Conclusions

The goal of the project is to build a digital effects processor capable of the following effects

1)		Volume control
2)		Reverb
3)		Distortion
4)		Pitch shift

The first three effects were achieved. However, the pitch shifting proved harder than expected. Instead, we developed the slicer effect and the byte flip effect.

The quality of the 8-bit sampling was better than expected. However, the noise level in the digital conversion was not anticipated. We attempted to control it with capacitors and noise gates but were unsuccessful in eliminating the noise completely.

 

 

The idea of the bitflip effect was taken from a previous ECE 476 project: "The Shredder". All of our code was original.

The Maxim ADC chip was sampled. All other parts were found lying around in the lab.

 

 

ETHICS

We discussed our project and exchanged ideas with another group who is working on a similar project. Furthermore, our experience with the ADC conversion is currently being put to use in an another course.

We accepted ideas and pointers from other people and changed our design as we saw fit. (eg using the SPI).

No hazardous materials were used or generated. We tried our best to keep the sound level down in the lab during testing.

We were not bribed in any way.

We are being honest in stating the limitations of our design.

 

FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS

External memory could be used to improve the reverb function and add an echo effect.

Using 16-bit or higher ADC should improve the quality of the sound.

Using a better DAC would improve the output quality.