App: Solar Modulator
Developer: Benjamin Olson
Genres: Music, Utilities

*** See the demonstration video at www.signalnarrative.com/solar ***

Solar Modulator is a virtual solar panel that translates changes in light intensity into MIDI messages (using the camera), allowing musicians and producers to shape sounds in real time using light and motion. It can be used to create fun new ways to interact with sound, as well as granting users a full range of musical expression without needing additional hardware.

Solar Modulator reacts to any light change, so an infinite number of interactions can be created, using gestures and/or electronics. It can be something as simple as changing a sound by moving one's hand towards the camera (blocking light), or something as complex as glitch effects using a remote control's infrared pulses or creating a homemade controller that selectively blocks light using neutral-density filters.

The animated dock icon allows for usage while the app itself is not visible, eliminating the need to switch windows while working on your music. For battery-conscious users, energy impact is low when the app is active off-screen*.

Solar Modulator should work with any Mac app that takes MIDI input, (including Logic Pro, Ableton Live, GarageBand, MainStage, and many more) since it simply acts like a standalone external MIDI device (rather than a plugin, which runs inside your DAW). Unlike a plugin, it doesn't need to be installed on other computers when you share your projects.

Solar Modulator supports the following MIDI parameters over all channels in normal or high resolution**: 
• Modulation/Mod Wheel
• Pitch Bend
• Pressure/Mono Aftertouch
• Sustain/Soft Pedal
• General purpose MIDI CC controls for mapping to DAW controls.

As of version 1.1 Solar Modulator supports external cameras for all users. Any USB webcam that is recognized by OS X should work, however not all webcams support the exposure control required by Solar Modulator to perform optimally. These cameras can still be used, but the results may be less stable and/or less responsive.

Notes:
Solar Modulator requires a camera and MIDI input-compatible software to be useful, as it does not generate sound by itself, and does not directly send MIDI to external hardware.
*According to developer tool analysis on a 2015 MacBook Pro, using a low resolution video preset.
**Only modulation in normal resolution is available before an In-App Purchase.

Release notes:
Solar Modulator now supports external cameras for all users. Any USB webcam that is recognized by OS X should work, however users should be aware not all webcams support the exposure control required by Solar Modulator to perform optimally. Such a camera can still be used, but the results may be less stable and/or less responsive.
This version also contains other bug fixes and improvements.
Contact productsupport@signalnarrative.com with any issues.