ElectroKraft has announced an experimental effects unit/theremin synthesizer, The Space Box.
2 Devices In One Box
The Space Box can be used to process guitar, bass, keyboard, synthesizer or microphone, or used as a stand-alone photocell-controlled theremin synthesizer. A photocell is contained inside a lens on top of the unit that reacts to light and shadow. Waving your hand over the photocell will create changes in the frequencies and tones of the effected sound.
Inside the Space Box, there is a digital oscillator and a frequency multiplier. The nature of the frequency multiplier is such that it will also create fuzz and distorted effects quite different from traditional fuzz effects boxes. Combine that with strange metallic sounds and an array of spacey sci-fi tones and you have an effects unit/theremin-synthesizer from outer space.
The Space Box is features a combination of digital and analog circuitry, encased in all aluminum alloy construction. It has standard 1/4″ in/out jacks, and runs on 9 Volt battery or 9 Volt universal adapter power jack.
Behind the Space Box
Guitar builder, pickup maker and custom effects pedal builder Tony Amendolare has been developing new hybrid electronic instruments and effects that are influenced by the sounds created by artists in the areas of “chip music”, lo-fi, experimental electronica, noise and circuit bending.
“I am very intrigued and influenced by the underground art of ‘circuit bending’. Circuit Benders take old digital keyboards like the Casio SK-1 and the Speak & Spell and rewire them to create new sounds. I thought how cool it would be if you could process your instrument through one of those circuit bent devices. I decided to develop something that can be used as an effects unit and also as a stand alone light-theremin synthesizer, creating the experimental sounds as heard from circuit bent devices.”
Sometimes innovative ideas are just a combination of simple elements. Inspired by the underground art of “circuit bending”, experimental electronic music and “chip music” the Space Box encompasses a variety of exciting methods that open up new aural expression for experimental and progressive musicians who have an affinity for alien soundscapes.
Audio Samples:
The Space Box lists for $189.00, and is available at the ElectroKraft site.
