DEATH BY AUDIO　PHOTO MODULATOR

Turn Light into Control 

The PHOTO MODULATOR is a compact, light-sensitive controller that allows you to manipulate expression pedal-compatible effects using any light source. Shine a bright light - such as a strobe, flashlight, stage light, or even a lava lamp - onto the sensor to sweep your effect one way. Cover it in shadow, and it sweeps the other.

It works just like an expression pedal: light = toe down, dark = heel down.

Housed in a right-angle ¼” jack for an ultra-small footprint, it’s easy to aim the sensor at your desired light source. No batteries required.

The PHOTO MODULATOR uses a passive photoresistor circuit to allow almost any expression pedal-compatible pedal to be manipulated by light. Shining a bright light on the lens simulates putting your toe down on an expression pedal, and covering it in darkness simulates putting your heel down. This means you can connect the PHOTO MODULATOR to the ROOMS, EVIL FILTER, the new CROSSOVER FUZZ, or many of your favorite expression-control pedals and to instantly open it to the endless possibilities of light control!

Electrical Details

The PHOTO MODULATOR uses a cadmium-sulfide photoresistor connected between the tip and ring of the ¼” jack. Its resistance changes with light:

Bright light: <1k

Complete darkness: >1MΩ

A 47kΩ resistor connects the ring to the sleeve, mimicking the behavior of the potentiometer found in most passive expression pedals. This configuration ensures compatibility with a wide range of effects that accept standard expression pedal input.