# Futuristic Musical Instruments The Ra Blends Digital Musical Instrument and Optical Media Reader By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-10-01 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-musical-instrument References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/ra-pyrite-sun-synthesizer/39657/) & [vtol.cc](http://vtol.cc/Ra) The Ra is a fascinating and innovative [digital music instrument](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sound-maestro) and optical media reader, developed by Dmitry Morozov, that uses a special laser to scan uneven surfaces of pyrite suns and produces high-quality [synthesized sounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/muse-3). This device makes use of a Raspberry Pi and Arduino Nano as its heart and brain. It is equipped with a digital sound processor, stepper and servo motors. It also features a 3-volt mono sound system and a custom laser pickup/reader, and if you look close you'll notice that there's a nifty control board that runs down one of the edges of the triangular base. An array of switches and knobs allow you to introduce [envelope filters and modulators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/midi-controller-concept) into your musical creations. Ultimately, the Ra is both a digital musical instrument and a scientific contraption of some note. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Digital Musical Instruments:** Exploring the potential of combining digital technology with musical instruments to create unique sounds - **Synthesized Sounds:** Innovations in synthesized sound technology and its application in modern music-making - **Audiovisual Technology:** The convergence of audio and visual technologies in creating immersive musical experiences ### Sectors Adopting This - **Music Technology:** Developing and improving technology for music creation and performance - **Consumer Electronics:** Creating new products for digital music-making and immersive audiovisual experiences - **Entertainment:** Innovative uses of digital technology in live performances and music videos ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ultra-Modern MIDI Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/midi-device.md) - [Futuristic Abstract Musical Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zeta-electric-guitar.md) - [Interactive Display-Equipped Synthesizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-hultn-x-lirona-synthboi.md) - [Hybrid Music Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phase8.md) - [AI-Powered Piano Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roli-piano-system.md) - [Electronic String Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harmoni.md) - [Retrofuturistic Streaming Audio Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-streaming-audio-player.md) - [Multifunctional Music Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chorda.md) - [Compact Bio-Synth Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-scion.md)