When the Spec Becomes Code: Building a Norns Instrument with AI

video upload by Lesjamusic

"Building PolyNexus: A Complete Norns Instrument, using Claude AI

I used to struggle with "vibe coding" - throwing prompts at AI and hoping for working software. Then I discovered the article "When the Spec Becomes the Code," and everything changed.

Spec-driven development (SDD) transformed my workflow. Instead of generating code through endless prompts, I focus on creating clear specifications first. The spec becomes the blueprint, and Claude AI helps compile it into working code.

PolyNexus is the result of this approach - a complete generative polyphonic instrument for Monome Norns that evolved far beyond my initial vision. What started as a chord sequencer grew ambitious: I built PolyVoice, a custom 6-voice synthesizer engine in SuperCollider, based on three Plaits oscillator models with wavefolding, sample rate reduction, and comprehensive modulation.

The best part? Spec-driven development gave me the confidence to tackle SuperCollider synthesis, something I wouldn't have attempted with traditional "vibe coding."

🎹 PolyNexus Features:

PolyVoice Synthesis Engine: • Custom 6-voice polyphonic SuperCollider engine • Three Plaits-inspired oscillator models (morph, waveshaping, wavetable) • Wavefolding for harmonic complexity • Sample rate reduction for lo-fi textures • Independent LFOs and envelope control per voice

Generative Sequencer: • 16-chord harmonic palette (monome Grid row 1) • Probabilistic note retriggering engine • Random chord sequencer for compositional surprises • Bass and sub-bass sequencer for rhythmic foundation • Real-time playable notes (Grid row 5)

Analog-Style Effects Chain: • Tape character: flutter, wow, saturation, tape noise • Tape-style delay with feedback and rate control • Multi-mode filtering for tone shaping

🔗 Resources: • Jean Bovet: "When the Spec Becomes the Code" - / when-the-spec-becomes-the-code • PolyNexus (coming soon to lines community) • monome Norns - https://monome.org • Mutable Instruments Plaits • SuperCollider synthesis language

⏱️ Timeline:
0:00 - Introduction: The Struggle with Vibe Coding
01:51 - Discovery: Spec-Driven Development
04:33 - What is PolyNexus?
12:37 - Live Performance

Want to try spec-driven development? Start by describing what you want to build in clear, detailed language. Iterate on the specification until it's crystal clear. Then let AI help compile it into code. You'll be amazed at what becomes possible."

Minimal electronic with glitched piano sound : Between the waves 2025-10-26 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with norns shield and modular synthesizer — an ambient electronica work where glitch-processed piano tones emerge within waves of sustained electronic sound.

On the norns shield, the barcode script is used to record and play back synth pad performances from the ‪@SequentialLLC‬ Prophet-10. The connected ‪@KorgOfficial‬ NTS-3 adds reverb and occasional tremolo effects.

In the modular synthesizer, a piano performance is recorded into Morphagene, which is then modulated with CV signals from Quad Function to create glitch variations. The modular output is split into two paths: the original signal from Morphagene, and another processed through a Clouds clone. The original path is further enhanced with ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII, applying micro-loop effects for additional glitch textures."

Minimal Electronic with norns shield, NTS-1 Loop EG, OP-1 field : Star Trail 2025-10-24 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with norns shield, ‪@KORG_INC‬ NTS-1, and ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field — a minimal ambient composition where looping envelopes, micro-loops, and sustained tones intertwine to form delicate textures.

On the norns shield, the sines script is used to generate various types of sustained tones, controlled via the monome grid. The output is routed through ‪@HologramElectronics‬ MICROCOSM with the GLITCH effect applied.

The NTS-1 receives MIDI sequencing from Ableton, with the envelope generator set to loop, creating finely textured rhythmic particles. Its output passes throug ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ LOSSY, adding reverb and a lo-fi character.

On the OP-1 field, sampled vocal sounds are used to create harmonies triggered by MIDI from Ableton. A touch of delay from ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MKII is added, while the TAPE mode is used to generate micro-loops with a warm, lo-fi tone."

Minimal electronic with norns shield & OP-1 field : Extreme Drop 2025-10-21 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with norns shield and ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field.

A minimal ambient composition built from looping phrases and reverb-soaked synth pads that subtly shift in tone and rhythm.

On the norns shield, the script AWAKE is used to sequence the phrases. The trigger probability is set around 60–70%, creating a semi-random timing for each note. The phrase patterns are controlled via monome grid.

On the OP-1 field, harmonic synth pads are recorded live and looped on the spot, with additional hand-played layers performed over the loops.

Using ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ LOSSY, effects are applied to the norns shield’s sound. In the early section, a filter is manipulated to fade the sound in, while in the outro the tone shifts toward a more lo-fi texture.

