another modest proposal...

[Matthew S. Padden]

Hi..

Paul wrote:
>
>.....if you had say a large number of reed relays, then you could arrange 
>them in a matrix say 12x12, connecting patchpoints like in a VCS3, then by 
>plugging magnets into the holes above the relays which would be under the 
>panel, you have a connection system THAT CAN BE USED UNDER WATER!!!!! 
>
> seriously, if the magnets were embedded in something big enough not to 
>swallow, you could make a really trendy all wood surface synth for the 
>under two brigade! this is what the world needs! 
>

Now THIS is exciting. What we have here is the synth equivalent of the 
'tape sheet' of old. Get a sheet of A4 paper and stick strips of recording 
tape onto it until the sheet is covered with the stuff. Then get a 
recording/playback head on a flying lead, set the tape deck to which it's 
connected to 'record', and draw the head over the sheet in whatever way you 
wish. Once you've recorded enough, turn the tape deck to 'play' and again 
draw the head over the sheet. You get bizarre snatches and changes of 
sounds as the head picks up different recorded areas.

Paul's Amazing Aquatic Hardwood Toddler Synth is very similar. Set up 
various modules under the panel, then as the magnet moves around it 
connects various relays to trigger different things! Hey, you could also 
put Hall-effect transistors under there for magnetic CVs! This is the 
future!!!
--
Matthew S. Padden
Computer Music Research Group
Room M5/14
Music Dept.
Huddersfield University
Queensgate
Huddersfield
England HD1 3DH
p: +44 1484 422288 x2402
f: +44 1484 472656
e: mattp at mindless.com
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"The masses are asses and need Tonto's glasses!" (Mark Mothersbaugh)
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