Light Matrix Synthesizer
Inspired by the synth-like tones from LED message signs made audible through the sound camera, I wondered if an interesting synthesizer could be designed using LED matrix displays. Here’s what I came up with:
This is using a 5×7 LED display matrix. There are two manually-tuned oscillators that drive the X and Y axes of the display. A photosensitive stylus is used to play the display via motion in the 3D space above it. Z-axis motion (up and down) controls the volume and blend of the signals coming from the display. Small gestures result in changes in timbre, volume, and rhythm.
That’s Erich Ragsdale testing it out.
The Light Matrix Synthesizer is a key module in the Big Box O’ Techno, and can be heard in the music of Operation Playmate.
Also on the board is a rhythm generator section, wired to modulate the LED matrix. Moderately complex polyrhythms can result.
It’s a work in progress.
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