The Laser Harp is a light-sensitive musical instrument. It is played by moving hands over laser light sources in order to send MIDI commands when a beam is interrupted. These commands can be sent to different electronic devices such as synthesizers, samplers, MIDI controllers...
The first Laser Harp was invented by Bernard SZAJNER in 1981, and Jean Michel JARRE (a French composer, performer and music producer) has been using it since then.
In 2005, Franck MORISSEAU (an electronic engineer) launcheed a new laser harp project using the ILDA interface, and successfully developed a new electronic module to switch dynamically the color beams (RGB) while playing music.
Laurent BERTH (a software engineer) met Franck MORISSEAU in 2008 and the team has since developed a version 2 of this laser harp. They both promote free information-sharing about Laser Harp projects allowing everyone to build his/her own user-friendly laser instrument.
Laser Harp characteristics:
- Full color ILDA connector to use with standard laser projector.
- Multiple sensors for open or close frame mode.
- Laser beams can be modulated or not modulated.
- MIDI Input and Output for synthesizers or samplers (toggle the patterns).
- 4 lines of 20 characters LCD screen and 3 backlit buttons.
- Easy Note programmation, each beam can learn and play 5 notes simultaneously.
- The color of each beam can be choosen for note ON & OFF (switch dynamically the color).
- Memory of 20 tracks - 20 beams - 5 notes by beam.
- Remote control with backlit buttons for open/close frame or switch bank or switch track... and a pedal for the pitch bend or modulation.
- Playlist for automatic switch track (send bank to synthesizers), perfect for concert :)
Other improvements to come.
