The Machine Ensemble is my most recent and ambitious solo project. The basic concept is a piece of custom music hardware that will have a capacity to control up to 16 12V solenoids through MIDI, allowing for the independent control and sequencing of acoustic objects. At a base level this system is best designed for percussion, but its potential extends to whatever the user determines, so long as it falls within the realms of what the system can do.

 

This idea came from an interest in electro-acoustic music in both its application as a form of autonomous music and its philosophy. Building this system will give me the ability to explore both of these areas, while also giving me the opportunity to custom build a system to my own specifications. The construction process is being under taken by myself with outside consultation and discussions with industry professionals.

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This project is part of my third year university project at Massey University in the Bachelor of Commercial Music course.

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The process of designing and building this system can be seen on my Instagram in various posts detailing my learning and issues during construction.