Cymatic Synthesis of a Series of Bells

Stephen BARRASS, Tim Barrass

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
117 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Frequency analysis and additive synthesis are the conventional way to reproduce sounds in signal processing. However, digital fabrication provides an alternative way to reproduce sounds by geometrical reproduction of acoustics. This paper proposes cymatic synthesis by geometrical reproduction as an alternative to signal processing as a way to design sounds. IN the other direction, cymatic synthesis can also be used to design geometric shapes from sounds. The potential of cymatic synthesis was explored through an experiment to produce a recursive series of bells, where the geometry of each bell is constructed from the spectral profile of the previous bell in the series. The knowledge gained from these experiments is captured in a process model with modular stages of SHAPE, SOUND, XFORM and PROFILE. Based on the results of the first experiment, we have designed further XFORM mappings that are more directly cymatic than the spectral profile. The substitution of alternative XFORM mappings demonstrates the modularity and generality of the process diagram. These mappings also demonstrate the creative and generative potential of cymatic synthesis.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2013 ICMC Conference presented by Tura New Music, the International Computer Music Association, Australasian Computer Music Association and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts at Edith Cowan University
Place of PublicationSan Francisco
PublisherInternational Computer Music Association
Pages18-23
Number of pages6
Volume1
ISBN (Print)9780984527427
Publication statusPublished - 2013
EventInternational Computer Music Conference - Perth, Australia
Duration: 11 Aug 201317 Aug 2013

Conference

ConferenceInternational Computer Music Conference
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityPerth
Period11/08/1317/08/13

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