Comments on: Buddha Machine 2: revenge of the ambient music transistor radio gizmo http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Tue, 21 May 2013 12:43:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Dungeonbrownies http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-335623 Dungeonbrownies Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-335623 I have a few of thesse, I never use them. I might take alook and a try now that i saw this. I have a few of thesse, I never use them. I might take alook and a try now that i saw this.

]]> By: buddha machine http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-343817 buddha machine Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-343817 re comment #1... buddha machine iphone app now for sale on itunes app store! http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=294730223 re comment #1…

buddha machine iphone app now for sale on itunes app store!

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=294730223

]]> By: jcdugayo http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334864 jcdugayo Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334864 what a wonderful invention. I love it! what a wonderful invention. I love it!

]]> By: jcdugayo http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334867 jcdugayo Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334867 I ordered the Buddha Machine 1 from Staalplaat in Berlin when it first came out. Great little source of background ambient noises. This got me interested in 'original' Buddha boxes, the kinds you can often get for free (or for a donation) when visiting your local temple (if you even have a local temple). Since I don't live near a Buddhist temple, I have had to resort to picking them while traveling or by ordering directly. The best one I've found is this with psychedelic swirly light Guanyin figure: I ordered the Buddha Machine 1 from Staalplaat in Berlin when it first came out. Great little source of background ambient noises. This got me interested in ‘original’ Buddha boxes, the kinds you can often get for free (or for a donation) when visiting your local temple (if you even have a local temple). Since I don’t live near a Buddhist temple, I have had to resort to picking them while traveling or by ordering directly. The best one I’ve found is this with psychedelic swirly light Guanyin figure:

]]> By: Clif Marsiglio http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334879 Clif Marsiglio Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334879 I love these things, they are sooooo trippy if you get a dozen of them and TRY to sync them together, moving them to various locations in the room. They are cheap enough that their clock sources do not remain as stable as they should and after a few minutes, no matter how well you started them, they start to drift. I do a lot of meditation, and I gotta say this is NOT the way to do it! I don't know how they do this in the temples...the sangha I attend, most of the people there thought it was a complete joke (then again, I only showed it to those that were overly serious knowing their reaction before they did). But going to a temple with dozens of these placed in various locations? I think I'd go nuts... But as a fun little toy, these things ROCK...oooom ooooom loop-point oooom... I love these things, they are sooooo trippy if you get a dozen of them and TRY to sync them together, moving them to various locations in the room.

They are cheap enough that their clock sources do not remain as stable as they should and after a few minutes, no matter how well you started them, they start to drift. I do a lot of meditation, and I gotta say this is NOT the way to do it! I don’t know how they do this in the temples…the sangha I attend, most of the people there thought it was a complete joke (then again, I only showed it to those that were overly serious knowing their reaction before they did). But going to a temple with dozens of these placed in various locations? I think I’d go nuts…

But as a fun little toy, these things ROCK…oooom ooooom loop-point oooom…

]]> By: nopuppy http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334899 nopuppy Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334899 You could also get a shruti box. It's an Indian drone generator. You can get the non-battery ones too, just pump them. Wonderful stuff, more proactive. Then again, if you're in a noisy apartment, these could be just the ticket. You could also get a shruti box. It’s an Indian drone generator. You can get the non-battery ones too, just pump them. Wonderful stuff, more proactive.

Then again, if you’re in a noisy apartment, these could be just the ticket.

]]> By: cs http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334910 cs Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334910 it is even a lot of fun destroying those buddha-machines: see the nine lives of buddha! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYh9pVD96GA it is even a lot of fun destroying those buddha-machines: see the nine lives of buddha! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYh9pVD96GA

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-335167 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-335167 Yay! I just got two. Of course, one of them I will probably end up opening and poking around in. Yay! I just got two. Of course, one of them I will probably end up opening and poking around in.

]]> By: eti http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334927 eti Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334927 "It's new! It's improved! It's the Buddha Machine 2! Now with 50% more Buddha!" “It’s new! It’s improved! It’s the Buddha Machine 2! Now with 50% more Buddha!”

]]> By: ill lich http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334934 ill lich Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334934 I bought 2 of the 1st model when it came out, with the idea that I could place them on opposite ends of the room and have the loops overlap, but found that this didn't add much. Then I tried hacking it (circuit bending it) and found that other than some very radical pitch-shifts I couldn't get much else out of it. This new version looks more promising. Took my old one camping last year, had it playing in a cave all night, echoing out onto our campsite while we sat around talking. I bought 2 of the 1st model when it came out, with the idea that I could place them on opposite ends of the room and have the loops overlap, but found that this didn’t add much. Then I tried hacking it (circuit bending it) and found that other than some very radical pitch-shifts I couldn’t get much else out of it. This new version looks more promising.

