The “Echodistofon” is a combination of “play telephone”* and “audio feedback effect”*. Its purpose is to explore the sound traveling and transmitting properties through space.
- “play telephone” - Telephone made from two paper cups connected with a string tied in the bottom of each cup.
- “audio feedback effect” - The microphone signal goes into the amplifier and then out to the loudspeaker and then received from the microphone goes back into the amplifier creating infinity loop.
The feedback sound is dependent on the resonant frequencies, the frequency response of the microphones and the speakerphones, and in “Echodistofon” case on:
- the taut of the string
- the resonant frequencies of the resonant body (plastic glasses)
- the room resonant frequencies
- etc…
What I value in Echodistofon is that in contrast of other musical use of sound feedback (Jimi Hendrix for example) the feedback signal is transmitted and controlled by wire. Some more, you have sound that is not “generated” in sound synthesis terms, no oscillators, mostly resonance.
How it Sounds like
Linear mix of captures I made recording the self-made “Echodistofon” instrument, and all that is to the instrument applies to the work.
http://ruccas.org/pub/Echodistofon/EchodistofonCaptures16-25.05.04Mix.mp3
How it Looks like
How to make one yourself
- 4 Plastic glasses or ~Resonant body
- 2 Speakerphones (~0.5 W)
- 2 Microphones
- 1 Amplifier or Mixer or PC (software)
- 2 Wires or Cords ~ 2 meters
Extending it
Taking the scheme one could go further in developing his own Echodistofon. There are many variations and as any other instrument nearly all depends on the physical properties of all of the parts, will you let the resonant body (the plastic glass) to vibrate? will you put it in another body, will you use it in the bedroom or in open-space? Will you use plastic or metal resonant bodies, will you use a pair ot mics and speakers or you will add a dozen of them, will you attach other devices or objects to the string, etc…
Hints
Instead of simple amplifier put PC between the mic’s and the speakers. Program a patch that deals with the input and the output and you could use the Echodistofon as control device - checking for its frequency or simply if there is sound at all, add filters after the mic’s or volume response control or fft frequency check, or delay and add and mix the output signal, pitch it stretch it, volume it, etc…