Demo Session 2
Thursday 5 September, 12:15 - 15:15 - HKU IBB
The Conductive Kinetic Box
Erin M Demastes (Louisiana State University)


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Abstract:

The Conductive Kinetic Box is an experiment in creating a unified and portable tactile instrument made from five separate kinetic elements. These kinetic elements are paired with five circuits that connect into five small speakers allowing the instrument to be played both acoustically and electronically. As the kinetic elements move and connect with themselves, an electrical connection is made which turns the speakers on and off at the same rate as the physical connection. These elements are designed to make distinct sounds based on the physics of their motion and materials, but all are made with metal to ensure an electrical connection when powered. The Conductive Kinetic Box also explores repurposed and handmade materials as the wooden enclosure is handmade, and many of the metal elements are repurposed, such as a small wind chime, perches for hamsters and birds, aluminum foil, jar lids, photo holders, and a piece of a coat rack.


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The Hyper-Ney: An Enhanced Traditional Flute
Ahmet Emin Memis (University of Oslo), Stefano Fasciani (University of Oslo), Çağrım Erdem (University of Oslo)



Abstract:

The Hyper-Ney is a hyperinstrument prototype enhancing the traditional ney flute by integrating electronic sensors to expand creative possibilities beyond its affordances. These allow the control of sound synthesis and processing parameters to create a blend of acoustic and synthesized sounds. The core idea is to remap the existing fingering gestures exploiting acoustically unresponsive holes of the ney flute for enhanced control. Additional interaction methods include lip positioning and instrument movement. We evaluated the system through a study focused on audience reactions suggesting engaging sonic and visual elements. We complemented this evaluation by including the first author's self-reflections as Hyper-Ney performer.


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Two instruments inspired by radio technologies
Marinos Koutsomichalis (Cyprus University of Technology)



Abstract:

This short paper accounts for (a) a wearable radio receiver that can be operated in the fashion of a monochord string instrument and (b) for a rotating induction coil. Technical aspects are discussed and the process is exposed as laboratory experimentation with radio technologies.


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Voice Responsive Virtual Reality
Adinda van 't Klooster (independent artist), Nick Collins (Durham University)


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Abstract:

An audio-reactive Virtual Reality (VR) interface was created which encourages a performer to explore extended vocal techniques within an alternative visual aesthetic experience. We were interested in whether this could support creative vocal expression and whether the translation from graphic scores with a 2D hand drawn aesthetic to a sound responsive animated VR scene could help immersion and wellbeing. As an interface for musical expression there was no extraneous sound output but rather an attempt to encourage investigation of a user’s own voice through a visual feedback system. We describe the technicalities of building the system as an Oculus Quest 2 app and evaluation through various existing theories pertinent to VR musical interaction.


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Dextoria -- An embedded system to control electric guitar effects via sound-producing gestures
Björn Bernreiter (Institute of Electronic Music and Acoustics/IEM), Katharina Gross-Vogt (Institute of Electronic Music and Acoustics/ IEM), Marian Weger (Institute of Electronic Music and Acoustics/IEM)


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Abstract:

Standard guitar effects pedals are limited in their control possibilities difficult to access on stage and challenging to operate while playing. Innovative control systems are often not well integrated into the common guitar playing environment. In this paper we present “Dextoria” -- a control system that allows guitarists to make additional use of their sound-producing hand gestures. With the fretting hand guitarists can switch between two effect loops depending on the hand’s fret position that is measured by a distance sensor on the guitar’s headstock. The posture of the picking/strumming hand is captured by an IMU sensor on a hand strap in order to control guitar effects pedals that have an expression input. The Dextoria system is modular and embeds into guitarists’ existing live setups.


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Expanding the saxophone with different tone generators and a foot controller for complementary voices
Jonas Braasch (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)


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Abstract:

This paper focuses on expanding saxophone performance practice through exchangeable tone generators and a foot controller utilizing fine motor skills. The combination of both expansions extends the timbral qualities of the saxophone into new territories. The different tone generators turn the saxophone into a flute a sarrusophone a modern variation of the Renaissance cornett and a free-reed instrument with each instrument class's distinct sonic characters. The foot-controller system consists of a trackball operated by the big toe of one foot with separate pedals to simulate the mouse buttons with the other foot. The system also includes a traditional MIDI bass pedal an expression pedal and a wide-spaced ASCII keyboard. In particular the trackball system enables complex timbre changes and a flexible processing flow needed for freely improvised music. It can be used to control a complete personal computer. The learning curve to develop the feet’s fine motor skills are comparable to learning new embouchures for the different tone generators.


Paper

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Hand Turned Synthesis: A One Chip Exploration of CMOS Electronics
Timothy Tate (Griffith University), Andrew Brown (Griffith University), John Ferguson (Griffith University), Daniel Della-Bosca (Griffith University)


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Abstract:

We discuss and give a concise overview of the historical practices and approaches to utilising budget-friendly electronic components as a foundation for constructing simple sound making circuits. Building on the work of Lunetta, Collins and Wilson we focus specifically on the use of a 40106 CMOS integrated circuit (IC). Our research goal is to provide a tool kit
of circuits for common synthesis elements based around the use of a single 40106 IC that may be of use to those involved in sound installations and frugal instrument design as well as practitioners working within accessibility and workshop/pedagogical scenarios. The authors demonstrate the application of the tool kit in their own projects, such as a monophonic synthesizer as well as several hand cranked sculptures that are powered and ‘played’ by the interaction between the user and the hand crank. Overall, we gather a broad range of relevant information that is difficult to find in one place and provide a practical tool kit that is pitched at an introductory level and describe how this is incorporated into the design of interactive electronic instruments. We also attempt to highlight fundamental electronics and synthesis principles while embracing terminology common to both electronics and synthesizer communities.


Paper

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