Exploring Complex, Musical Audio-Feedback through the Design and Construction of a Sound Art Installation
Abstract
Audio feedback is the re-circulation of the output sound of a system as an input for the same system, creating a feedback loop. The behaviour of feedback can be immensely complex, shaped by various interdependent components. A feedback-based approach to sound generation requires specific methods and design techniques to achieve a rich and unique sound. Balancing instability (complexity) and controllability while avoiding saturating feedback is a characteristic challenge of feedback instruments. This work explores complex musical behaviour of audio feedback through the conceptualising and making of a sound art installation. With it, interference and interactions between several feedback loops are examined. The installation utilizes audio feedback to create a musical ambiance. Acoustical pipes serve as resonance attractors. Furthermore, methods are proposed to approach resonance equilibrium, leading to a maximum instability, allowing for small changes to influence the sound. The project is evaluated and discussed in retrospection, and possible future work is proposed. Audio feedback is the re-circulation of the output sound of a system as an input for the same system, creating a feedback loop. The behaviour of feedback can be immensely complex, shaped by various interdependent components. A feedback-based approach to sound generation requires specific methods and design techniques to achieve a rich and unique sound. Balancing instability (complexity) and controllability while avoiding saturating feedback is a characteristic challenge of feedback instruments. This work explores complex musical behaviour of audio feedback through the conceptualising and making of a sound art installation. With it, interference and interactions between several feedback loops are examined. The installation utilizes audio feedback to create a musical ambiance. Acoustical pipes serve as resonance attractors. Furthermore, methods are proposed to approach resonance equilibrium, leading to a maximum instability, allowing for small changes to influence the sound. The project is evaluated and discussed in retrospection, and possible future work is proposed.