Musi, as it labels itself, is a hexagonal instrument that allows one to “hear the melody of space.” In this case, “space” refers to the distance between the hexagon and an object placed in front of one of its ultrasonic range sensors. Creator Ernest Warzocha made three of these items for a 2015 graduation project for the School of Form in Poznań, Poland.
Sensors are arranged to see the perimeter of the hexagon, and as time progresses, a different sensor is used to manipulate the played note’s tone. This is done in a clockwise pattern, making a kind of rotary musical sequencer. Which sensor is being “played” is indicated by a light above the hexagon side in question.
Two of his musical hexagons have three sensors – using one Arduino Nano (ATmega328) each – while one has six sensors –requiring two Nano boards. Control is accomplished wirelessly, using an NRF24101 transceiver for communication, along with an Arduino Uno at the receiver station.
As seen in the first video, these instruments can be used in conjunction with an Ableton Push pad, and the three-sensor versions can even be used together to sense objects in different locations. As Warzocha puts it, “The goal of Musi is awareness of sound composition by abstract music learning and physical manifestation of melody.” It seems he’s accomplished this goal quite nicely!