Raspberry Rainbow Synth

Pi Synth

The Raspberry Rainbow Synth is a digital synthesizer I have been working on for almost a decade. There have been multiple versions, each improving the efficiency and sound making ability. The current version is the most streamlined and uses a Raspberry Pi 5 computer running a custom Python Library and Cycling 74’s RNBO software. A custom PCB called the SkronkHat handles the hardware connections between the controls and the Raspberry Pi. The most recent upgrades – the Python Library and the Skronk Hat – were designed in collaboration with Cooper Baker. Cooper was able to take my initial Python code and streamline it into a robust library. In addition, he took my hand-soldered schematics and turned them into the SkronHat PCB. Cooper really helped take the synth to the next level by streamlining everything.

I like that the Raspberry Rainbow Synth is a relatively inexpensive instrument that makes use of open source software. It is simple in its design and purpose. The lack of fancy controls and the inherent limitations are perks to me as an improviser. The instrument’s limitations posit a sound world that is unique and different. I like when there are limitations and fewer possibilities in scale considering the almost limitless sound possibilities available in most commercial software.

PERFORMANCE VIDEOS

The video above is from a live performance at Trade School in Alta Dena, CA on December 6th, 2024 using the Raspberry Rainbow Synth. The piece is a structured improvisation where the performance is completely driven by code randomly choosing the core sonic content that I can use. It also decides how long sections might last, sonic density, texture, and processing types. I do have a vague map as a simple guide and I have agency as a performer to influence the system but I do not get to pick the sounds. The results are surprising and no two performances are the same due to the stochastic nature of the material selection inside of the synthesizer. As a performer I enjoy the spontaneity, immediacy, and risk involved from never really knowing what might happen.

The video above is an excerpt from a live performance at the MorYork Gallery in Los Angeles, CA on November 5, 2023. In this performance I am using the Raspberry Rainbow Synth to process the input from a modified Atari Punk Console synthesizer that I built. The entire set was improvised.

OLDER BUILD VIDEOS

The video below is a technical overview of the previous version (pre Python library and SkronkHat) of the synth. I made the video as a part of the MoxSonic Music Festival where they asked artists to create five minute videos about their work. I apologize in advance for the super annoying narration in the video! : > )

Build Photos