Tag Archives: sound

This is What Happens When You Run Water Through a 24hz Sine Wave

This is What Happens When You Run Water Through a 24hz Sine Wave water sound science

What!? How is this even possible? Because science, my friends. Brusspup’s (previously) latest video explores what happens when a stream of water is exposed to an audio speaker producing a loud 24hz sine wave. If I understand correctly the camera frame rate has been adjusted to the match the vibration of the air (so, 24fps) thus creating … magic zigzagging water. Or something. Here’s a little more detail:

Run the rubber hose down past the speaker so that the hose touches the speaker. Leave about 1 or 2 inches of the hose hanging past the bottom of the speaker. Secure the hose to the speaker with tape or whatever works best for you. The goal is to make sure the hose is touching the actual speaker so that when the speaker produces sound (vibrates) it will vibrate the hose.

Set up your camera and switch it to 24 fps. The higher the shutter speed the better the results. But also keep in the mind that the higher your shutter speed, the more light you need. Run an audio cable from your computer to the speaker. Set your tone generating software to 24hz and hit play. Turn on the water. Now look through the camera and watch the magic begin. If you want the water to look like it’s moving backward set the frequency to 23hz. If you want to look like it’s moving forward in slow motion set it to 25hz.

Brusspup did a similar experiment last year where it looked as if the water was flowing in reverse. Can somebody please make a water fountain that does this or would we all be deaf? (via stellar)

Collect Sounds Like Fireflies in the ‘Re: Sound Bottle,’ a Device that Creates Your Own Personal Soundtrack

Collect Sounds Like Fireflies in the Re: Sound Bottle, a Device that Creates Your Own Personal Soundtrack sound interactive device

The Re: Sound Bottle is the audio equivalent of running around in a field in the summer collecting fireflies in a jar. Designed by Jun Fujiwara from Tama Art University, the bottle is simple in its usage but absurdly complex in its design which relies heavily on software to handle the recording, storing, and playback of audio tracks. To use it you simply uncork the device and if sound is present it immediately snaps into recording mode. As you record more individual sounds, an audio database is formed and tracks are automatically selected to create rhythmic tracks, essentially like a miniature robot DJ in a jar. To listen, you again uncork the top and wait for your personal soundtrack to play. Jun says he hopes the Re: Sound Bottle (still just a concept) will help people interact more directly with music by recording the audio from their daily life. The bottle won a special judge’s prize at the 2012 Mitsubishi Chemical Junior Designer Awards earlier this year. (via jason sondhi)

By Christopher on December 28, 2012 • device interactive sound

Soundlapse by Fruit Bonus

Soundlapse by Fruit Bonus sound Chicago advertising

Using audio samples recorded from around their office, Chicago-based filmmaking team Fruit Bonus made this slick promotional clip. What a great way to show off their chops and give you an idea of what they do, so the next time you need an awesome video and some ace kalimba playing, you know where to go. Don’t you kind of wish it kept going for another minute? (thnx, amanda!)

By Christopher on September 25, 2011 • advertising Chicago sound

Zimoun: 138 prepared dc-motors, cotton balls, cardboard boxes

Zimoun: 138 prepared dc motors, cotton balls, cardboard boxes sound sculpture installation

Swiss sound sculptor Zimoun (previously) just updated with this new installation in Bergen, Norway. Of all his works of the past few years this is by far one of my favorites. There’s something about the hypnotic motion of the cotton balls and the imposing grid of cardboard boxes that makes me wish I was standing in that room. See his constantly updated compilation video here.

By Christopher on May 12, 2011 • installation sculpture sound

The Acoustic Alarm

The Acoustic Alarm sound clocks

Designer Jamie McMahon has created a functional concept for an acoustic alarm. After tuning the strings with pegs similar to a violin, a single chord is strummed by an internal mechanism at the designated time. Listening to the video it actually makes a lovely sound.

By Christopher on April 28, 2011 • clocks sound

Ivan Puig’s glass bottle mandalas played with robotic arms

Ivan Puigs glass bottle mandalas played with robotic arms sound mandala light installation

Two light and sound installations in one day? Yes, friends. These two mesmerizing water-filled glass bottle mandalas were built by Mexican artist Ivan Puig. Robotic arms in the center of each mandala rotate and hit each bottle in succession to create a cyclical series of echoing notes. If you read a lot of art blogs you’ve probably tun into Puig’s submerged VW sedan sculpture.

By Christopher on April 6, 2011 • installation light mandala sound

Sewing Machine Orchestra

Sewing Machine Orchestra sound sewing installation

Sewing Machine Orchestra is a sound and light performance by Canadian artist Martin Messier. The eight 1940-1950s Singer sewing machines are interlinked with a micro-controller system without need for human interaction. I found myself wishing the video was a minute or two longer, but impressive nonetheless.

Update: Found a longer clip on YouTube that includes an interview (in French) with the artist:

(via triangulation)

By Christopher on April 6, 2011 • installation sewing sound

The sound of finches and coat hangers

From Here to Ear (v. 13) is the thirteenth iteration of an installation by French artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot at the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. Primarily a sensory experience, the exhibit is meant to engage both visually and audibly as 40 finches hop delicately through a dense matrix created from hundreds of metal hangers causing vibrations and clinks that mix with the birds natural songs. Boursier-Mougenot made the rounds on several blogs last year for his audio work with finches and electric guitars. The exhibit is up through April 26. (via lost in e minor)