Took my old one camping last year, had it playing in a cave all night, echoing out onto our campsite while we sat around talking.

]]> By: franko http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-335961 franko Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-335961 i'm surprised to be the first (only?) person to wonder if they should have just stopped with the first one. simpler can be better. they should have stopped grasping for control. ; ) i’m surprised to be the first (only?) person to wonder if they should have just stopped with the first one. simpler can be better. they should have stopped grasping for control. ; )

]]> By: jobimbom http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334941 jobimbom Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334941 Cool! The website linked by the article has 'looped' MP3s imbedded in it... Set several of them going at once for hours of free 'Buddha Box' enjoyment! Cool! The website linked by the article has ‘looped’ MP3s imbedded in it… Set several of them going at once for hours of free ‘Buddha Box’ enjoyment!

]]> By: teflon http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334963 teflon Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334963 I've actually used a few of the original buddamachine loops in some original compositions - Surprisingly they fit right into a few tracks I was working on and added subtle random ambiance throughout the tracks. I'm a fan! I’ve actually used a few of the original buddamachine loops in some original compositions – Surprisingly they fit right into a few tracks I was working on and added subtle random ambiance throughout the tracks. I’m a fan!

]]> By: jahknow http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334965 jahknow Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334965 Reminds me about the ol' freeware VSTi "Delay Lama" http://www.audionerdz.nl/ Reminds me about the ol’ freeware VSTi “Delay Lama”

http://www.audionerdz.nl/

]]> By: melissa http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334969 melissa Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334969 ooh i do want one. these seem pretty neat! ooh i do want one. these seem pretty neat!

]]> By: Egypt Urnash http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-335493 Egypt Urnash Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-335493 @5: Thanks for the pointer to Boodler, Somnoliento - I just spent a couple hours getting it to run on my Mac and it's pretty awesome! Right now I'm layering five Buddha Machines over layers of wind, and it is soooo dreamy. @5: Thanks for the pointer to Boodler, Somnoliento – I just spent a couple hours getting it to run on my Mac and it’s pretty awesome! Right now I’m layering five Buddha Machines over layers of wind, and it is soooo dreamy.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334776 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334776 You know, their business model is selling little plastic boxes of circuits with a speaker, and there may be some true advantages to this form factor, but... I want a software version for iPhone. Or other mobile phones. Heck practically any game on the devices can do the similar. Too much competition? You know, their business model is selling little plastic boxes of circuits with a speaker, and there may be some true advantages to this form factor, but…

I want a software version for iPhone. Or other mobile phones.

Heck practically any game on the devices can do the similar. Too much competition?

]]> By: theradiostillsucks http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334778 theradiostillsucks Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334778 I'm down for one. I picked my first one up via www.forcedexposure.com (do a search for "fm3"). I see they now let you order them by color, back when I placed mine it was all random. I'd recommend ordering from FE or somewhere else with good customer service, as the first machine I got was a dud. Also of note are the two albums that the Buddha Machine spawned (not to mention other works by FM3): "Layering Buddha" by Robert Henke and "Jukebox Buddha" featuring Buddha Machine-inspired compositions from a number of musicians. I’m down for one. I picked my first one up via http://www.forcedexposure.com (do a search for “fm3″). I see they now let you order them by color, back when I placed mine it was all random. I’d recommend ordering from FE or somewhere else with good customer service, as the first machine I got was a dud.

Also of note are the two albums that the Buddha Machine spawned (not to mention other works by FM3): “Layering Buddha” by Robert Henke and “Jukebox Buddha” featuring Buddha Machine-inspired compositions from a number of musicians.

]]> By: cabbierocca http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-339131 cabbierocca Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-339131 I'm not really sure i get how this different than just playing ambient music on a portable stereo. How is it differ? I’m not really sure i get how this different than just playing ambient music on a portable stereo. How is it differ?

]]> By: bruce_jensen http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-335039 bruce_jensen Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-335039 @1 (& any other software replacement/varient) part of the charm of the buddah machine is the package. Reminds me of my 1st transistor radio I guess. I carried my buddah machine one around a lot even though I have a lot of ambient music in my ipod too. @1 (& any other software replacement/varient)

part of the charm of the buddah machine is the package. Reminds me of my 1st transistor radio I guess.

I carried my buddah machine one around a lot even though I have a lot of ambient music in my ipod too.

]]> By: azmanon http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-335296 azmanon Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-335296 Anyone gonna open source this bloody thing and really go zen?? How about a device you could actually add your own loops?? The same thing can be done with old tape recorders and voice recorders. Fight the consumer fashion bug. Recycle and be more creative. Anyone gonna open source this bloody thing and really go zen??

