A method and apparatus for generating a complex visual pattern in conjunction with a two dimensional display having X and Y deflection means. The method comprises deriving two signals for application to the deflection means, each consisting of a DC component and an AC component. Each of these components contains information which is derived from the combination of one or more audio frequency sources.Also, a method of encoding n number of audio frequency sources for separate and coherent two dimensional display of each source and of the amplitude, frequency and phase relationships between and among them. The two dimensional display surface is represented as a circular polar coordinate system where each audio source causes displacement of the trace toward a point around the perimeter of the display area. The polar coordinates of each point are trigonometrically translated to cartesian coordinates which determine the amplitudes of the signals to be applied to the X and Y deflection means.Several forms of two dimensional display for use with the present invention are shown, one involving the instant conversion of a color television to function either in conjunction with the present invention or as a normal receiver, and the other producing a large scale color projection using a tunable dye laser in conjunction with an electro-optical deflection system, and a specially constructed screen.