Feedbox :: A class installation @ CalArts - May 2006

Singing shipping boxes are suspended from the ceiling. Each box is fitted with a battery powered feedback loop and has its own unique pitch and together they sound as one massive microtonal chord. As batteries die out and other resonances are excited by slight changes in the boxes, over time, the chord slowly changes. As guests freely navigate the space, their proximity to different boxes will alter their perception of the chord's harmonic structure.

Mark Trayle and Sarah Roberts tought a class at Cal Arts titled, "Using Space". Each week a student or collaborative duo would complete and show an installation. At the end of the semester we pooled our experience and came up with a class installation based on a seed idea planted by Mark Trayle. The initial concept was to recreate David Tudor's "Rain Forest" using standardized objects. This was inspired by the idea of shipping containers used as modular spaces configured for many different uses from office spaces to broadcasting studios. With this notion of standardization and modular multi-use the class set out to select containters that would be used to contain sound. After several brain-storming sessions, it was determined that the sounds would be produced by creating a feedback loop inside the boxes with a contact mic, battery powered amplifier, and a speaker. By placing different things inside, one could theoretically change the sound produced. My part in this project was to turn this idea into a reality. I prototyped three boxes using a simple circuit found on an LM386 datasheet. Although placing things in the boxes didn't do much to change the sounds, the class decided to move forwards and build. Each student brought in a box that had been shipped to them and I taught everyone how to build and install the circuit. Each student determined where in the room they would place their box.

images :: by Cooper Baker
image-001 :: Most all of the boxes
image-002 :: Some audience members/interactees/students
image-003 :: Some audience members/interactees/students
image-004 :: Some audience members/interactees/students and special German Guests
image-005 :: A different angle
image-006 :: One corner of the room with some more boxes

video ::
movie-001 :: An overview
movie-002 :: The prototypes