Daily Sound Experiment No.668"

Lazy Sunday Jam With NORNS + EP133KOII + iPAD

video upload by Perplex On

"Paired the #monomenorns with the #ep133koii today to see where it goes. The always mighty #awakescript sequences some samples on the #ep133 (using a #widibudpro to send midi over BT to the iPad and from there to the EP133 via USB) while being spiced up with #klevgrandwalls, #kdevicesfauve and #kdevicesttap on the iPad."

MDScaler Machinedrum Tonal Quantizer for Monome Norns #elektron #machinedrum #monome

video upload by HANJŌ

"Check out MDScaler — a Monome Norns script I developed to bring tonal pitch control and creative randomness to the Elektron Machinedrum (or any CC-controllable synth).

With MDScaler, you can:
Quantize any incoming CC to a musical scale of your choice
Randomize notes within the active scale for generative ideas
Map to Machinedrum’s pitch parameter (using Tonal mode in X firmware)
Use parameter-lock compatible CC control so each step can evolve melodically
Switch encoder modes: channel select, CC number, note stepping, octave cycling
In this demo video, I walk through the interface, show it in action on a pattern, and explore how randomness + scale constraints can yield interesting melodic/rhythmic results.

Controls (via Norns / MDScaler):
Element Function
E1 Change Scale Mode
E2 Adjust Root Note (C, C#, D, etc.)
E3 Toggle between Channel / CC / Note modes
K2 Send a Random Note from current scale
K3 Mode Select (toggling E3 behavior)
K3 + K2 Cycle Octave
Pitch mapping / defaults:
By default, MDScaler maps to Machinedrum tracks via CCs using a consistent offset pattern across groups of 4 tracks (16, 40, 72, 96) per channel. You can reassign or explore as desired.

Links & Resources:
Project & source code: https://github.com/hanjo-synth/MDScaler"

Monome Norns Programmable Sound Computer

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via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Monome Norns Arc Grid Bundle

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via this Reverb listing

"Monome bundle! In excellent shape and kept in a smoke free home. Some signs of wear along the bottom of the Norns and Arc, but nothing major. Includes:

- Monome Norns (2024 version)

- Monome Grid (2020 version)

- Monome Arc (2019 version)

Norns does not include the power adaper—just the USB cable and no original box. Grid includes USB cable and original box. Arc includes USB—no box."

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Ambient with norns shield, wavestick, Field Kit : Partial ground 2025-08-18 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with norns shield, wavestick, Field Kit, and monotron DELAY. Ambient music built from shifting drones and sequences, with occasional bursts of radio noise.

The Field Kit’s LFO is used as the clock source to drive the SQ-1, whose CV output controls the pitch of the wavestick.

The Field Kit’s AUX is connected to the monotron DELAY, used here as an effects processor, mixing together the built-in radio sounds with the wavestick.

On the norns shield, the sines script is run to generate drone sounds, with reverb added via MOOD MK II on the output."

Ambient Jazz with monome norns shield, grid, MU15 : As yours 2025-08-10 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"monome norns shield, grid, and MU15
A minimal ambient jazz piece where a gentle harp sequence meets a synth melody.

The synth pad sound comes from the YAMAHA MOTIF-RACK ES.

On the YAMAHA MU15, a harp patch is played and processed with the ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MK II for delay and micro-loops.

On norns shield, sines is running and the melody is performed via monome grid; the output is sent through ‪@HologramElectronics‬ MICROCOSM for reverb."

Post classical w/ norns shield, Music Easel | Aura and shadow 2025-07-31 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece for piano, monome norns shield, and ‪@buchlausa‬ Music Easel—a post-classical track combining a recorded piano loop, randomly auto-played electronic tones, and live piano performance.

The piano is a YAMAHA CP-88. On norns shield, I run barcode to play back a roughly six-second, single-note piano phrase recorded in advance. The Music Easel outputs random arpeggiator phrases routed through ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MK II for delay."

Duskash

video upload by Uncertain Music Corps

"A widescreen drone created with the excellent Graintopia script on the Norns with major controls mapped to the Roto-Control from Melbourne Instruments.. Bass reinforcement from the CPM DS2.

Graintopia operates in an area somewhere between tape music and granular synthesis with a dash of chance thrown in for good measure. Which suits me just fine.

Norns shield output is a little noisier than I would like but let's call that character.

There are no external effects in play on this take."

Monome Norns Shield - Overtones script

video upload by TheTrackdriver

"'overtones' is a script for Monome Norns I'm building for myself. It's an additive synth that can generate evolving soundscapes and other sounds. I'm trying to make it easy to program and yet versatile.

I have never been programming before so this is probably an inefficient and ugly piece of code. I admit that I relied a lot on ChatGPT but the script is working, which is most important to me.

00:00 Synth programming
02:11 Presets"

[nanoKEY Fold keyboard. This appears to be the first post to feature one aside from the announcement post.]

