When I was a kid in the late 70's early 80's my dad had this thing that changed colors with music what is this

Question

I want to find him one of these things it was long with a textured plastic over it and would change colors as music played.

At first I was thinking lighted/ illuminating
synthesizer but thats not quite the same thing...

At first I was thinking lighted/ illuminating
synthesizer .

It may be some kind of Equalizer maybe but I don't remeber any knobs on it just a long rectangular thing that flashes several colors with the music

This devise was mounted near the dash and the 8 track

I haven't seen anything like it yet it was a long rectangular bar that flashed green purple red under textured plastic

Answer 1

"Color organ" is what it's called -- here's the list of them for sale now on ebay: http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=color+organ

Answer 2

I think everyone is hitting close to the same thing with the color organ actually being what you are looking for (kudos to the person with the link). A "Spectrum Analyzer" would probably be the closest thing in today's audiophile technology to what you may have been referring to back then.

Contrary to what someone may think, equalizers are still on the market and are very much alive and well. Active eq's "boosters" are not as prominent anymore as they used to be and many of those older active eq's had several flashing lights used for entertainment and as a gimmick in order to influence buyers that their product was "cool" (btw: active eq's are the ones that had their own power capabilities. you did not need an additional amp for the speakers if you were/are using an active eq.). These were very popular during the later 80's and early 90's but declined in popularity around the mid-90's. You can still find them in lesser quality places, particularly in JC Whitney magazines or in pawn shop dealerships. Passive equalizers on the other hand, are still out and are very popular. In fact, most every radio out there, including factory ones, have at least a 3band passive eq on them. With the transition of focal points in the world of mobile electronics, particularly with car audio, less attention has been paid to the addition of flashing lights on eq's. If someone wants something to that effect, the spectrum analyzer would work as it produces a light display in time with the music (or most of the time, "in time with the music".)

Typically today, if there are any light shows in a car, it's usually either a high quality screen on a head unit, in the visors, or on the headrests, or it would be neon tubes inconspicuously placed to present an ambient glow of light in a vehicle. These are relatively easy to install, it just takes some time and a little bit of preplanning. You can still find lights that blink with the music but most of that stuff is just junk and arent things you typically would find in most audio enthusist's systems.

The color organ though, is what you are looking for. Good luck.

Answer 3

properly, if someone falls on the floor and flops like a fish...i'd question if that become The Holy Spirit or no longer. The Holy Spirit ought to no longer have you ever knocking out the Ushers or rolling round lower than the pew... With that being reported, i do not imagine you should connect something with out going to countless the conferences first. no count number how they conflict to get you to affix, purely say i'm purely vacationing. you want to work out the best, the undesirable, and the grotesque. once you've more suitable information, you'll take care of to make a large determination. wish this helps!!!

Answer 4

I think what you are talking about is an external equalizer. These were used before the amplifier became mainstream and allow separate adjustments of bass, mids, and treble. Most of these were lighted and some did change color or flash to the music when plugged into a car stereo.

Answer 5

They are called spectrum analyzers, some could be purchased with just the analyzer portion alone which had just the colored screen and some could be purchased as an equalizer. The Equalizer could be bought with a built in amplifier and with out one. I used to sell them a long time ago. I have not seen 1 in like 10years.

Answer 6

Back then, They had a l.e.d. light that really just showed current running to your speakers..It may be hard to find one these day's i would try ebay Good luck

Answer 7

Look for color organ kits. I have a schematic of one if you like. I'm using it for my sub enclosure (I have blue "see through" subs), but you'll need someone to make it for you.

Answer 8

equalizer is what it was called and probably good luck finding one anymore, when electronics fads die out they usually don't stock those items anymore, try e-bay electronics and go from there. Good Luck.

Answer 9

I used to have one. Radio Shack sold them. I don't remember what they were called though.

Answer 10

Was it a kaleidoscope?