[circuit bending]
[introduction]
[tools]
[parts]
[exploring the art]
[how it works]
[direct wiring]
[potentiometers]
[capacitors]
[photo resistors]
[solar cells]
[leds]
[humidity sensors]
[body-contacts]
[reset switch]
[line outputs]
[other techniques]
[cautions]
[closing words]
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YOU can circuit-bend. The
following discussion will start new benders on the right path. Also see the Anti-Theory
Workshop section, the various instrument galleries and the PSF interview with Reed for
additional insights into the process.
If you learn to solder and can drill a small hole to mount a switch in, you can
circuit-bend. Everything else is a process of non-technical, routine experimentation in
which various short-circuits are created in an attempt to alter the target device's audio
behavior.
Audio toys not only are easy to circuit-bend, but also are capable of sonic eccentricities
beyond belief. The newly-implemented line-output's voice, sharpened with EQ and expanded
with reverb (standards in the electronic studio), when fed into an amp or recording
console easily stands on its own.
Also important, audio toys are low-voltage devices. Reed suggests not trying the process
with any circuit operating on more than 6 volts. Trying to circuit-bend any device
operating on the "house-current" of your wall outlet is OUT OF THE QUESTION!!!
This holds true even in the instance of AC adapters. Circuit-bending is for
BATTERY-POWERED CIRCUITS ONLY.
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