DRMMR: An Augmented Percussion Implement

Recent developments in music technology have enabled novel timbres to be acoustically synthesized using various actuation and excitation methods. Utilizing recent work in nonlinear acoustic synthesis, we propose a transducer based augmented percussion implement entitled DRMMR. This design enables the user to sustain computer sequencer-like drum rolls at faster speeds while also enabling the user to achieve nonlinear acoustic synthesis effects. Our acoustic evaluation shows drum rolls executed by DRMMR easily exhibit greater levels of regularity, speed, and precision than comparable transducer and electromagnetic-based actuation methods. DRMMR's nonlinear acoustic synthesis functionality also presents possibilities for new kinds of sonic interactions on the surface of drum membranes.