james boock visualizes audio effects with analog sound revival objects

james boock visualizes audio effects with analog sound revival objects
all images courtesy of james boock 

 

 

 

modern producers stand behind massive stages, using decibels and pyrotechnics to distract from the fact that they’re doing little other than hitting buttons and twisting knobs. ‘sound revival’ puts the performance back into live music. created by designer james boock, the series uses objects to visualize the synthesizer effects of tremolo, reverberation, delay, and voice modulation.

close up of  speaker

 

 

 

each analog piece creates a unique sound, and can be used alongside current music producing tech and instruments. through materiality and mechanical movements, viewers are given an in depth view and understanding of how each sound played is created. ‘sound revival’ is composed of four elements: reverb, delay, tremolo, and modulation.

 

video courtesy of james boock

 

 

 

‘reverb’ is created with transducers and springs on a metal frame. audio signals are sent through the springs and collected at the opposite, where they’re transferred to the output. the structure and material qualities of the spring create the effect. ‘delay’ uses multiple tape decks with additional heads. audio is recorded using a mic, then played back at different times, creating an audio lag.

modified tape deck with additional heads 

 

 

 

‘tremolo’ works in tandem with a huge, bright red speaker that’s able to produce deep bass, mid-range, and pulsating treble. the characteristic sound is created by rapidly rotating the sound output. as it moves, the ear perceives the rapidly increasing and decreasing volume levels. a mounted knob allows the piece to accelerate or decelerate rotation speed. ‘modulation’ is modeled after a compression technique. audio from an instrument is channeled out of an airtight speaker, into a tube, which is placed into the users mouth. what’s heard is modulated by movement of the artist’s mouth. 

tape path close-up 

reverb 

spring reverb machine detail 

speed adjustable rotating speaker in action

rotating tremolo speaker

analog voice modulation device

‘sound revival’ collection 

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.