Radial

Daniel Ward

Radial is an installation that develops and examines the physical properties of spatialized sound by creating a dynamic installation and performance environment.  The goal of radial is to control and experience sound in 360 degree’s.  This is possible through the utilization of a circular setup of eight speakers that surround the user.  This setup creates a sonic field that surrounds the user from all angles.  Each speaker can be independently controlled through a system of 8 inputs and 8 outputs that creates an encircling user controlled sonic environment.  Unlike other surround sound environments which are planned, Radial gives the user a chance to map out an audio layout of their liking.  Each speaker can play 8 independent audio samples.  The user controls which sample is played and its location.  The audio samples triggered by the user are ambient tracks that can be started and stopped at any point.  The piece becomes an instrument able to create surround sound audio sculptures that are constantly being molded by the user.

Radial is about engaging with music in an environment that promotes acoustic understanding.  By using locative sound and layered outputs the user can begin to feel and understand the concept of layering in music.  Radial highlights the perceptive effect describing the unstable and changing relationship between elements of a sound ensemble.  The physical setup characterizes structural relations that link parts of an ensemble and the resulting possibility to switch elementary components in transition.  By allowing a user to create a sonic environment that is reactive within space, one can begin to understand and experience acoustic and musical principles that often drive music production.