Midterm Assignment: Distributed Instrument

The midterm assignment takes inspiration from the following artworks:

BaWe are going to build a collective instrument, in which each “key” triggers a sound via an object you have designed. Each student in the class will be assigned two of 32 possible keys. You will install your two sound producing objects in the IDM gallery at 370 Jay Street, and they will be playable using a keyboard controller installed in the space.

Your objects must be designed to receive a 5 volt control signal (via a two-conductor connector), which will go HIGH when the corresponding key is pressed on the keyboard, and will go LOW when no key is pressed. This signal can be used to activate a recorded sound, to turn on a circuit that synthesizes sound, or to activate a system that produces sound mechanically. Some examples:

  • A recorded sound plays back through a small amplifier when the control signal is received
  • A tone is generated by a 555 circuit, and is amplified through a tactile transducer to resonate an object
  • The control signal activates a solenoid to make a percussive sound against an object
  • A found electronic object (like an old radio or a motor-driven toy) is turned on by the 5v control signal

Things to know about:

Timeline:

Feb 24-March 3: Assemble your materials and bring them to class on March 3, we will jam during class time to run through different methods of controlling them

March 10: Meet at 370 Jay street to assemble the instrument!