Optical sequencer @ AutoDesk Meet the Maker night January 2019. An Arduino powered music sequencer that uses optical sensing of a rotating paper disc to translate user-generated markings into note triggers. The intention with this instrument is to provide a visual counterpart to a rhythmic auditory pattern and to provide an alternative way of understanding sound sequencing and music.
The Soniphorm SoundSniffer separated into its constituent parts. The SoundSniffer is the first product I have made commercially available, through my Soniphorm business website. It's a preamplifier - a battery powered electronic circuit that conditions the low-level signals from three common types of sound sensor to work with recording equipment. To date I've sold approximately 100, mostly to sound designers and field recordists.
Optical Sequencer and the first version of a digital audio instrument prototyping shield I developed for the Teensy Arduino. In the foreground is a battery powered solenoid beater that can be used to percussively tap objects, allowing the musical potential of things such as vessels and architectural infrastructure to be explored. The system uses locking connectors to quickly connect modules together. The shield and associated modules were successfully used by 2nd year Digital Media Design and Music & Media Technology students in University of Limerick to create interactive installations and musical instruments in the spring 2019 semester.
Future Artist Maker exhibition, 2016-2017. A joint between FabLab Limerick, Derry Nervecentre, and UltraLab Madrid project funded by the EU's Creative Europe Project. In a two week residency in FabLab Limerick I led a multidisciplinary team of designers and craftspeople to assist me in creating two new instruments, one of which is displayed above in its various iterations. The project explored the potential of digital fabrication in instrument design. A resin-hardened cloth skin formed a monocoque over a lightweight laser cut plywood frame. The instrument is a single stringed drone zither with a motorised bowing wheel. Subsequently the pieces were exhibited in Nerve Visual Derry, MediaLab Prado Madrid and FabLab Limerick.