Concepting continues…
We’ve decided to pursue the sound experience concept [if you hadn’t already guessed from our former posts]. As none of the members of the group are audio engineers, this phase of the project has involved seeking a significant amount of external expertise. From traditional composition, theories of immersion, to actually programming software, there are a variety of talents that the team has sought. Also, we’ve been been spending quite a lot of time perusing the project blog of STEIM, the Studio for Electro-Instrumental Music, which is also conveniently based in Amsterdam. Their archive of links to former installations, exhibitions, performances, and workshops has proven invaluable to the way we think about the possibilities.
Naturally we’ve broadened the original concept to explore the applicability of several sound reproduction techniques. Rather than focus only on designing an appropriate soundtrack, we’ve also investigated different ways to deliver such an experience. Some of the techniques we’ve thought about are below:
Binaural Recording
A dummy head is used to mimic the way that the human head experiences sound. If you click on the picture to the left, you’ll get linked to a handy video by this head’s manufacturer that gives a straightforward demo about how the technique works. We’re certainly interested in spatializing sound in a way that doesn’t compromise the drama of the story.
Augmented Sound
This technique is usually defined as having live sound being altered by some kind of input, in this case from a computer. The Inception app served as our inspiration to investigate what it would be like to create an experience where members of the audience were able to interact with the soundscape directly. Even Hans Zimmer himself says it’s awesome. Check it out for your iPhone. This idea would be useful to still allow audience members to engage with each other during the show but offer us the opportunity to curate their experience.
Audio Illusions
The perceptual paradox of listening is one that’s not easily overcome by any particular type of sound delivery. Like we did, have a listen to the top ten sound illusions that should boggle your ears. Although this is not necessarily readily implementable into a soundtrack for a fashion show, these illusions served to enlighten and inspire us about how our brains are hard-wired to perceive sound. Included is the virtual barber shop, which is a very good demonstration of binaural recording technique in combination with sound perception. Don’t forget to use your headphones!