Bright Light shared this sneak preview of Synthspace , a new virtual reality Eurorack modular synthesizer that is currently in development.
Here’s what the developer has to say about it:
“Synthspace is my attempt to capture the physicality of a modular synthesizer, while adding in all sorts of magical bits that are only possible in a virtual world. VR is the exciting part, but I want to create an instrument that is fun and flexible and ready whenever you need it, so I’d love to have it available on as many platforms as possible (VR, Desktop, Mobile). And I’m working towards supporting multiple users working together in the same virtual space.
I’ve spent countless evenings and weekends on this project, and now I’d love to take it to the next level and work on it full time! If you like the idea and see the potential, please see if you can support me in any way. Every little bit helps and I’d love to bring you along on this journey!”
(Source - Synthtopia)
Nice. Another great application of VR. Love applications where you dont have to get up, cause the tech isnt really great at moving about. This is great!
I like the concept, but I’m wondering: what does this add to synthesis apart from the visual aspect that other non VR virtual modular systems bring? Is it that one could wear virtual gloves that make it possible to operate some knobs simultaneously which is not possible with a mouse in a 2D plane? Or is there more?
Lastly, does it also do physical modelling of the studio or are the acoustic dampening planes on the walls only for decoration?
It gives access to modular to someone who may never be able to access modular.
It gives a sense of experience and could be a great tool for children as well!
I think you’re looking at it with a narrow sight…
Well if you think about it, it adds a more physical feeling interface for humans to a world that isn’t as limited. If you have ever used reason before and seen it’s patchbay, I think you begin to know the potential. Virtual instruments arnt limited in the same ways, and giving a more physical means of interaction with this virtual space is welcome for many. Plus it’s cool, and given this is a hobby for many, that shouldn’t be discounted I think.
VR is one of those things, like 3D, that in my experience only attempt to mimic what our brains already do. Words like “immersive” don’t really impress a person who has spent their entire life immersing themselves in abstractions like mathematics, computer models, and you know, plain old text writings and 2D images.
so does it do motion capture , can you turn your hands and tweak knobs virtually pick things up and put them in your rack or toss them out the window when they die ? that would be cool .
There is probably, somewhere, a synth geek who is building a synth-themed version of GTA in Minecraft, where you get to steal other people’s synth modules, shoot holes in them when they don’t perform correctly, and blow them up in spectacular ways if they stop working.
This post in itself is like a synth-themed reformulation of Rule 34.
Vr now looks even more interesting. Need some sort of sensor that can tell if my index and thumb are gripping a knob. If you did that and had a system, like a solenoid piston to give a bit of feedback so that when picking up a cable or knob you get the tactile feel this would be an experience, to say the least.
Then of course you could have midi and cv outputs and you’re in a brave new world.
