October 17, 2007 2:53 PM PDT
Portable Linux rave machine
If your old iPod is gathering dust, why not use pdPod to turn it into a drum machine or a synthesizer? pdPod is an iPod version of a free, open-source application called Pure Data, used by experimental musicians with a mind for math and too much time on their hands. Installing it on an iPod isn't easy, but it sounds like a worthwhile weekend project if you're a musician with an extra iPod laying around.
To get the pdPod software up and running, you first need to load the Linux-based Podzilla iPod operating system as a foundation. Once that's done, follow the instructions on the pdPod wiki and cross your fingers. A video of the results are shown below.
(via Create Digital Music)
Donald Bell is CNET Reviews' senior editor for MP3 players and portable audio, and one half of the MP3 Insider blog and weekly podcast. He also likes getting his hands dirty with digital audio tools for musicians and DJs.
