oxygen8 keyboard. Digidesign Mbox or other audio interface (optional) for better recording Nintendo Game Boy Color, flash programmer, and blank cartridge Check eBay. Components for Pushpin circuit: Gameboy link cable Make sure it’s the 6-pin version for GBC or GBA. 6N138 opto-coupler 1N4148 diode 220Ω resistor

5kΩ resistor 1kΩ resistor 4.7μF capacitor

»

Make: 147