How about a device you could actually add your own loops??

The same thing can be done with old tape recorders and voice recorders. Fight the consumer fashion bug. Recycle and be more creative.

]]> By: pwenzel http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-335561 pwenzel Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-335561 For those who've tried the Buddha 2.0, how do you like the sounds in the new version compared to the original? I am kind of confused -- does the new one include a completely new set of sounds, or is it the previous set accompanied by new sounds? For those who’ve tried the Buddha 2.0, how do you like the sounds in the new version compared to the original?

I am kind of confused — does the new one include a completely new set of sounds, or is it the previous set accompanied by new sounds?

]]> By: metatim http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-340942 metatim Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-340942 I was tempted by the first Buddha Machine, but not enough to purchase. With the addition of pitch bending and the promise of a more diverse selection I could no longer resist. Had one in my hands within 48 hours. I must admit the loops are shorter than I expected - the first (and best) taking 54s at the lowest/slowest pitch and 43 at the highest. Two of the nine are also more stressful than mesmerising, to my ear/mind, but the rest work well. It doesn't play as loud as I was hoping, and the volume doesn't seem properly calibrated for the headphone jack (tolerable audio range is across about 0.5mm of the dial). All this said, it's been fantastic. I've had more creative ideas in the past three days listening to it than I'd had in the past month without. And I just love baffling people with it. "It's like silence, but better," I tell them. "But what is it *for*?" they ask. If you need to ask, you'll never know. I was tempted by the first Buddha Machine, but not enough to purchase. With the addition of pitch bending and the promise of a more diverse selection I could no longer resist.

Had one in my hands within 48 hours.

I must admit the loops are shorter than I expected – the first (and best) taking 54s at the lowest/slowest pitch and 43 at the highest. Two of the nine are also more stressful than mesmerising, to my ear/mind, but the rest work well.

It doesn’t play as loud as I was hoping, and the volume doesn’t seem properly calibrated for the headphone jack (tolerable audio range is across about 0.5mm of the dial).

All this said, it’s been fantastic. I’ve had more creative ideas in the past three days listening to it than I’d had in the past month without. And I just love baffling people with it. “It’s like silence, but better,” I tell them. “But what is it *for*?” they ask.

If you need to ask, you’ll never know.

]]> By: rEDcELL http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334799 rEDcELL Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334799 I sold soooooo many of these weird little wonders in Santa Fe at the record store I worked at. From little kids to 75 year old, blue haired ladies, this was always a huge hit. I can't wait for the new improved edition! I sold soooooo many of these weird little wonders in Santa Fe at the record store I worked at. From little kids to 75 year old, blue haired ladies, this was always a huge hit. I can’t wait for the new improved edition!

]]> By: pwenzel http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-335567 pwenzel Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-335567 Disregard my previous question. After downloading the <a href="http://www.fm3buddhamachine.com/site/?page_id=29" rel="nofollow">Buddha Machine 2.0 MP3s</a>, I found that it offers a new set of sounds. They are beautiful, so I am totally buying one for the office. Disregard my previous question. After downloading the Buddha Machine 2.0 MP3s, I found that it offers a new set of sounds. They are beautiful, so I am totally buying one for the office.

]]> By: The Bark Petition http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-355792 The Bark Petition Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-355792 Here's some video of the Buddha Machine 2.0 with various guitar effects: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqqT6rkrgy0 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CRnGpcjTks Here’s some video of the Buddha Machine 2.0 with various guitar effects:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqqT6rkrgy0

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CRnGpcjTks

]]> By: shutz http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334802 shutz Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334802 What I want to know is, when are we going to be able to get our own <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_monk" rel="nofollow">electric monks</a>? What I want to know is, when are we going to be able to get our own electric monks?

]]> By: clifford http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-335581 clifford Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-335581 Odd, the US distributor is Forced Exposure, the music zine from the early 80's. Odd, the US distributor is Forced Exposure, the music zine from the early 80′s.

]]> By: somnoliento http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334814 somnoliento Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334814 You can get a random generated "soundscapes" from the Buddha Machine .wav files using a python program called Boodler (for Linux, Mac or Windows). Detailed instructions at the <a href="http://www.healingbeats.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=91" rel="nofollow">Healing Beats Forum</a>. You can get a random generated “soundscapes” from the Buddha Machine .wav files using a python program called Boodler (for Linux, Mac or Windows).

Detailed instructions at the Healing Beats Forum.

]]> By: Takuan http://boingboing.net/2008/11/19/buddha-machine-2-rev.html#comment-334825 Takuan Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-334825 mmph, doesn't do chants? gnite, have to polish my Roomba dueling harness and off to slumber. mmph, doesn’t do chants? gnite, have to polish my Roomba dueling harness and off to slumber.

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