Another gadget from Etsy.

Rarebeasts writes:

The SwoofTronic SB is a small hand held electronic instrument that allows you to change the frequency, filter value and noise preset value of a basic sound wave.

This device consists of two small controller boxes joined by a cable, one controller goes in each hand and each controller has a light sensor in the top. As you let more light onto the left hand sensor you increase the frequency (pitch). As you let more light onto the right hand sensor you increase the value of the active filter on the middle stage. A switch built into the LED of the left hand piece changes the value of the final noise stage.
The 8 preset final stage values include:
1. None - Noise interference off
2. BasicOn - Noise on constant
3. Saw - Saw tooth interference
4. Sine - Rough sinewave pattern
5. OnOffSlow - Slow 50% duty cycle
6. OnOfffast - Fast 50% duty cycle
7. WaveSlow - Strobe with slow PWM
8. WaveFast - Strobe with fast PWM

Link: Rarebeasts

This is one from my collection of noise based stuff.

The SwoofTronic Pi is a small handheld device that allows you to change the frequency and duration of a basic sound wave using your thumbs to control light sensors.

This item consists of two small boxes joined by a cable. One box goes in each hand and each box has a light sensor in the top, as you let more light onto the Right hand sensor you increase the frequency (pitch). As you let more light onto the Left hand sensor you increase the length of the note played.

The interesting noises are made when you speed up the timing of the notes by blocking off all light into the left box. As the output is modulated between left and right output channels, speeding up the note repetition makes strange strobe effects.

There are three ways to trigger the light sensors, each have different effects on the sound. (1) You can use the ambient light in the room and control the level by blocking off the sensor with your thumb. (2) You can use the built in LEDs(light emitting diodes)in the centre of each box which can be used to trigger the sensor of the box on the other side. (3) A small LED keyring can also be used.

It's a fun little instrument.

In my search for new Nintendo DS homebrew music software I've found GlitchDS, it's a 32 step sequencer with a twist, the sequence is controlled by a "game of life" algorithm. You draw a seed pattern on the touch screen and it sets up a loop which evolves across the sequence, it controls up to 6 samples at a time. Program features include modulation control, distortion effect, load and save patterns and the ability to select different samples. This one is well worth a look for DS music makers.

GlitchDS Site - Link

Mike Cook has made this unique midi instrument called The Sound Square. You place your hand within the square to break an Infra red beam which triggers different notes.

Mike writes -

On the face of it the design of a Sound Square is simple, all you need are several Infra red beams across an opening and when ever you place your hand in it you break one of the beams. Simply detect which beam is broken and you know where about the square your hand is, then convert that position into a note. However, within that simple remit is a lot of design and construction, not only because of the number of components in the system but also trying to minimise the hardware required.

The Sound Square - LINK