Musical Fire Table (Pyro Board)

Series: Lab · Science × Art · YouTube embed

The pyro board makes sound pressure visible: flame height marks nodes and antinodes. During a frequency sweep you can see standing waves emerge and fade. For me it shows how visualization makes acoustics intuitive - with due respect for safety, of course.

What you’re seeing

A “flame speaker” (Rubens’ tube board): sound pressure modulates flame height, revealing standing-wave patterns.

How it works (in short)

A gas-filled tube/board with small holes emits flames. Acoustic pressure distribution creates regions of higher/lower flow, the flame pattern follows the waveform.

Setup and gear

Perforated tube/board, gas supply (propane) and regulator
Ignition source and safe enclosure/stand
Audio source + amplifier / driver
Ventilation and fire-safety equipment

Safety notes

Fire and gas risk: use only with proper ventilation and supervision.
Keep extinguishers nearby, check for leaks, no flammables around.