"The INVERSEROOM PHOTOSYNTH is a one-oscillator miniature synthesizer that outputs a simple square wave, which the user can change with a variety of control and modulation options. Only five inches long, the PHOTOSYNTH incorporates a phototheremin, LFO, depth control, and eight modification buttons to create a huge range of bizarre electronic bleeps, blips, whoops, and squeals. It’s ideal for experimental, glitch, electronic, and noise music, and runs on a single 9-volt battery.
The PHOTOSYNTH is based on two IC’s, a 4049 inverter, which produces and amplifies the signal, and a 4040 binary counter and resistor array, which control the LFO. Pitch can be altered with a potentiometer through a range of more than ten octaves, or by a photoresistor, which allows the user to play the instrument like a theremin. This sensor is activated by engaging the SEN switch, and allows the user to control pitch according to the amount of light that reaches the PHOTOSYNTH. The MODIFY panel of buttons can then effect a series of short-circuits that change the synth’s sound in unexpected ways. Some may seem to have no effect at all at some pitches, and drastic effects at others; some alter the output waveform, speed up or slow down the LFO, or create bursts of sudden noise. Below are two mp3 sound samples, one illustrating the sound of a steady pitch being altered by the MODIFY panel, the other with the LFO engaged.
The PHOTOSYNTH also features a combination ON/VOL knob, and an LFO DEPTH knob. Output is through a standard quarter-inch phone jack. The instrument is hand-built, wired point-to-point, and contained in a sturdy aluminum case standing on wide rubber feet. The 9-volt battery is easily changed, and a new one comes included in this auction; I will also include an instruction sheet."
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