The EEGsynth

The EEGsynth is an open-source Python codebase that provides a real-time interface between (open-hardware) devices for electrophysiological recordings (e.g. EEG, EMG and ECG) and analogue and digital devices (e.g. MIDI, OSC and analogue synthesizers). This allows one to use electrical brain/body activity to flexibly control devices in real-time. The EEGsynth does not provide a GUI, cannot be used for offline analysis and does not allow diagnostics. Rather, the EEGsynth is intended as a collaborative interdisciplinary open-source and open-hardware project that brings together programmers, musicians, artists, neuroscientists and developers. Brain-Computer-Interfaces (BCIs) and neurofeedback systems are increasingly being marketed for unrealistic purposes and promoted with unsubstantiated claims. We emphatically distance ourselves from such exploitation of ignorance, and attempt to foster enthusiasm about – and development of – these technologies through education and openness instead.

  • The EEGsynth is intended to be run from the Linux command line, using Python and Bash scripts; it is not friendly for those not familiar with such an approach
  • The codebase and technical documentation are maintained on our GitHub repository
  • You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter, read our news blog, check our upcoming events on our calendar, and join our discussion list
  • The EEGsynth is used in artistic performances and workshops by 1+1=3
  • We use the EEGsynth in the COGITO project to transform 32-channel EEG into sound for realtime transmission by a 25-meter radiotelescope
  • Please feel free to contact us with questions, for collaborations and presentations via our contact form