The Lumen app emulates an analog video synth

Traditional video synths take video input, or just simple waveforms, and turn them into something weird and psychedelic. Now, a Portland-based software development firm, Paracosm, is digitizing that analog experience through its new Mac OS app. Lumen does for video synthesizers what Garage Band did for making music. The app comes with patterns to start users out on their first project, walks them through the process, and even has knobs and virtual wires in its UI to make the whole experience feel a little less digital.

And unlike analog machines, Lumen saves past projects and has the option to undo / redo work. It’s also way more affordable! There’s a free demo available, but also early bird access for $99. It’s regularly priced at $129.