I've had this idea for a few years now, and while I started work on the Astra two years ago, it wasn't until 2018 that I got serious with it. After initially creating a proof-of-concept development board that would let me experiment with driving an LED strip based on audio input, I realized that this could be a cool product.
Since then I've made a some functional prototypes in a real pedal enclosure with some artwork (that I'm working revising). A few of these prototypes are in peoples hands, getting real-world use and the response is great. The people using the pedal like the added dimension the LED lights bring to their playing and people who view the performance enjoy extra depth a visual display brings to the performance. Not everybody has U2 type budgets for full blown light shows!
The prototypes showed me a few places where the design could improve and I've continued to add new visual effects (which is possible since the pedals can be updated via the MIDI connection). My next step is to do a slightly larger run of prototypes (which will hopefully be the final design) and get those in the hands of a larger test audience. If you are interested purchase an Astra or two from the next prototype round, please contact me via the contact form on the first page of this website.
mike
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