Mixxar
| Project: Mixxar | |
|---|---|
| Featured: | |
| State | Active |
| Members | Computer1up, Da Syntax, Stuiterveer |
| GitHub | Mixxar |
| Description | USB sound mixer to change app volumes within any desired OS |
| Picture | |
| No project picture! Fill in form Picture or Upload a jpeg here | |
Basically, an Arduino based sound controller that, in its current state, does nothing more than changing the system and app volumes within Windows, and maybe other OS'es too. The hardware side consists of an Arduino (don't know exactly which kind yet) and potentiometers. Software side is based on the Arduino IDE for serial analog output to Python, in combination with NirCMD for Windows. Linux compatibility has still to be found out however, but that shouldn't be too hard.
The goal was to not have to open volume mixer in Windows every time I want to change the volume level of individual programs, especially when running Skype, Youtube or Music and games at the same time. Windows communications sound management does not work properly, as the sound of applications is only reduced in volume if the apps start up AFTER a call has been started. This way, if you are running your apps before the call, Windows doesn't do anything to the volume level, which can be quite annoying. Changing the audio level of a certain app while in a Skype call does work, however once the call is restarted, Windows will reduce audio levels of the app, even though it has been reduced manually already.
Pictures will follow later.
The prototype is working, currently in a non-permanent setup with only one potentiometer and without any casing. My goal is to create this project with four or five meters and possibly a 3D printed case.
Update 1: Python code is basically done, needs some extra features for things like adding programs without editing the script. But that's not a priority right now. Also, Da Syntax has ordered his part of the potentiometers already. Python code has been tested with these. computer1up still has to order an Arduino and some meters, though. There is also a keyboard based version for this, which uses keycombo's to change volume levels. It is in a semi-working state, where it does work on some systems, but not on all. Both python projects will be made available soon.
