Light Theremin

About Light Theremin Android App

Hands-off way to create compelling ambient music, the light theremin is a sensor-based music instrument which uses readings from the device's light meter to modulate the frequency of an oscillator, translating higher brightness into higher frequency.

This is, as far as I know, the first and only (working) light theremin instrument on Google play. Which I am proud of :)


HOW TO PLAY THE LIGHT THEREMIN

♬ The app uses the device's light sensor (not proximity sensor), so consider the location of the device's light sensor when using it.

♬ Highly lit environment may be best for the light theremin, as it allows the most sensitivity. In a dim environment you can calibrate the light to a higher frequency using the calibration buttons.

♬ Consider working with a flashlight or a lamp, directing it closer and further from the light sensor, or covering/revealing the sensor with your hand.
Working with a dimmer and fading the light in and out is a great option.

♬ Nice settings to try:
- Sin and Saw waves sounds best in my opinion.
- Blues and Hijaz scales has the most interesting color, with Pentatonic you can never go wrong.
- Changing the Reverb produces interesting results, try going through the whole scale.
- 25% - 75% Glissando for the ideal Theremin-like sound.
- Try experimenting with different tempos. You can play a drum loop with the same tempo as the Light Theremin and synchronize the two.

♬ Don't use near dogs in a highly lit environment. Be nice.

♬ Requires practice for good results, just like a real Theremin does!


THE LIGHT THEREMIN CHALLENGE

Think you've mastered the art of the Light Theremin?
I would love to get a video of you playing it so I could feature it, with proper credit of course, on iLyich games' social media networks, and maybe even as the demonstration video for this app!

Send it my way!
[email protected]


FEATURES

♬ You can play exact frequencies of tones in six different scales - Chromatic, Major, Minor, Blues, Pentatonic, and Makam Hijaz.

♬ Choose one of four different wave forms - Sine, Triangle, Square, Saw.

♬ Calibrate the theremin's frequency to your surrounding light ambient - The light reading will be translated to 440 / 880 / 1,320 Hz.

♬ Add per-recorded backing tracks in different styles and scales to enhance your jamming.

♬ Adjust the glissando - 1 / 18 / 65 / 120 / 450 ms.

♬ Adjust the tempo of the readings - 60, 120, 180, 240 bpm (e.g. 120bpm will send a reading every 500ms).

♬ Device won't go to sleep while the app is on, which is ideal for live performance.

♬ Mute button, Reset button.

♬ There is a (very basic) theremin game, featuring a light-controlled spaceship!

♬ This is a full-featured version with no in-app purchases, no freemium, and no intrusive ads (only a small banner ad at the bottom of the screen).


CREDITS

To make it all happen, the Light Theremin uses the following libraries:

★ T "timbre.js" (Synthesis)
★ Insomnia-PhoneGap-Plugin (Keep device awake)
★ cordova-plugin-lightsensor (light sensor readings)
★ Teoria.js (convert tones to frequency)
★ Phaser.js (UI)

Backing tracks are courtesy of NCTracks (https://goo.gl/aTbF8z)

Icon image - Alexandra Stepanoff on NBC Radio, 1930.


ON GITHUB

Fork away - https://github.com/johnnytal/Light_Theremin.git
There's no readme file but feel free to contact me if you have any questions.


THE THEREMIN TRILOGY

This is part of a trilogy of apps that allow the user to create music based on Android sensors - completely touch-free.

The other iLyich Games' theremins available for free on Google Play are:

* Compass Theremin - Frequency is controlled by the device's gyroscope, turn around in circles to create music.

* Motion Theremin - Tilt your phone up and down to control the frequency, and sideways to affect the volume


CONTACT & FOLLOW

Have fun,
Rate if you like!

[email protected]
http://www.ilyichgames.com
YouTube - https://goo.gl/Wcm8io