"The Spring SoundBoxes are small, portable and battery-powered electro-acoustic instruments. They can create a variety of drone and reverb-type sounds through feedback between a small speaker and a resonant piezo-electric microphone, as seen in this video [previously posted here]. Or they can bring out the hidden sounds within found objects as seen in this video [previously posted here].
These SoundBoxes are unique, handmade works of sonic art, made from German cigar boxes dating from the 1930′s to the 1960′s, and feature 92mm black speakers, a resonant-spring contact mic, a line-out for recording and “circuit-bending” body contacts. They can also simply be used as cigar-box amplifiers for whatever other electronic instruments you might have.
Each of these SoundBoxes can be purchased for EUR 83 (EU) / EUR 69.75 (ex-EU) plus postage costs. Please include the number in the edition which interests you. This is the first ten of an edition of thirty this season. Contact “macumbista” AT_THE_DOMAIN “gmail.com”.
The next SoundBoxes in this edition will feature a smaller, backlit 77mm transparent speaker with artwork inside the boxes, and will be announced in the coming week. Thank you for your kind attention..."
"Students from my Experimental Sound Instruments workshop demonstrate their hand-made projects on the final day. Their instruments involved a variety of technologies, including Arduinos, solenoids, motors, transducers, pickups and amplifiers which I presented over the week. This workshop, which I give at the school annually, ran from 04-08 February 2013 at the TAIK MediaLab in Helsinki, Finland. The students presenting were Johanna Storm, Ari-Pekka Leinonen, Scott McGregor, Saku Kamarainen, Ana Gutierrez, Thomas Svedstrom and Rajeev Siewnath."
"This optoelectronic hurdy-gurdy was commission by the Acces(s) Festival, Pau France in October 2012.
TONEWHEELS is an experiment in converting graphical imagery to sound, inspired by some of the pioneering 20th Century electronic music inventions, such as the Light-Tone Organ (Edwin Emil Welte, 1936 Germany), the ANS Synthesizer (Evgeny Murzin, 1958 USSR), and the Oramics system (Daphne Oram, 1959 UK). Transparent tonewheels with repeating patterns are spun over light-sensitive electronic circuitry similar to that used in 16 & 35mm motion picture projectors to produce sound.
The TONEWHEELS Hurdy-Gurdy presented at Acces(s) is not an "interactive" artwork in the common sense. While it does not reward the impatient museum visitor with flashing lights and noises at the simple touch of the button, it does invite participation in the process of technological music creation. Although it first appears to be a very traditional instrument known to many folk-music cultures, it functions in a very different way which can only be discovered by playing it.
The artist would like to thank Tobias Traub of Oroborus Customs e.K. and Carlo Crovato for their invaluable assistance in creating this instrument. Circuits designed by Jessica Rylan and Eric Archer are also used within the system.
More information on this project can be found at http://macumbista.net/?p=3020"
"'Catjar in the Rye' (or 'Betty', as she is know to her friends) is an experimental sound instrument built for Swedish composer Andreas Catjar. It combines a chaotic Benjolin synthesizer, extreme fuzz distortion unit, a speaker/ contact-mic feedback system and 'circuit-bending' -style body contacts into one rugged flightcase. The Benjolin features several modifications, including patchable routing banana jacks, LED lights for the three stages of its analog shift register and an external audio input. I hope to post some sounds and video later on, when Andreas has time to make them.
My thanks go out to Rob Hordijk, who designed the Benjolin circuit, and to Pete Edwards/Casper Electronics for his help in working out the modifications..."
Getting the computer out of my live sound was the best thing that ever happened to me. When I work with the modular synthesizer, I feel like I have a piece of clay in my hands which I can squeeze in any direction I choose. This short improvisation was made during filming of a documentary on sound artists in several European cities by London College of Communication students Dann Linn and Marianna Sangita.
Filmmmaker Maren Sextro created this portrait of me for Groove.de in May 2012. Together, we visited the flea market and my studio, and spoke about my approach to sound, performance, "circuit bending" (a term I rarely use to describe my own constructions), DIY electronics and self-education.
"May 26 & 27, 2012, Time 11-19 Presentation Sunday May 27 2012, Time 20.00 (venue TBA)
Discover the hidden sonic qualities of objects from our everyday world in this workshop, combining the arts of electronics, noise, sculpture and collage. The basic elements we will employ are a wooden box, a speaker, a small audio amplifier, and a contact microphone. To this, brave box-builders will add their own found objects, graphics, images, memories and ideas to create a unique electroacoustic cabinet of curiosities.
No previous electronics experience is necessary for this workshop."
"The "Cryptography Studies" examine the use of simple analog implementations of pseudo-random number generators, akin to those used in encryption algorithms, for the chaotic production of sound patterns. One of the simplest pseudo-random number generators is a three-stage shift register with a non-linear feedback loop, such as that found in Rob Hordijk's "Benjolin" instrument design.
