The noise of art: Pixelsynth can turn your images into music for free

Stairway to pixelated-noise heaven.
Stairway to pixelated-noise heaven.

Pixelsynth is a browser-based synthesizer that can read images and convert the information into sound.

The instrument, created by artist and programmer Olivia Jack, analyses grayscale information of an image which is then translated into a sine wave.

The synth reads any white information on the black background as note-on. The velocity of the note is dependant on the transparency of the object and pitch depends on its location - at the base of the picture for the low tones, etc.

The interface is made up of three sections: Image, Sound and Draw. The Image menu enbles you to choose from a selection of pre-loaded images or upload your own (these are converted to monochrome automatically). You can then invert the image, adjust brightness and contrast, its rotation, and even its size and repetition.

The Draw function is simple enough and gives you the option to paint on a blank background or over any images. Finally, the Sound section offers control over the playhead's speed and direction, the root note, the number of octaves and the scale.

A cacophonous orchestra of sound can be created by loading multiple windows of Pixelsynth, but don't just take our word for it. Head on over to the Pixelsynth website for a bash yourself.

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Simon Arblaster
Video Producer & Reviews Editor

I take care of the reviews on MusicRadar and Future Music magazine, though can sometimes be spotted in front of a camera talking little sense in the presence of real musicians. For the past 30 years, I have been unable to decide on which instrument to master, so haven't bothered. Currently, a lover of all things high-gain in the guitar stakes and never one to resist churning out sub-standard funky breaks, the likes of which you'll never hear.