Discover a hidden world of sound with the Photon Smasher, the handmade microphone that turns light into sound. Assemble the kit and use the included LED to listen to light. Explore the physics of light and sound to turn bicycle lights into thumping drum beats and light up toys into futuristic synthesisers.
Make Music with Light!
Listen to the sound of light with the Photon Smasher. Convert light into sound and explore a hidden world of rhythms, melodies and textures.
Photon Smasher
A Microphone for Light
Learn the Physics of Light and Sound
Recommended age 8+
Getting Started
Assemble
Open up the Photon Smasher and follow the super simple assembly guide to start listening to light.
Compose
Use the included LED to start discovering the hidden sound of light. Grab another instrument and jam along with it.
Explore
What other lights can you listen to? Bicycle lights, light-up toys and flashing fairy lights all make amazing sounds!
How does it work?
Pulse Width Modulation
When photons of light hit the solar panel it creates electricity through the photovoltaic effect. The different sounds it creates are due to pulse-width modulation (PWM). This is what light emitting diodes (LEDs) use to change brightness. PMW is when LEDs turn off and on at different rates, which we then hear as different pitches when amplified through a speaker.
Side Chaining Light
When you have a flashing light next to a constant light on the Photon Smasher, the intensity of the flash cuts out the constant light creating amazing synthesiser rhythms – all made from light!
To do this you need a second light, bicycle lights are perfect – but anything that flashes strong enough should work – like a strobing flashlight.
What’s in the box
Photon Smasher circuit board (battery included)
Speaker
Solar panel
LED light and remote (batteries included)
Get your own Photon Smasher now
Listen to the sound of light with the Photon Smasher. Limited numbers available.