While many electronic instruments and synthesis methods have become commonplace, a fascinating array of rare and unconventional approaches have emerged, often fading into obscurity despite their ingenuity. We will explore these lesser-known synthesis methods, their inventors, and their place in the evolution of electronic music. Early Innovations (Late 19th - Early 20th Century) The dawn of electronic music synthesis can be traced back to the late 19th century. One of the earliest and most ambitious attempts was the Telharmonium, developed by Thaddeus Cahill in 1897. This massive instrument, weighing 200 tons, used rotating electromagnetic tone wheels to generate electrical signals, which were then converted to sound. Despite its innovative approach, the Telharmonium's size and power consumption made it impractical for...
The Art and Evolution of Tape Looping: From Musique Concrète to Digital Frontiers In the vast landscape of musical innovation, few techniques have proven as versatile and enduring as tape looping. From its humble beginnings in the experimental studios of post-war Europe to its current digital incarnations, tape looping has continually pushed the boundaries of sound manipulation, composition, and performance. This essay traces the fascinating journey of tape looping through the decades, exploring its technical evolution, artistic applications, and cultural impact. The Birth of a Revolution The story of tape looping begins in the late 1940s, amidst the burgeoning movement of musique concrète. Pierre Schaeffer, working in the studios of French radio, discovered that by creating closed loops of recorded...
n the evolving landscape of digital art, glitch aesthetics have carved out a unique niche, challenging our perceptions of perfection and control. Traditionally, techniques like DataMoshing—the intentional corruption of video compression for artistic effect—have been time-consuming, esoteric practices. These methods have long been the hallmark of underground digital art movements, operating on the fringes of mainstream creativity. However, the advent of convenient tools like DataMosh Deluxe and DataMosh Reactive has ushered in a new era, presenting a paradox that strikes at the heart of glitch art's identity. The traditional process of creating glitch art, particularly DataMoshing, is notoriously labor-intensive. Artists spend hours, sometimes days, meticulously manipulating digital files to achieve the desired effect. This grueling process has become more than...
Further ramblings : You are very lucky and unlucky. Is convenience the devil? Normally the process of DataMoshing is very very time consuming. Sometimes with an art form the tools themselves and the process become the art form itself for some people and a badge of honor. DataMoshing and other esoteric forms of glitch have been underground. Manually DataMoshing works and sometimes it does not. You are lucky because DataMosh Deluxe does does this for you in seconds and also reacts to music which has never been done before. DataMosh Reactive is more hands on and you can manipulate the frames jamming to music with your fingers. In essence we are making your life easier which MAY eventually make DataMoshing...
The PT2399 is a low-cost digital echo/delay processor chip produced by Princeton Technology Corporation. It was originally designed for karaoke machines and other consumer audio devices to add simple echo effects. Key features of the PT2399: 44.1 kHz sampling rate Up to 342ms of delay time Integrated ADC and DAC Low power consumption Relatively low noise for its price point History in Lo-Fi and Circuit Bending: Discovery by DIY Community: In the early 2000s, DIY audio enthusiasts discovered the PT2399's potential for creating affordable delay effects. Its lo-fi character, due to its limited bit depth and sample rate, became part of its appeal. Adoption in Pedal Building: Small pedal manufacturers and DIY builders began incorporating the PT2399 into guitar effect...
