{"product_id":"soma-laboratory-illuminator","title":"SOMA LABORATORY ILLUMINATOR","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eILLUMINATOR is an eight channel converter that turns Eurorack and analog CV signals into a voltage that drives LEDs and LED strips, creating a unique light show in sync with your live performance. CV signals coming from your music gear are already pulsating with the different parts and sounds of your track, so there is no need for any kind of programming or light operator. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYou can focus on playing your set and let ILLUMINATOR take care of the rest, creating a dynamic visual show that follows your tracks down to every note and beat! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNo presets, no memory- just your music driving the lights. Create intense strobe-like effects by connecting rapid hi-hats from your analogue drums, or use slow external LFOs for a moody ambience during your ambient sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eILLUMINATOR is compatible with standard 12V LED strips that are affordable and widely available. LED strips are flexible and typically come with adhesive on the back, so it’s easy to attach them to any objects and surfaces, including irregular and unusual ones. It can be your Eurorack case, synth stands, walls of the venue, furniture and even your body! This way you can create a unique light show that would otherwise require an expensive (and unwieldy!) lighting setup. Everything you need for your ILLUMINATOR show easily fits into a small backpack for just a couple hundred euros.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eILLUMINATOR can also run an art installation, as LED strips are far from its only application. It can drive anything that accepts DC 12V with a current up to 0.5A. You can hook up anything from motors, electromagnets to old-fashioned filament bulbs. It’s the perfect beating heart for your weird mechanical steampunk orchestra. Your imagination is the limit! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eILLUMINATOR accepts all types of CV signals in the range from 3 to 20 volts. Each of the eight channels contains an individual trimmer pot that defines the sensitivity of the channel. It not only adjusts the optimal input range for connected CV sources, but it can also set the brightness of each LED strip. Default factory setting for all trimmer pots is made for the range of 5V, compatible with most gear out of the box. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eApplying bipolar CV is also possible but the negative part of the signal will not light up the LEDs (everything below zero will be processed as zero).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCV signals can be connected to ILLUMINATOR using Eurorack mini-jacks or PULSAR-23-like pins and alligator clips. PSU DC IN and all outputs are standard DC sockets 5.5×2.1mm center plus. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/somasynths.com\/illuminator_specs\/\"\u003eSPECS \u0026amp; MANUAL \/ ILLUMINATOR\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"entry\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNumber of channels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupply voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDC 12V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupply voltage socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.5×2.1mm center plus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutput voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDC 12V \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutput LED socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.5×2.1mm center plus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum total power of all channels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e48 watts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum total current of all channels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4A \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended maximum current for one channel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5A \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbsolute maximum current for one channel  \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.5A\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInput voltage range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-20 Volts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInput impedance\u003cbr\u003ewith correct adjustment of the input sensitivity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026gt; 5.7 kom \u003cbr\u003e100kom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInput sockets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEurorack mini-jacks and Pulsar-23 \\ Ornament-8 pins\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNumber of mini-jack sockets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 (1 for each channel) \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNumber of Pulsar-23 pins\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9 (1 for each channel + 1 common ground) \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e275 x 70 x 40 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKit comes with Illuminator, Power Supply, US Cable for connecting to main and 8 LED Strips\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"has-text-align-center\"\u003eDISCLAIMER\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eILLUMINATOR uses a PCB as the top panel. The PCBs are produced in an electronics factory using standard production procedures. Due to this, the PCBs may have minor scratches and marks inherent to the manufacturing process. \u003cstrong\u003eSuch small defects will be almost invisible in most cases without a close inspection and will not be accepted as a reason for return or exchange of the product!\u003c\/strong\u003e Obviously, we discard all seriously damaged or defective PCBs and don’t use them for ILLUMINATOR.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"has-text-align-center\"\u003eOperation manual \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/11w3w7oevURr928P8YmwzHV4Mw5LYlu-I\/view?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(also available in PDF)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"has-text-align-left\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/11w3w7oevURr928P8YmwzHV4Mw5LYlu-I\/view?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003eILLUMINATOR comes without LED strips, wires or PSU. The reason is simple – we don’t know what colors and length of strips you need as well as what length of cables. Each installation is very personal and we can’t supply something that could be called “a universal solution”. You need to connect the strips yourself which requires basic soldering skills as well as simple soldering equipment. Therefore,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eusing ILLUMINATOR requires some basic technical skills and understanding.\u003c\/strong\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst of all you need to buy LED strips of desired length and color. You need\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e12V LED strips\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/sPEoEBlQXB3l7TYPOCql3b-OUvxqMK3IMnsCGjvtwSAhIfCI0j9ikcBg7VfnKIypj-yaDHu5zf7wNzJLlWojvJO67HDjR7gDyxOEfZE6gAglbsCjNyXgbfCe63e6it2VH39FCzoNy1Cad-LBnQ\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTypically, one meter (3 feet) of a LED strip consumes 0.2-0.35 ampere. We recommend limiting the total length of all LED strips connected to ILLUMINATOR to a maximum of 16 meters (52 feet). Different strips connected to different channels can have different lengths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecondly, you need to buy wire for connecting LED strips to ILLUMINATOR. We recommend standard speaker wire used for audio speakers. It’s important that the copper core is at least 0.35 square millimeters. 