Above: above: representation of stereo (1) and quad (2) formation as a visual graphic score
the main aim I set out to achieve for my installation is to create a piece that explores the nature of listening from behind in a surround space. I want to use both spatial and film sound techniques to emphasise the differences between a stereotypical frontal stereo listening formation and a wide oppositional, surround formation. After listening to examples of surround pieces that made use of the octophonic ring, through 8 channel speaker formations whilst making use of the doppler effect, circular movement, and momentum-based rhythms, I wanted to see what a more rigid surround piece based upon solely listening in front of you and behind you would sound.
Although my piece seem like a 6.1 formation, I still like to think of it making use of all 8 channels with the speakers not playing sound just as important as the ones that are. This creates a separation, creating a further departure from the average surround piece that would want the audience to feel the sound moving around them. As well as separation in terms of channels, there is a separation with frequencies and tonalities. Higher pitched sounds come from the front, with the lower, more bass heavy tonalities coming from behind. This is based upon film techniques by sound designers such as Wendy Carlos, where the bass is used to slowly build up tension. Using such disparate tonalities allows for a more binary projection of the pieces spatialisation.
Above is the original idea I had which after testing has developed into a more concise version below.
There will also be a visual element, where I will create a projection of the graphic score as the piece progresses through the use of generative art in a blacked-out room to further develop meditative and immersive listening.
Tech Specifications:
x 8 Large speakers (possibly 6 large and 2 small)
x 2 Raspberry Pi (one for video and one for the speakers)
x 1 projector
Gallery 6