video uploads by Ctrl Freq
‘LSe’ (short for Light-Sequencer) is an innovative, award-winning instrument and performance system, specifically designed for live electronic music performance and interaction. More than a decade of research and practice has gone into this project, culminating in the recently completed third version.
In essence, ‘LSe’ allows the creation of sequences of light that control, structure, and interact with various sound parameters. One of the main inspirations for this project was addressing the issue of 'liveness' in electronic music performances. How can the audience know if a performance is truly live? How can they relate to the musician’s actions on stage? With ‘LSe’, every sound is created and manipulated live through various light sources, forging a direct connection between the visual and sonic realms and making the experience more tangible for the audience.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a moving image is worth a million - especially for new musical instruments and technologies that are difficult to convey through text alone.
LSe was designed with live electronic music performance in mind. It aims to create a unique aura that can only be experienced during the event. The system works best in complete darkness, as it is light-sensitive, making it particularly camera-shy. Despite these challenges, video documentation is essential for showcasing the project.
‘LSe’ - Technical Details
‘LSe' has been my primary performance instrument since 2016, undergoing several revisions. Here are the technical details for the most recent version (3.14):
‘LSe’ - Technical Details
‘LSe' has been my primary performance instrument since 2016, undergoing several
revisions. Here are the technical details for the most recent version (3.14):
Core Components:
• Built with Raspberry Pi, Pure Data, and Arduino
• Consists of three parts: Sensor Panel, Light Sequencer, and Control Panel
• Sensor Panel: Contains 32 light-dependent resistors for sound control
• Light Sequencer: Features 8 RGB Smart LEDs that can work together or independently, supporting everything from simple monophonic sequences to complex polyrhythms
• Control Panel: Divided into four sections:
• Mix Control,
• FX Control,
• Sound Control,
• Sequencer Control
Other Features:
• Full Duplex High-Quality Audio (input and output) with an Audio Injector sound card
• Ableton Link integration for WiFi or Ethernet synchronization with external gear
• Six Sequencer Modes with sub-modes (15 in total)
• Polyphony: Mono to 32 simultaneous voices
• Five Sound Generators:
• Two synthesis-based (additive harmonic series, subtractive 3rd-octave filter)
• Two sample-based (granular time-stretch, looper)
• One resonant ping filter with scale selection (classic, experimental, microtuning, etc.)
• External Audio Input Channel
• Five Sound Effects Channels per generator and external audio:
• LCD: Light-Controlled Delay with dedicated LFO
• LCF: Light-Controlled Variable State Filter with dedicated LFO
• LCAM: Light-Controlled Amplitude Modulation/Distortion with
dedicated LFO
• LCFM: Light-Controlled Frequency Modulation with dedicated LFO
• LCGV: Light-Controlled Granular Reverb
• Light-Controlled Gate available for selected audio generators
• ‘No Screen’ approach, encouraging listening and playing by ear rather than relying on visual interfaces
https://ctrlfreq.wordpress.com
