Occultation : audio plugin for hearing the sky and stars
Hi, I’ve just released an open-source audio plugin called Occultation, which is a sequencer based synth, with object detection in images, targetting mostly astronomy images : let me explain :
It consists of a sequencer (from 1 step to 64) which sweeps the selected frame on the image/video/stream from left to right. At each step it samples 24 horizontal lanes and triggers whichever lane is brightest, mapped onto the selected musical scale (35 modes available, from Lydian, to Dorian, Mixolydian, Harmonic Minor, etc…).
With 2 sliders, you can also set the root note, and define a brightness threshold for notes generation.
On the synth side, wave shape selection and 15 knobs usually seen on good old vintage synthesizers allow familiar control of the audio result (envelop, filter, drive, chorus, delay, reverb).
They are 2 modes on top of the sequencer, controlled by check boxes on the left side panel :
- space invader mode : which allows to control a tiny space ship and fire lasers on stars, and emit explosions sounds (in tune with the selected mode)
- bounce mode : where you can select bright stars with the mouse, and send them bouncing on the edge of the window, which will make sounds, in tune as well with the selected mode.
Both modes combined, plus the step sequencer, rotating the frame (when pressing CMD key and clicking), zooming in and out, allows infinite variations when exploring the deep sky.
It also comes with 6 pre-loaded images of deep sky nebulas, to start exploring directly when opening the plugin.
You can have a look at the youtube video for a short demo,
I’d love to get feedback! I had a lot of fun writing this plugin, I hope you like it ! Cheers