This one was built over Easter weekend 2012 as a starting point for further research on the topic. I have focused on the chaotic zones which occur when new parameters have been set by the controls or feedback patching, before the machine settles into a steady state and predictable pattern.
You can read my extended musings on the relationship of cryptography and music here:
via macumbista. Click the image for the super size shot.
The system contains the following modules were are for sale:
Still available as of 16 July 2010: Doepfer A-100P6 Suitcase 220V EUR 370 /75% = EUR 277.50 Doepfer A-175 Voltage Inverter EUR 45 / 75% = EUR 33.75 Doepfer A-135 Voltage Controlled Mixer EUR 120 / 75% = EUR 90 Doepfer A-138 Mixer (exp) EUR 45 / 75% = EUR 33.75
Added 16 July 2010: Doepfer A-199 Spring Reverb (module only without tank, RCA jacks added to faceplate of module to allow tank to be kept outside case) EUR 60 / 75% = EUR 45 RESERVED Doepfer A-174-1 Joy-Stick (spring removed, stiff enough to hold its place) EUR 75 / 75% = EUR 56.25 RESERVED Doepfer A-136 Distortion/Waveshaper (broken trace on PCB repaired by hand, fully functional) EUR 60 / 50% = EUR 30 Analogue Systems RS-40 Noise / Sample & Hold / Clock EUR 139 / 75% = EUR 104.25 Analogue Systems RS-30 Frequency To Voltage Converter EUR 115 / 75% = EUR 86.25
Added 25 August 2010: Doepfer A-128 Fixed Filter Bank EUR 160 / 75% = EUR 120 Doepfer A-198 TRC Trautonium Ribbon Controller (module only, you will need to buy or make the ribbon controller yourself) EUR 70 / 75% = EUR 52.50 Dual Lag Processor (DIY module, same as Livewire Dual Bissel Generator, retail EUR 179) EUR 40 RESERVED Dual Lag Processor (DIY module, same as Livewire Dual Bissel Generator, retail EUR 179) EUR 40 RESERVED Dual Tonepad Rebote Delay (DIY module, analog-sounding digital delay) EUR 40 RESERVED Dual Tonepad Rebote Delay (DIY module, analog-sounding digital delay) EUR 40 RESERVED
Not Pictured:
Doepfer Pocket Control 16 knob MIDI controller, early version with black/blue paint and yellow lettering EUR 30 Assortment of Patch Cables 11 x 25cm (black), 7 x 50cm (gray), 9 x 75cm (red) EUR 12/EUR 0.50 each with module order Blank Aluminum Panels (2mm thick, 128.5mm/3U high, undrilled, finished on one side with plastic protective film, good for use as blank panels or for DIY projects) —9 x 4 HP (20mm) wide EUR 0.50 —12 x 8 HP (40.3mm) wide EUR 1.00 —10 x 12 HP (60.6mm) wide EUR 1.50
This Eurorack system is located in Berlin, Germany. All modules are in perfect condition unless noted, and all modules are fully functional. Prices do not include shipping, I will send a quote for that once we have agreed on what you would like to buy..." See macumbista for further details including contact info.
via macumbista.net where you'll find the full details, images and audio.
"Desperately trying to finish some new electronics before other tasks consume my attention… the latest module for my DIY synthesizer is something like a clone of the recently released Makenoise Maths, which is itself a riff on the Serge Dual Universal Slope Generator. I actually imagine it much more as a kind of analog computer to tell the truth...
The module was created using PCBs from Ken Stone/CGS synths. I love Ken’s boards to death. I used:
2 x CGS75 Voltage Controlled Slope
1xCGS26 Analog Logic
3xCGS04 DC Mixer"
"Synth-pr0n from my trip to London during March 2009.
Somehow, no matter what machine I sit down in front of, I always try out the same patch--a big VCO feedback system, with a little sample-and-hold noise thrown in for good measure.
Thanks to Mick Grierson and Ian Stonehouse at Goldsmiths University for access to this fantastic piece of gear!
[Sound is from built in camera mic and is pretty low, anybody know some simple tool to normalize volume of a Quicktime clip?]"
"TONEWHEELS is an experiment in converting graphical imagery to sound, inspired by some of the pioneering 20th Century electronic music inventions.
In this three day workshop from 24-27 October 2009, participants built a simple light-to-sound converter and DC motor controller, and then began to experiment with drawing sounds onto transparent "tonewheels". The workshop ended in a group performance and an invitation to the audience to try out the instruments for themselves.
As you can see, both the participants and the audience had a great time with this. I did too! My thanks go to Galina Dimitrova, Rene Beekman, Prof. Svetoslav Kokalov, Venelin Shurelov, DA Festival, National Academy of the Arts Sofia, Elena Kaludova and all the participants for a fantastic workshop in Bulgaria!"
