Soundbeam
Encyclopedia
Soundbeam is an interactive MIDI hardware
and software system developed by The Soundbeam Project / EMS in which movement within a series of ultrasonic beams and is used to control multimedia Hardware / software.
) and tangible (foot controller
) inputs to generate MIDI messages. The SONAR uses 50 KHz signals.
The latest version SOUNDBEAM 5 incorporates many of the features of both soundbeam 2 and desktop soundbeam - it has in built sampling, inbuilt synth, inbuilt amplifier, inbuilt mini keyboard - it comes with a wide and varied sample library and with 30 preset soundsets for immediate musical composition and performance.
dance music
, Soundbeam has been used primarily in the field of special needs education due to the minimal physical movement required for its operation. David Jackson
's Tonewall project has utilized Soundbeam since 1992.
Due to the system's ability for expansion with four sensor
s and eight switch
es, installations have included DAW
synchronization (such as with Reason or Ableton
), as well as live video manipulation such as Arkaos, (Resolume and Vvvv
).
There are many thousands of users of Soundbeam throughout the world, and there are many film examples available on YouTube and on the Soundbeam projects website.
Hardware
Hardware is a general term for equipment such as keys, locks, hinges, latches, handles, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts. Household hardware is typically sold in hardware stores....
and software system developed by The Soundbeam Project / EMS in which movement within a series of ultrasonic beams and is used to control multimedia Hardware / software.
System
Soundbeam uses a combination of ultrasound (SONARSonar
Sonar is a technique that uses sound propagation to navigate, communicate with or detect other vessels...
) and tangible (foot controller
MIDI controller
MIDI controller is used in two senses.*In one sense, a controller is hardware or software which generates and transmits MIDI data to MIDI-enabled devices....
) inputs to generate MIDI messages. The SONAR uses 50 KHz signals.
The latest version SOUNDBEAM 5 incorporates many of the features of both soundbeam 2 and desktop soundbeam - it has in built sampling, inbuilt synth, inbuilt amplifier, inbuilt mini keyboard - it comes with a wide and varied sample library and with 30 preset soundsets for immediate musical composition and performance.
Version history
| Release | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Soundbeam 1 | 1989-1998 | Discontinued |
| Soundbeam 2 | 1998-2010 | Discontinued |
| Desktop Soundbeam | 2003-present | In production |
| Soundbeam 5 | 2010-present | In production |
Implementation
Originally designed for the production of avant-gardeAvant-garde
Avant-garde means "advance guard" or "vanguard". The adjective form is used in English to refer to people or works that are experimental or innovative, particularly with respect to art, culture, and politics....
dance music
Dance music
Dance music is music composed specifically to facilitate or accompany dancing. It can be either a whole musical piece or part of a larger musical arrangement...
, Soundbeam has been used primarily in the field of special needs education due to the minimal physical movement required for its operation. David Jackson
David Jackson (rock musician)
David Nicholas George Jackson , nicknamed Jaxon, is a British progressive rock saxophonist, flautist, and composer. He is best known for his work with the band Van der Graaf Generator and his work in Music and Disability...
's Tonewall project has utilized Soundbeam since 1992.
Due to the system's ability for expansion with four sensor
Sensor
A sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument. For example, a mercury-in-glass thermometer converts the measured temperature into expansion and contraction of a liquid which can be read on a calibrated...
s and eight switch
Switch
In electronics, a switch is an electrical component that can break an electrical circuit, interrupting the current or diverting it from one conductor to another....
es, installations have included DAW
Digital audio workstation
A digital audio workstation is an electronic system designed solely or primarily for recording, editing and playing back digital audio. DAWs were originally tape-less, microprocessor-based systems such as the Synclavier and Fairlight CMI...
synchronization (such as with Reason or Ableton
Ableton
Ableton AG is a Berlin-based music software company that produces and distributes the production and performance suite Ableton Live and a collection of related instruments and sample libraries.- History :...
), as well as live video manipulation such as Arkaos, (Resolume and Vvvv
Vvvv
vvvv is a general purpose toolkit with a special focus on real time video synthesis and programming large media environments with physical interfaces, real-time motion graphics, audio and video...
).
There are many thousands of users of Soundbeam throughout the world, and there are many film examples available on YouTube and on the Soundbeam projects website.