Material Studies: Vacuum Tubes

Managed to pick up a box of Vacuum Tubes for a steal. Think they can become a huge part of my analog aesthetics and circuitry. Phased out since the induction of transistor in the 60’s, the majority of electronics included vacuum tubes back in the days. They are still relevant to modern day audiophiles as only the most premium amplifiers still use these. They are said to give the sound a warmer vibe.

FYP Abstract draft 1 : Analog Future

As we made the transition from analog to digital media, the quantifiable receded to the backdrop and everyday processes became more metaphysical and unknowable than before. This has shaped a new generation of instantly gratified technophiles.

My installation looks at more primitive technologies that first made us challenge and draw clear distinctions between representational sound and imagery and the material world – mechanical television and phonographs. These technologies molded a metaphysical reality within the medium of light and waves, but at the same time, whatever shortcomings and low-fidelity results were much more tolerable and accepted due to the understandings and expectations of the technological limits at the time.

In retrospect, if we didn’t transit into digital format, would we have been content with an analog-assemblage future?

Fine Collection of Curious Sound Objects

The arrangement includes six exceptional exhibits from the world of sounds and acoustics. At first sight looking trivial, each object incorporates a very unique ability.

The magical character of each object is accompanied with a little story, almost completely concealing the existence of technical components such as speakers or sensors. Only small connection ports as well as the uniform black finishing point to their unusual abilities.

Processing is used for recording live audio input, modifying the playback and generating digital sound according to sensor data.

In form and functionality all these exhibits pursue John Maeda’s „Simplicity“. They are enjoying to use, they are surprising and one wants to explore and investigate them.

geschoir.de/soundobjects/
processing.org/
sonia.pitaru.com/
arduino.cc/