TOP ROW Two Dual Thomas Henry XR-2206 Voltage Controlled Oscillators (Bugbrand PCB layouts, self-etched) 4x4 Bipolar DC Matrix Mixer (Ken Stone CGS 33 & CGS 04 PCBs) Blank Panel (singlewide)
MIDDLE ROW Super-Psycho Modulation Source (Ken Stone CGS 21) Wave Multiplier (Ken Stone CGS 29) Blank panel for another Dual Thomas Henry XR-2206 VCO (will complete tonight!) Blank panel (doublewide) Two channel DC Mixer (three inputs per channel, large jack outputs)(more CGS 04 PCBs)
20-24 Apr: Queen St. Studios, Belfast UK 04-09 May: eNKa, Berlin DE 25-29 May: Lydgalleriet, Bergen NO 01-05 Jun: WORM, Rotterdam NL
.:::NEANDERTHAL ELECTRONICS:::.
More than 40,000 years ago, our Neanderthal predecessors invented the first music instruments from simple objects around them (bones and stones, sticks and skins...), without reference to any existing music history, and primarily for their own pleasure rather than that of others.
Nowadays, we use complex audio hardware and software which make it "easier" to make music, so long as we channel our creativity into such socially acceptable avenues as Western Classical or Minimal Techno. As with any established genre, the results are often completely predictable, and therefore quite boring.
But some of us, deep in our wild hearts, still long for the Stone Age simplicity of pure noise!
This 5 day workshop is designed for 8-10 people, possibly with a background in sound, but with no previous electronics experience. They are shown how to use simple objects from our modern environment (resistors, capacitors, transistors, LEDs, integrated circuit chips...) to design and build their own personal, customized primitive noise synthesizers. Each is a tiny world of its own, using primitive analog computers in combination with feedback, sensors and audio inputs to create a unique sound. Even from the same plan, no two are alike!
Participants are encouraged to use found materials for the construction of their personal instrument. The workshop concludes with a group performance and an invitation to the audience to experiment with each of the instruments which have been created.
Derek Holzer (1972) is an American sound artist living in Berlin, whose current interests include DIY analog electronics, sound art, field recording and the meeting points of electroacoustic, noise, improv and heavy metal music. He has played live experimental sound as Macumbista or Derek Holzer--as well as taught workshops in Pure Data and electronics--across Europe, North America, Brazil and New Zealand. http://blog.myspace.com/macumbista http://www.vimeo.com/macumbista http://www.umatic.nl/info_derek.html
.:::REGISTRATION INFO:::.
Please register early for all workshops, as they are limited to 10 places each! All workshop fees include electronic components + use of tools.
BELFAST
***DATES: Monday 20 April - Friday 24 April 2009 10.00-16.00 daily ***LOCATION: Digital Arts Studios, 37-39 Queen Street Belfast BT1 6EA ***COST: This workshop is FREE! ***FINAL PRESENTATION: Saturday, 25 April 2009 9pm til late. Catalyst Arts, 5 College Court Belfast BT1 6BX. £5 donation welcome. ***REGISTRATION: events@digitalartsstudios.com or phone 02890312900
"TONEWHEELS is an experiment in converting graphical imagery to sound, inspired by some of the pioneering 20th Century electronic music inventions. Transparent tonewheels with repeating patterns are spun over light-sensitive electronic circuitry to produce sound and light pulsations and textures. This all-analog set is performed entirely live without the use of computers, using only overhead projectors as light source, performance interface and audience display. In this way, TONEWHEELS aims to open up the "black box" of electronic music and video by exposing the working processes of the performance for the audience to see.
TONEWHEELS Cologne from macumbista on Vimeo. "First TONEWHEELS performance, August 25 2007 at the "Kunst & Musik mit dem Tageslichtprojektor" workshop, Molkerei Gallery Cologne, DE. Yes, I do bite the electronics and get a mouthful of 12V DC at the end!
Neanderthal Electronics workshop, Tartu Estonia from macumbista on Vimeo. "More than 40,000 years ago, our Neanderthal ancestors invented the first music instruments from simple objects around them (bones and stones, sticks and skins...), without reference to any existing music history, and primarily for their own pleasure rather than that of others. Nowadays, we use complex audio hardware and software which make it "easier" to make music, so long as channel our creativity into such established and socially-accepted avenues as Western Classical or Minimal Techno. But some of us, deep in our hearts, still long for the Stone Age simplicity of pure noise!
In this four day workshop, which ran from 11-14 Feb 2009, ten Estonians with no previous electronics experience were shown how to use simple objects from our modern environment (resistors, capacitors, transistors, LEDs, integrated circuit chips...) to design and build their own personal, customized primitive noise synthesizers. They worked their asses off and enjoyed themselves immensely, and here are the results.
Please write to "derek" AT THE DOMAIN "umatic.nl" for more info about this workshop."
Copenhagen Noise Workshop
Copenhagen Noise Workshop from macumbista on Vimeo. "From 2-6 February 2009, I worked with students from the Kunstakademiet in Copenhagen to create a series of personal noise devices. Here, the students and guests of the final presentation show how much pleasure you can get from your own noise!'
