Sentient Synthesizer

The controller with the eyes represents the neural network’s learning system. When the eyes are open, the system learns; when they are closed, learning is disabled. A long tap toggles learning on or off. Dragging vertically changes the learning rate, while dragging horizontally controls how strongly the winning neuron influences its neighbors. This influence is shown by the number of open eyes and the width of the pupils. While learning, the neural network visibly `swells`. When a new sound is analyzed, the neuron that best matches it updates its internal representation and `swells` more than the others. Nearby neurons also update, but less strongly, forming a smooth sound space inside the network. Two grids represent the two `hemispheres` of the neural network. Each cell corresponds to a neuron. Tapping a cell selects the neuron whose waveform will be used. An orange dot marks the…