love hultén’s guitar-like synth instrument has ferrofluid that dances when a sound plays

love hulten’s synth instrument has a dancing ferrofluid

Love Hultén’s produces a custom and guitar-like synth instrument with ferrofluid that dances whenever a sound plays. A seeming reimagination of the Y17 sound machine, the device is a commission by a client that now forms part of his growing sonic projects. The synth instrument runs on batteries, and it houses a modified Arturia Microfreak synth along with a ferrofluid visualizer. There are also built-in speakers, so users can already hear the sounds as soon as they play the device.

The hand-built sound machine has a boxy body, with the upper left part’s corner being cut off for the speakers. There are two arms: one for the sound buttons and the other to tweak the reverb. A set of switches and dials are arranged on the body, with the mounted switches and rotary knobs sitting next to the encased ferrofluid. There’s also a shoulder strap for the user, so they can carry it with them anywhere and while they play.

all images courtesy of Love Hultén

steel rod with rings acts as a pitch or effect handle

Love Hultén’s synth instrument doesn’t have strings or keys, but knobs and controls. Upon a closer look, there are straight lines mapped around the body, leading to the function of the controls, such as the select button, type of sounds, and even the customizing of the movement of the ferrofluid. On the top face of the device there are twelve rotary knobs. They connect to the microcontroller, and turning the knobs changes settings for pitch, filter, volume, or modulation. Below the knobs is a row of toggle switches, and these switches change modes or link circuits.

One black joystick in the center allows the player to bend notes or control other parameters. On the right side, one of the long arms, a steel rod with rings, acts as a pitch or effect handle. Moving this rod changes a signal value read by a sensor. The top of the instrument has an arm with two rows of small buttons, which trigger sounds in sequence. The sensors are placed in a straight line so the player can touch or block each one to start or stop notes. So far, the synth instrument is a commissioned project by Love Hultén for a client of his.

the instrument runs on batteries, and it houses a modified Arturia Microfreak synth

a steel rod with rings acts as a pitch or effect handle

Love Hultén’s synth instrument doesn’t have strings or keys, but knobs and controls

detailed view of the device

there’s even a button to customize the ferrofluid’s movement

detailed view of the ferrofluid

project info:

designer: Love Hultén | @lovehulten

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