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Week 16: Applications and Implications


1. What does it do?

My final project is my first synthesizer. It is a prototype for a sound altar/bath, intended to be used as both a functional instrument for experimenting with sound and also as a vehicle for meditation.

I want to keep the controls as abstract as possible, so there will be a component of discovery for the user when interacting with the synthesizer. An arrangement of capacitive touch pads will sit on top of the console and a series of switches and potenciometers on the front console.

All of these components will interact and set off the stereo sound coming from the speakers and/or headphone jack, whichever the user prefers.


2. Who's done what beforehand?

Synth companies and DIY synth projects abound, which is part of the charm for me. There is a world of information and resources available to folks like myself who are starting on their own sound making journey. There is also, importantly, an equal amount of experimentation in this DIY instrument field as well and the limitations are really wherever you place them.

Here are some of my current inspirations and references of artists who work with sound:


I'm most interested in exploring how traditional and contemporary crafts intersect with belief systems, rituals and fetishization, so whereas there have been endless synthesizers made and being made today, my focus on producing synths that are either one or part of a ritual/contemplative practice is not something I see outside of contemporary sound art. I would like to see these instruments as spiritual technologies one can use at home or wherever deemed appropriate for the user.


3. What will you design?


4. What materials and components will be used?


5. Where will they come from?

Most of the materials will be sourced from Fab Lab Barcelona, included in our program materials. I purchased the speakers online from DigiKey, the bronze plate from Servei Estacio in Barcelona and the Bela Mini system from Bela.io.


6. How much will they cost?

Electronics


Housing + Components


7. What parts and systems will be made?


8. What processes will be used?


9. What questions need to be answered?

-How can I better approach my idea for a cosmorama synth/altar given my current technical abilities and limitations? How can I approach making a series of sound altars after Fab Lab, and what is a likely time frame to produce one?

-How can I make a custom touch pad that has a lot more nuance/touch/force sensors embedded in them if I want to read a wider array of values from the pad?

-Will the speaker box design improve the overall sound and bass tones of the speakers?

-Will these instruments be helpful to people? Will they engage with these objects as a vehicle for meditation? Will they use something like this regularly in their home or studios?


10. How will it be evaluated?

I think it will be evaluated based on the effect the sounds the synth/altar has on the user. If they are engaging and conducive to a more peaceful state, if the piece helps in regulating people's nervous systems in a way that encourages further interaction and play, if it can become a go to for creative exploration/mindfulness, for example.

It will also be evaluated based on the aesthetics and the straightforwardness of its design. Does the interface/capacitive touch design help guide the user in producing more interesting sounds? How can this become more complex/intuitive as the project develops?

How desirable is it as an object? What makes you want to explore it? Is the sound quality good? Is your mind wandering and/or focusing?