Love Props creates an incredible MIDI powered Daft Punk Guy Manuel helmet

There have been fan-created Daft Punk helmets before the Love Props’ GM01.  You could buy a Halloween mask/prop for around $200 like this one pictured below.  

In 2010, Volpin Props did a YouTube video  about “How to make a Daft Punk helmet in 17 months” that got over 4 million views. 

But Love Props has taken the Guy Manuel helmet recreation to the next level and what really sets it apart are two things. The level of detail of the design and what else, but MIDI.   In the past week (Sept 4-11, 2016) , this helmet has gotten a tremendous amount of attention on the Web, but we decided to focus on the MIDI implementation which usually just gets passing coverage in the wider press. 

First, let’s take a look at a gallery of Love Prop’s photos of the helmet. 

Here’s a video of the Love Props GM01 in action.

But this isn’t a prop, this is a fully function MIDI-driven device. Let’s take a look at some of the details of the design. 

The helmet can receive MIDI from a number of different sources- MIDI files off an SD card reader, Wireless MIDI from the WiFi connection and wired MIDI.  

Comunications
The system has an IN/OUT USB MIDI that allows the user to execute real time MIDI sequences. This wire connection allows, at the same time of the MIDI, a based on IP Telnet communication, which makes possible the interaction between the code system and the applications executed on a PC or Tablet.There is a RF WiFi module included that allows wireless communication between the system and a Smartphone, Tablet or PC for wireless real time MIDI transmission, to access the system via user IDE or to communicate with PC/Tablet application. The Wifi module (ESP8266) has its own dedicated local code and processor for the Wifi TCP/IP communications, which sets the Teensy free for processing the main code of the unit.

The SigmaFW is a creative and artistic tool that makes easier to custom animate led setups without programming knowledge. Using our custom MIDI library, the user can plug the unit via USB to the computer and live compose new LED animations in any music/midi production software or workstation. This MIDI library gives the user absolute control of the color, brightness, saturation and timing without coding, making possible to create LED animations in a more expressive and artistic way. Also, is intended to auto-generate real time animations based on customizable parameters and responding to multiple hardware/user inputs.

The 1.0 version, features a built from scratch Beat Detection algorithm that determinates the tempo or BPM of incoming music from the mic/line input and modifies the BPM of the MIDI animation being played, to match the tempo and rhythm of the external music. Also the BPM of the MIDI animation can be set by motion, following the rhythm with the head just like a TAP Tempo.The user can control the status of the system with the Menu displayed on the inner 2″ LCD of the unit and navigate through the options with the control knob, or can remotely control the system menu with a smartphone via Wifi or RC.

by Love Props

We always have a hard time deciding which is the coolest MIDI maker project of the year, but the Love Props GM01 has to be in the running.