0.5-1 square millimeters is the optimal thickness. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/59CqxiVpVeqI9ZnKBE3-4h-KeTu8qBpNwwhuqfaMsdi1H9ZtB6ynMMlbNUXfBfJqt-dpRcqVEqMo1slFQ4kGxILecUV2h3wSIXqNRf3NmtWHOdRBRwfRXzgIlEo2brVZ52InCr-kb2EvOdreaw\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut your LED strips and wires into their desired lengths and connect them together and to the DC sockets supplied with ILLUMINATOR. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* LED strips have special places where you can cut the strip, usually they are copper pads like in the photo below. It’s important to cut the strip on the middle line of these copper pads. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/vnMw3pft1arq9TZ1YM2c8blxI2_UFC1E4Jyv2QW7JO3TQ1X0Ofj-z-0419cBvc8m8K1lz9mKJiPcgT3lWWdTkNMQirdS5tbLaQz4tjNXp09AnVVDNf5TMInhvsBTb1icvfyBdsHmcEAUrChPFw\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* You can solder the wire either directly to the copper pads or using a short wire that is often soldered to one or both ends of the LED strip by the factory. Before soldering to the copper pads you need remove the silicon layer (if present) covering the pads using a sharp knife. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Be aware of polarity! The plus and minus on the LED strips are usually marked by + – signs. The plus wire on the speaker cable is usually marked by a special color or line on one of the wires. It doesn’t really matter which of the two wires on the cable you use for plus and minus. What matters is that the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eplus of the LED strip is connected to the central pin on the DC jack.\u003c\/strong\u003e  But don’t worry. If you mix up the polarity of the strip nothing will be damaged, the strip just won’t light up. In this case just try to reverse the polarity. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* The connection between the strip and the wire should be covered in several layers of isolation\/electrical tape or heat shrink tubing. This serves to both isolate the connection and to give it additional mechanical strength. In case of excessive stress, this is the place where the wire will likely be ripped from the strip. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strips are ready for use when all of them are soldered to the wires, the wires are soldered to the DC jacks and all connections are insulated. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow you need to choose a proper power supply. You can buy a high quality PSU from us (at an additional price) or use a PSU that you already have.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe PSU must be 12V and the output DC jack needs to be center plus.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eTo calculate the current your LED strips will need, use the simple formula:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePSU max current in A is equal or more than total length of all LED strips in meters x 0.3\u003c\/strong\u003e   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your LED installation is not big, a 1-2A PSU can be enough. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you use a modern switching mode PSU you don’t need to worry about overload. All of them have overload protection and will be shut down automatically if the load is too big. So no damage will occur. You can use a power supply that is much more powerful than your LED installation. In this case, it will just take as much power as it needs and no damage or overload will happen. It’s better to use a PSU that is more powerful than what your installation needs than vice versa.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow everything is ready to launch the ILLUMINATOR! Connect your PSU to the DC IN jack, the strips to the output jacks and CV ins to the CV outs of your analog gear using mini-jack cables or alligator clips.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you use alligator clips don’t forget to connect the ground of ILLUMINATOR (the GND pin) to the ground of your CV source! \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow it’s time to adjust the sensitivity of each ILLUMINATOR channel. Set up your musical gear so that the CV outputs you use with ILLUMINATOR produce maximum voltage swing. All eight ILLUMINATOR channels have trimmer pots that you can reach through the holes on the front panel using a small screwdriver. By default, all channels are set to a 5V range which is a common voltage range for a lot of music gear.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo adjust ILLUMINATOR to fit a different CV range, turn the trimmer pot of each channel from the minimum clockwise until the connected LED reaches its maximum brightness, or a lower level of brightness if desired.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWe recommend not setting channel sensitivity much above this level as ILLUMINATOR with proper adjustment of input sensitivity has output short-circuit protection. It’s not easy to damage ILLUMINATOR even with improper use, but following our guidelines ensures maximum protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* You can use different channels of ILLUMINATOR with different musical gear with different CV output ranges. Just adjust each ILLUMINATOR channel sensitivity according to its CV source. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* If the brightness of a channel is too high you can decrease its sensitivity using the trimmer pot. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow ILLUMINATOR is ready for use. Attach the LED strips to any surface you want and go!! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf course the possibilities of ILLUMINATOR are not limited to driving LED strips. It can drive many more devices including any types of LEDs that accept 12V, electromagnets, electromotors and more. The ILLUMINATOR output contains protection diodes that dampen reverse polarity voltage that arises in electromagnets due to self induction. If you are experienced in circuitry, you can use ILLUMINATOR in much wider applications. For example, the DC supply voltage that feeds ILLUMINATOR can, in fact, vary from 3 to 20 volts. Peak current for one channel can be up to 5 ampere and average power dissipation on the commutation circuits up to 4 watt per channel. But such modes demand some understanding in engineering. For advanced users, below is the circuit diagram of one channel of ILLUMINATOR with DC input chain. All 8 channels are identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/qLDh3hKsGKfWhet1hSb0UWQbLS6ZcOvlnXattKa7On8FhDNAuvSSET93zSTPrbq4LIYWdOL-daUqIA4o-Ysensj6ejh6_YPuEOIpNHQ4NmvqhNVytdJem7Nuyfc6DbwdwQl_HeOCF8-YK-sbEA\" alt=\"\"\u003eIf you want to use ILLUMINATOR in a permanent setup and avoid jack connections, you can use special pads that duplicate DC IN and all output sockets. The pads are big and comfortable for soldering and have + – marks. To access these pads remove the top panel.\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SOMA LABORATORY","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42241903460525,"sku":"","price":359.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0606\/3449\/7197\/files\/EAS_1712.jpg?v=1687378374","url":"https:\/\/www.detroitmodular.live\/products\/soma-laboratory-illuminator","provider":"Detroit Modular","version":"1.0","type":"link"}