Laser Synthesizer Is Looking For Funding

US Check out Neon Captain's radiator on Kickstarter      09/07/19

Neon Captain is a small team of artists and developers, including synthesizer designer Andrew Kilpatrick of Kilpatrick Audio, that is raising funds on Kickstarter from now until August 8, 2019 for their radiator laser synthesizer. Here's the story in their own words...

Back in the 1970s live laser light show performances became a phenomenon around the world. Usually presented in planetariums with rock music soundtracks, the laser light show featured the then-new technology of lasers in stunning visual performances. A skilled "Laserist" at the controls would create a dance of light so incredible that fans would return time and again to experience the magic.

As the industry became more automated, the Laserist was eventually replaced by a computer and playlist, and the canned shows stopped attracting audiences. The live laser light show faded into obscurity. But with more studio musicians taking their shows on the road, the need for unique visuals is bigger than ever. Lasers can create unique and breath-taking images using signals that are more closely related to electronic music than video.

A new product called radiator from Neon Captain is currently raising funds on Kickstarter to build a live laser synthesizer aimed at inspiring a new generation of Laserists. An electronic musician with a good eye for visuals can easily learn how to create laser light shows to complement a music performance. And full connectivity with analog and MIDI-based equipment means that synchronizing lasers to music has never been easier. The stand-alone device produces signals that work with low-cost laser projectors now available on the market. A complete system is affordable and portable enough for any performer.

About radiator

Radiator is a complete laser synthesizer which means that it contains everything necessary to create beautiful live, spontaneous vector and laser graphics, except for the laser projector itself. The performance controls, processing and all other functions are built-in. The output of radiator connects directly to a laser projector using the industry-standard ILDA connector. This carries signals for moving the laser beam and controlling the color.

Radiator works like a music synthesizer. It contains modules that will be familiar to both electronic musicians and computer graphic artists alike. The modules work together to give virtually limitless possibilities of control.  

Preliminary Specifications:

• Laser synthesizer for live laser and vector graphics performances
• Outputs full-bandwidth ILDA signals compatible with any standard mono or RGB ILDA laser projector - uses a standard DB-25 connector
• Internal processing using the latest in embedded DSP technology
• External control of radiator is possible via MIDI or Control Voltage (CV) input jacks
• Daisy-chain multiple radiators together using MIDI for synchronized control
• Audio output jacks (1/4") for hearing the actual laser signals!
• Audio inputs jacks (1/4") for syncing radiator to music
• USB host port for connection to small laser systems such as LaserCube
• Ethernet port for connection to EtherDream laser DAC - permits long cable runs to projector
• Small internal color LCD screen for managing presets, configuration, and viewing a real-time preview of laser output
• Internal flash memory for storing presets - can be uploaded and downloaded via web-based application
• USB port for firmware updates, data transfer and MIDI connectivity to a PC or Mac
• Solid construction with metal enclosure - outline approx. 38cm x 23cm (15" x 9")
• Power supply included - offered with either US or EU-style plug (depending on your country)

 

Pricing and Availability:
See Kickstarter

More information:

• Kickstarter

 

 

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