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Cool-looking "Buddha Machine"

FM3 BUDDHA MACHINE

Buddha Machine home page

I've been hearing about the $25 Buddha Machine for a while (I recall Leo mentioning it once) and was tempted enough to go ahead and order my own today over on Forced Exposure (probably not least because of the amazing exploded drawing they use as a logo).

From the FAQ (which comes from a Pop Matters review):

The Buddha Machine is a little plastic box that plays music.

Specifically, FM3 constructed nine drones, varying from two seconds to 42 seconds, which repeat endlessly in the listener’s ear until the “track” is switched to the next drone (or the two AA batteries run out).

Sean notes that the manufacturers will also let you download uncompressed versions of the 9 included drones for free, so you could presumably emulate some of the functionality on your iPod. Friendly.

Anybody out there got one of these? How you enjoying it?

Lee's picture

I have two - one...

I have two - one for work, one for home. Love 'em.

Even though you could theoretically download the mp3's from FM3's site, it's just not the same unless you hear the cracks and pops of the crappy little speaker on the box itself. One review I read somewhere called it the anti-pod for just those reasons: Deliciously analog, completely non-upgradable, and the warmth of a real speaker.

Die-hard fans might like to purchase Robert Henke's CD, "Layering Buddha," which is ambient music composed solely with the Buddha Machine. Eerie, but cool. There's also the CD "Jukebox Buddha" (available on iTunes), which is much the same concept with a more postmodern feel.

 
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