This is an interactive simulation of the Triadex Muse invented by Marvin Minsky and Edward Fredkin in 1969. The Muse uses digital logic circuitry to implement algorithms that compose musical melodies.
A tempo clock drives:
The large matrix is eight 40-position slide switches, where each row is one of those binary outputs. The state of the counters is shown with blue lamps, the shift register with green.
The 4 INTERVAL switches are binary weighted and select the pitch in a major scale over two octaves. The THEME switches are combined to drive the shift register.
Click on an example to load it in:
Major Scale 1 Octave 8 notes.
Major Scale 2 Octaves 16 notes total (there's a repeat).
Waltz pattern using the divide-by 1/3 tempo counters, 12 notes.
Combined 16 Notes and Waltz for a 48-note pattern.
4-bit Shift Register has a 15-note pattern.
Counter with Shift Register for a 240-note sequence.
5-bit Shift Register for a 31-note pattern.
A Long Shift Register Sequence will go for years without repeating.
Sweet Shift Register Sequence.
Michael's Tune from the User Manual.
Rhyming Couplets from the User Manual.
Marvin's Yodel from the User Manual.