Minimal Ambient w/ norns shield & LYRA-8 | Cloudburst 2025-07-11 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A minimal-ambient piece for norns shield and ‪@somasynths‬ LYRA-8, built from slowly evolving phrases and drones.

norns shield: Runs awake; phrases are altered live with a monome grid. The output goes through a ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MK II for reverb, and near the end a micro-loop creates a dense cluster of tones.

LYRA-8: Plays drones and short phrases. Its signal is modulated with a BOSS CE-5 chorus, then processed by ‪@strymon‬ NIGHTSKY for filtering and reverb."

Minimal Ambient w/ norns shield, OP-1 field, wavestick | Hesitation 2025-06-01 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with norns shield, ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field, and wavestick—ambient music built from evolving minimal phrases, gentle harmonies, and deep drones.

Norns Shield ( https://monome.org/docs/norns/shield/ ) : Runs awake (https://norns.community/awake); a step-sequenced phrase loops and is manipulated live from a monome grid.

OP-1 field: A harmony loop plays while additional lines are performed on its internal synth.

Wavestick: The wavetable is continuously swept, with ‪@strymon‬ NIGHTSKY opening and closing the filter to reshape the timbre."

Machinedrum Randomizer MDPatch for Monome Norns #elektron #machinedrum #monome #norns

video upload by HANJŌ

"Excited to share MDPatch, second of a series of Elektron Randomizers for Monome Norns. It is now available free for the Monome community. This one’s been a real labor of love, built in collaboration with my friend @syntheticjudah, founder of Machine Store—the same force behind the recent resurrection of +Drive support for legacy Elektron machines.

MDPatch is a patch randomizer and performance tool designed specifically for the Elektron Machinedrum, running on Norns. You can explore, randomize, and control synth parameters in real-time via MIDI. It’s a great way to breathe new life into old machines and spark unexpected sounds.

MDPatch came out of countless late-night sessions digging into the legacy Elektrons and wishing for a more playful, exploratory way to shape sounds without diving through menus. With Norns as the brain and MIDI as the bridge, this tool lets you sculpt, mutate, and chance upon new patches in a really immediate way.

We’ve structured it around a 16-page layout—each one corresponding to a track of the Machinedrum and you can find subpages (SYNTH, EFFECTS , ROUTING). You can toggle parameters for randomization, send new patches instantly, and keep that sweet hands-on Elektron flow intact.

Big thanks to this community for being such a constant source of inspiration over the years. If you’ve got suggestions, ideas for expansion or want to share what you make with it—please drop it below"

Ambient w/ norns shield, Field Kit, piezo | Artificial Sea 2025-05-18

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with Norns Shield, modular synth, piezo elements, and a ‪@KOMAelektronik‬ Field Kit. Long electronic tones mingle with ocean-like sounds and fragmented radio voices.

Norns Shield: Runs sines ( https://norns.community/sines ) to generate a drone.

Marble & can piezo: A piezo pickup is attached to the underside of a tin can filled with marbles, routed into the ‪@ChaseBlissAudio‬ MOOD MK II for reverb and micro-looping.

Noise box: Fed through ‪@strymon‬ NIGHTSKY for filtering and reverb.

Field Kit: Mixes an FM-radio feed with noise from Mutable Instruments Braids, then sends the blend into Clouds for granular processing."

Prophet-10, norns shield, monome Grid, Field Recording | After the sun 2025-05-16 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece built from the sounds of a forest in Amsterdam and the Prophet-10. Field recordings of the woods blend with effect-processed nylon-guitar textures and gentle electronic drones.

Prophet-10: Performed and recorded with blueSky reverb, with additional reverb added later in the DAW.

Nylon guitar: First recorded into the DAW, then re-amped through an NTS-3 and MOOD MK II for further processing."

Piano Tape Loop ambient w/ norns shield, OP-1 field | Call at 2025-05-12 by atnr

video upload by atnr

"A piece created with a tape loop, Norns Shield, ‪@teenageengineering‬ OP-1 field, and Omnisphere. Piano recorded to tape drifts into haze as it is broken apart, while minimal piano and soft harmonies surface.

Tape loop: About one minute of piano was recorded to tape. During playback it runs through the BOUNDS delay on the Norns Shield and is further treated with reverb and filtering in ‪@strymon‬ NIGHTSKY.

OP-1 field: A simple harmony is recorded and looped.

Ableton Live: Adds a minimal piano phrase from software synths, feedback textures, and additional processing."

Tropical birds and strings

video upload by Grain Blanc

"When a friend came back from Costa Rica with some binaural recordings of birds, I asked him to send me some. For this example, I added a loop to the norns and played a melody with the minichord (MIDI notes of strings section from MxSamples on norns)"