KM_09
SGSX-H 750
This instrument named SGSX-H 750 is a try to project the system of a hammond organ to a Suzuki GSX-R 750 gearbox. The tonegenerating like that in the hammond will be made by tonewheels in this case the gearwheels. Over the gearwheels are pickups placed to convert the form of the wheel in to tone. The diameter and the speed of the gearwheel will influence the frequency. The interface consists on the one side of a keyboard with just as many keys like gearwheels. On the other side a table with volume controls, voltage controlled amplifiers with the choice of manipulate the sound of each tone with the others. To include the interface of the gearbox the gearstick will be used to transform the bandwidth, expand or reduce the distance between several tones. The clutch can be used to separate the motor from the gearbox so the user can manipulate the speed of the gearwheels.
Stofftonband
The instrument: Two fabric loops, driven by a motor divide space. At certain points there are light sensors installed to receive signals, which get translated in audio signals. Musicality and design
Fabrics which differ in their weaving technique, are sewed one after another (each loop consists of 196 inch length, with a width of 4,2 inch), creating a fabric track. The basic parameters which take influence on the sound generation and can be chosen by playing consist of the following: The frequency ( Hertz) or tone pitch is created by the quality of the fabric, weaving tecnique, basically this is the amount of threads interrupting the light per second. For example very transparent fabrics like silkchiffon create breaks. Breaks and Rhythm are due to the seam, and the length of each sort of fabric, as well as to the performer. The arrangement of the fabrics in aspects of lenght,quality and the connecting seams are additive parameters for composing a rhythm or a flowing change of the tone pitch (frequency). The information the lightsensor detects gets transformed into the acoustic signal, which gets amplified and sent to loudspeakers. Engineering Features: The object that runs the loop is a movable construction and can be taken anywhere. It works as an instrument as well as a standing alone (interactive) sound art installation. The musicality of the instrument can be experienced by sliding or positioning the sensor across the tracks on the installed amatur.
Light Frequency Fingertips
“Light Frequency Fingertips” is composed of four fingercaps, each containing light sensitive phototransistors. The fingercaps (made of bicycle tubes) are especially customized for the thumb and forefinger of both hands, and transform light frequencies into acoustic signals. Light, emitted by the displays of activated mobile phones, functions as the origin of the sounds. As each mobile phone’s display generates a different light frequency, each results in an audio signal with a different pitch. In addition, other electronic devices, such as flashing bicycle lights, can be used to generate rhythmic tones.
Picture Discs: Icons
An optical sound pickup extension for the Technics MK1210 turntable. Custom software converts soundfiles into a graphical representation which is then printed on A3 office paper. The optical pickup converts the circular print back into sound on the turntable. This detour opens several performative and technical possibilites for manual intervention and musical improvisation into sound. Photographs superimposed on the printed record modulate the sound. A collage of several prints and images on the turntable generates new acoustic and visual interrelations. These iconographic pictures introduce an associative sound-image relationship where the acoustic information alters the perception of image which again influences the acoustic perception.
Stromtod engine rev.a
The Stromtod engine is an ongoing experiment in finding ways to closely couple electronic music and sound generation with the human body. When we consider contemporary musicians playing electronic devices we can almost always observe a relationship that is defined by strict Human Interface Design boundaries: the musician takes an action (e.g. presses a key which get translated into a flow of MIDI events) and the device reacts to this. This is, however, only the fractional beginning of the sound synthesis process that makes the music. To challenge these assumptions about control and detachedness, the Stromtod engine tries to put the parts making for the sound as closely to the body of the performer as possible. This is done by sewing parts of the device onto the clothing with conductive thread – thus bridging the realms of wearable computing and circuit bending. The title Stromtod (literally: electrocution) is a play on a song by the same name, written and performed by Hotel Morphila Orchester (Bonus Tracks, Extraplatte, 1995). In the song Peter Weibel describes the effects of touching his body with a charged (and probably defective condenser-) microphone, giving a verbal account of the action as he performs on-stage. In its current (rev.a) form, the Stromtod engine consists of a playable white t-shirt with two electric circuits sewn on it that can be shorted by the performer at any place. Placed on the shirt is also a small round printed circuit board that allows for insertion of a stereo 3.5mm audio cable, over which the operating current (tested: 9V) flows from and to the external oscillator board. At the moment this rectangular board houses a 555 time