The Gate Modulator. An experiment in digitally-controlled analog synthesis

This paper describes the Gate Modulator, a device for computer- controlled analog audio processing using the Arduino board. The Gate Modulator is based on the 4066 quad bilateral switch, an integrated circuit typically used for control ap- plications, that is here used for audio processing at differ- ent time ranges, providing a variety of possible effects and uses. In the paper, first we consider the increasing role of the Arduino platform in audio applications, then we intro- duce the design and implementation of the Gate Modulator and the benefits of using Arduino as a controller, finally we describe the Otosimbionte project, an installation that exploits the capabilities of the Gate Modulator.