Developer Laurent Baloran shared this video demo of his latest creation, the 3B, aka TheBumBleBee.

The 3B is a synth, sequencer and MIDI controller that you can play like a theremin, but with more precise and repeatable control. It uses a 3D Laser/IR sensor that transmits an image of your hand or any other object that enters its cone of vision, along with the precise distance between the object and the sensor. The image allows, by analysis, to determine the X and Y position of the hand or the object. The Z height is transmitted directly by the sensor with millimeter precision.

The 3B also features a 16bit 96K digital audio generator. Oscillators include classic fixed and variable waves, as well as wavetables. A multimode filter (Moog 24dB or OTA 12dB/octave, LP, BP, HP) and an ADSR envelope complete each generator.

Each sensor also has its own sequencer. The sequencer allows you to create a pattern that will be transposed by the pitch of the note generated by the defined mode.

This screen allows you to directly modify the steps of the sequence, the time division relative to the global tempo and the playback mode. Complex rhythms can be created by inserting silent steps.

The 3B is also a powerful MPE controller. It’s capable of controlling both vintage and modern synths (notes, CC, MPE, bends , etc.).

It’s available in desktop and Eurorack formats.

Pricing and Availability:

The 3B is priced at 588.00€ for the desktop version and 432.00€ for the Eurorack version. Orders will open on the website April 10, 2025, with deliveries expect to start in May 2025. See the site for details.

Updated 4/7/2025: We updated the pricing info per Laurent’s comment below, using the latest information on the Baloran site.