All About Laser Harps

The classical harp is quite symbolic, associated with special music. At the same time, all musicians know that the instrument is rather complex and capricious. The laser harp looks very different, but also requires special skill and mastery. The instrument fascinates even with its appearance, therefore it is often used in various show concerts.

The laser harp has a rather complex and intricate design. The principle of operation allows not only to extract high-quality sound, but also to do it as spectacularly as possible. Beautiful lasers are paired with a synthesizer. All signals are fed to this element to extract sound. The game requires maximum accuracy.

The laser harp is a musical instrument that is sensitive to light. The laser beam must be interrupted for control. As a result, a MIDI command is sent.

The tool is relatively new. People first saw him in China in 1981 at a concert by the JMJ collective. Frenchman B. Scheiner created the first prototype in 1979. An unfinished instrument was shown on the stage 2 years later. Since then, there have been many changes and improvements.

Modern models allow you to extract a variety of sounds. But the old ones could play only one note when the beam was interrupted. Moreover, now more and more often software is responsible for the sound. The physical synthesizer may not be in the design at all.

There are two main categories of laser harp: framed (closed) and open (without frame). The first option has a closed design. The beams are directed from bottom to top, ending at the top of the frame.A photodetector is located there, which gives a signal when the laser is cut off.

The frameless laser harp has a non-contact beam system. The design can be arbitrary. In this case, the rays emanate from the projector upward, are not limited by anything. So, in the hall, the lasers reach the ceiling, and on the street they go into the sky.

The key role is assigned to the sensory element, which is located near the feet of the musician. It is these details that fix the flashes of light on the hand, which are formed when the laser beam is covered.

Open harps, in turn, are divided into several types. In hardware, the sensor is a microcontroller, in software and hardware, it is a video camera. Pictures from the latter are processed by the program, which is responsible for the sound of the synthesizer.

Laser harps are divided according to one more criterion, according to color. The first had only one, green. This is because rays of this color and different power are better perceived by the human eye. Later, more varied options began to appear.

The two-tone harp appeared in 2008. It was made by the Italian engineer M. Corelli. It was a prototype, so it was based on weak beams. The model combined green and red lasers, which was a real breakthrough that brought more attention to the instrument.

Already 2 years later, the engineer showed the world the full version of the colored harp. And also additionally there were projectors that allow you to arrange a light show while playing the instrument. As a result, the laser harp has become more widespread than before.

The laser harp is a rather complex instrument that bewitches with just one look. However, special skill is required to play it, which makes the instrument less popular among the masses. There are two popular companies that make laser harps: Laser New Tec and Prolight. The models have their own characteristics and advantages.

The Laser New Tec harp has a small midi interface that turns a simple projector into a tool to unleash your creativity. When the beam is blocked, the sensor sends a signal from the controller to a sound card, synthesizer or other element that is responsible for extracting sound. You must additionally buy a projector for the harp.

These are the main advantages of the model.

1. Versatility. The controller can be used with any type of audio and video equipment. If you use certain software, you will be able to reproduce your own effects and laser shows. The versatility also lies in the fact that the equipment is suitable for any event.

2. Functionality. You can use 8 to 12 beams at the same time. It all depends on which melody will be played. Any projector with an ILDA connector is suitable for connection.

3. Reliability. Modern technologies and developments are used in the manufacture and adjustment. Experienced specialists work on the laser harp, who check the device's performance many times.

The manufacturer Prolight offers a quality Laser Harp Controller model. It allows you to make a harp from a simple projector. The laser beams are multi-colored, so the tool looks as impressive as possible. The device can work with both a synthesizer and a computer. The user is offered the most flexible settings. So, the model reproduces any audio and video images, sounds and effects. Special software allows you to create your own show. The device is completely ready to use, you just need to connect it to the projector. There are a number of benefits.

• The model is expensive, but it offers the widest possible functionality.

• The number of lasers can be adjusted depending on the notes in the piece.

• It is possible to choose color modes.The harp can emit red, green and blue beams. And there is also a two-color mode. In this case, the high notes will be red, and the rest will be green. There is a Rainbow mode that can be paired with RGB lasers.

• It is possible to change the direction of the key.

• Several variations of musical scales can be used.

• The sensor can detect the simultaneous interruption of several lasers. As a result, the musician can perform more complex rhythmic patterns.

• A dual pedal can be connected. It makes it even easier to close and open lasers, switch between different scales. However, even without a pedal, all possibilities are regulated by the controller itself.

• Working in the dark or indoors without additional lighting is easier thanks to the display on the device.

• The ability to change the length of laser beams has been implemented. The harp itself is compact. It can be discreetly installed on stage for a more dramatic show.

The laser harp is quite expensive, so it is practically not used by amateurs. Moreover, mastering such an instrument is a difficult task. Beginners rarely do this. Classics are not performed on such a harp. The instrument manifests itself in contemporary music.

It is used as musical accompaniment in many styles and directions. Some musicians use the laser harp precisely because of its spectacular appearance. Large-scale shows were shown by Jean Michel Jarre. The musician masterfully owns the instrument and literally mesmerizes the audience.