FYI.

This story is over 5 years old.

Tech

Here's an Analog Video Synth You Can Play Like a Drum Machine

Robert Jordan created a video synth built on the power of mathematics.
All images courtesy the artist.

Digital video synthesis is boundless, with software advancements making effects easier to produce every year—but don’t dismiss analog video synthesis just yet. As Logan Owlbeemoth has proven with his Tachyons+ line of video synthesizers, where there are cool analog toys, there will be demand. Melbourne-based sound designer and animator Robert Jordan makes a similar assumption with his new Video Equations system, a video synth that allows users to create evolving colors, shapes, and patterns.

Advertisement

Jordan started building audio equipment, then became interested in crafting his own audio-visual gear. Working out of a little lab and studio he calls Cat Full of Ghosts, Jordan wanted to create a visual instrument that users could think of as a drum machine or groove box for video.

The Video Equations systems uses the power of mathematics to create what Jordan calls “rippling lo-fi seas of color, acid trip roguelikes, glitching fractals, visions of an 80s techno dream and worlds of crashing computer programs”. While the video synth is modest looking, it packs a lot of analog visual punch with 16 colors as well as hundreds of characters and symbols.

On the Video Equations Kickstarter, Jordan says that the 20 different mathematical equations, each routed to two modifier sliders and a color depth control, create millions of unique, stable, or evolving visuals. Other knobs give users even more control and variation in the Video Equations output. It runs on 9 volt power or a wall wart operation (not included), and is available as a fully-built and tested unit, or as a DIY kit. Both versions come in a rugged acrylic and plywood base.

“In some modes you are shaping and guiding the evolving patterns in other modes you are making all of the creative decisions as to how it should look,” Jordan tells The Creators Project. “I've always loved old computers, psychedelic art/music, math and electronics design, so I wanted to put them all together in one thing.”

Advertisement

“I think having a creative machine you can touch and play is really important,” he adds. “So many things are software these days, and that is really cool, but sometimes you want to be hands on, not have a mouse.”

Video Equations: Colour Video Synthesizer from Cat Full of GHOSTS on Vimeo.

Get in on the action with the Video Equations Kickstarter. To learn more about Robert Jordan’s work, click here.

Related:

Meet Ming Micro, the Portable 8-Bit Video and Audio Synthesizer

This Wearable Is an 8-Bit, Glitch-Style Video Synth

"Infinity" Is An Audio-Visual Concoction That Will Shake Your Senses