SOMA laboratory / Illuminator

The ILLUMINATOR is an 8-channel converter that illuminates LEDs or LED strip lights using Euro Rack or other analog CV signals. It enables lighting effects synchronized with live performances.

The CV signals output from your music gear already pulse in sync with the track's various parts and sounds, so you don't need programming or light controllers.

Just focus on your performance, and ILLUMINATOR will unfold a dynamic visual show that follows every note and beat of your performance.

There are no presets or memories; only your music controls the light. Generate intense strobe light effects with the rapid hi-hats of an analog drum machine, or create moody lighting effects during ambient sessions using slower LFO signals.

ILLUMINATOR is compatible with standard, affordable, and widely available 12V LED tape lights. These LED tape lights are highly flexible and usually feature adhesive tape on the back. This allows you to easily attach them to any object or surface, from the commonplace to the unconventional. You can use Euro Rack cases, synth stands, venue walls and furniture, or even your own body. This allows you to create unique lighting effects without expensive, unwieldy lighting equipment. Everything needed for a show using the ILLUMINATOR fits into a small backpack and can be kept inexpensive.

Furthermore, LED strip lights are just one option; the ILLUMINATOR is also well-suited for use in art installations. This unit can power any equipment compatible with DC 12V 0.5A or less. It can handle motors, electromagnets, and even old-fashioned filament bulbs. The ILLUMINATOR could become the perfect heart for your bizarre steampunk orchestra. It will express your vision wherever your imagination takes you.

The ILLUMINATOR accepts any type of CV signal within the 3 to 20V range. Each of its 8 channels features an independent trimmer pot, allowing you to adjust the sensitivity to voltage per channel. This not only optimizes the input range for your connected CV source but also adjusts the brightness of the corresponding LED tape light. The factory default setting is 5V, optimized for the majority of equipment.

It also supports bipolar CV signals, but the LED will not illuminate for negative signals (all signals below zero are treated as zero).

Connect the CV signal to the ILLUMINATOR using either a 3.5mm mini jack (commonly used in Eurorack) or pins and alligator clips (as used with SOMA's PULSER-23 or LYRA).

Product Specifications
Number of Channels: 8
Power Supply Voltage: DC 12V
Power Connector: 5.5×2.1mm (Center Positive)
Output Voltage: DC 12V
LED Output Connector: 5.5×2.1mm (Center Positive)
Maximum Total Output for All Channels: 48W
Maximum Total Current for All Channels: 4A
Recommended Maximum Current per Channel: 0.5A
Absolute Maximum Current per Channel: 1.5A
Input Voltage Range: 3 ~ 20V
Input Impedance:
When input sensitivity is correctly adjusted: 5.7kΩ or higher
Maximum: 100kΩ
Input terminals: Mini-jack for Eurorack, and pins for Pulsar-23 / Ornament-8
Mini-jack terminals: 8 (one per channel)
Pulsar-23 / Ornament-8 pins: 9 (8 per channel + 1 for common ground)
Unit dimensions: 275 × 70 × 40 mm
Weight: 300g