Gamma Rays Play The Synth

Experiments in radioactivity and modular synthesis continue. Since my last demo, I upgraded from using a 1970s CD V-700 Geiger counter to a new gamma ray spectrometer. In the future I may use them both, as the Geiger detects alpha and beta particles, whereas the spectrometer is exclusively sensitive to gamma rays. The spectrometer is much more useful, providing both triggers from radioactive sources as well as note data via amplitude modulation that correspond to the energy level of the gamma rays detected. It uses a special crystal (in the white detector I’m holding) called a scintillator, which emits photons of corresponding magnitudes when gamma rays pass through it. So, in a way this is a demo of two different properties of crystals, operating in tandem, not to mention the quartz clocks in many Eurorack modules. In this video the main patch is all quite fittingly done on the Behringer Neutron, which is my only module that can handle trigger inputs this fast. Notes are quantized via Ornaments & Crime, with granular reverb through Monsoon. My radioactive source for demo purposes is my entire case of 12 different radioactive mineral specimens, which is why this particular patch sounds so frenetic. I otherwise keep them outside of my main workspace for safety. I’m really excited that this works, as there’s lots of cool stuff I plan on doing with it. This includes taking the modular on a field trip to Rocky Flats, a former nuclear disaster site not too far outside of Boulder. I can also theoretically use this to trigger the synth with cosmic rays and lighting strikes. More soon. Questions welcome. Stay tuned and thanks for watching! ☢️ 🔊 Gamma spectrometer made by Gamma Spectacular: https://www.gammaspectacular.com