Two Cool Interactive Toys And Their Distant Connection

August 14, 2024 11:03 PM

Sokoblox is a fascinating and challenging Pico-8 [previously] game combining classic block puzzles Sokoban and Bloxorz [previously]. Xenpaper is a text-based, in-browser microtonal sequencer. It's difficult to write music with, but it's a surprisingly convenient way to actually listen to the difference between, say, a standard tuned dominant 7th chord and the just-intoned equivalent characteristic of barbershop music.

The hidden connection is that Xenpaper is another project by Sokoblox's creator Damien Clarke; that doesn't really make it have much to do with Sokoblox but hey, why not enjoy two links for the price of one?

posted by dick dale the vampire (3 comments total)

I would have preferred to include more links on why microtonality is cool, but the main thing I had in mind while experimenting with Xenpaper was a Reddit conversation with a barbershop fan where I learned how surprisingly out of tune the 12TET seventh is, and even if I could find that again it wouldn't really be link material. I guess my hope is that that link will be of most interest to people who already understand some of its relevance anyway? But regardless of your existing background knowledge, playing around with things like the difference between [0,4,7,10] (a 12TET dominant 7th chord) and 4::7 (a dominant 7th chord as derived directly from the overtone series) is a neat exercise in something a little sideways from conventional harmony.
posted by dick dale the vampire at 11:11 PM on August 14

I wonder what the oscillator used is? Would have an impact on the way the notes interact?

On the topic of audio software: I've always wondered why some prefer script or text based over graphic environments like Max/Msp.

I spent years using Audiomulch. 2D synthesis environment. Gave me a nice balance of accessibility vs control. But towards the end I felt the desire for more lower level control, but the developer never added scripting.

However a text based app like Zenpaper doesn't necessarily add more lower level functionality. It's as though some people's minds work differently.

I'm sure the UX community here will have since insights.
posted by BrStekker at 1:01 AM on August 15 [1 favorite]

Wow, Xenpaper is great! Thanks for posting!
posted by inexorably_forward at 9:39 PM on August 15