Houdini Windchimes: Collisions to MIDI

Learn how to create MIDI files from custom collision data in Houdini with CHOPs.

This is a long form, project based, course that covers modeling, vellum simulation and troubleshooting, post simulation processing, building a system for collision detection, MIDI creation in CHOPs, lighting, texturing and rendering (Redshift). We'll also look at bringing our exported MIDI files into Reaper, a minimal audio editing program, and creating windchime sounds with a VST. A trial version of Reaper is freely available, and the VST is free as well.

The course is geared toward newer Houdini users, and a basic level of knowledge of Houdini is needed to follow along easily, but I go at a slow enough pace that someone just beginning in Houdini can still follow along. The content is broken up into 6 chapters (21 videos) with several parts per chapter so more experienced users can skip lessons they're already familiar with, focusing only on sections of interest.

Project files for each chapter are provided, and the final project file is clearly organized and commented and also includes geometry caches.

***Software Needed

Houdini (version 19 was used to create the files)

Redshift (version 3.0.67 was used)

Reaper (demo is was used) or other audio software with VST support.

Bell Chime VST from Miscellania (free)