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Mark Harris edited this page Mar 31, 2020 · 18 revisions

Orac, Sidekick and Pure Data for Norns

These are 3 related projects :

  • Orac - Pure Data based Modular Sync
  • Sidekick - a utility to allow for application switching on Norns
  • NuiLite - a C++ and Pure Data (external) for developing standalone apps.

my YouTube showing Sidekick and Orac on Norns

Installing and Updating Sidekick, Orac etc

Using Sidekick on Norns

Using Orac on Norns

Adding new patches

Status: Release 0.2.0

Requirements

  • DIY Norns e.g. FATES
  • Monome DIY norns shield
  • Monome Norns

note: Monome DIY norns shield requires small workaround (see shield page for details)

Change Log

  • 0.2.0-1 - OSC support, Supercollider support, patch sub-directories, details see this post
  • 0.1.95 - New install procedure for all, MEC cpu optimised, 'check for updates' feature
  • 0.1.93 - New install procedure
  • 0.1.92 - Factory norns only experimental release, download from DROPBOX, see details below
  • 0.1.91 - Fixed for rPI3 fates board, reduce error logging on 3 enc norns
  • 0.1.90 - Initial beta

Known Issues (0.2.0-1)

  • Monome DIY norns shield requires small workaround (see shield page for details)
  • some PD patches having initial screen overwritten by 'Launching " this is caused by the new paint optimisation, now fixed in dev
  • Upgrading sidekick, removes existing patches so backup ~/sidekick before upgrade not sure why, Ive got a preinst script which is suppose to backup ~/sidekick, but apt does not appear to be calling it!

Other notes

  • Advanced Midi setup midi should work 'out of the box' for most controllers. however, you can edit post-patch.sh, to form additional/custom midi connection I cover many related topics in a post/video over at C&G forum

  • Advanced Configuration/Setup Norns / Fates are currently built on Raspbian. I think that the Blokas (guys behind PiSound) forum is one of the best forums for information about setting up/using rPI for musical use - they are also super responsive ... so if want to do something , check out their forum

Source code

Orac - https://github.com/TheTechnobear/Orac (dev branch) pure data side of Orac

Mec - https://github.com/TheTechnobear/MEC (dev branch) interface to Orac, Norns and other stuff

NuiLite - https://github.com/TheTechnobear/NuiLite (master branch) (includes Sidekick and Pure Data External)

Upcoming features

as well as fixing above issues, here is what I'll be hoping to add. note: this does not include generic (cross platform) orac changes.

  • aux button/aux line/aux status (high priority) the aux button is used in many patches to do a variety of things, e.g. start/stop sequencers. currently you can activate this using a midi CC (see router midi settings). however, I plan to make button 2 the 'aux' button, and then display the status etc on Norns at bottom
  • but 3 + enc 1 (?) - overall volume control.
  • midi activity/audio levels (mid priority)
    it be nice to show currently input/output levels, and some indication of midi activity.

Testing : Im using the fantastic 'FATES' DIY norns as detailed in this lines thread. I see no reason that is shouldn't work on a standard norns (and i have tested the 3 encoder form)

Note: No changes are made to the existing Norns software when you install this.

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