The author describes various aural techniques developed as part of the origination of the sonic content of compositions themed on palimpsests of time and place. Field-based recordings, authentic and synthetic impulse responses, convolution reverb and the use of third-party sounds retrieved via open programmatic interfaces are considered. The role of usability feedback is also discussed, specifically its beneficial impact on informing the development both of the compositions and the techniques they utilize. An initial mobile phone application is described, together with continuing work to develop additional mobile experiences.

Issue Section:
Artists’ Articles
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©2017 ISAST

Supplementary data

Reference Flute

This is the unmodified recording of a flute to demonstrate what it sounds like before application of the impulse response obtained at London’s historic Geffrye Museum. (© Jerry Fishenden)

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Processed Flute

This is the modified recording of a flute. The impulse response obtained in one of the historic rooms at London’s Geffrye Museum was used to enhance the sound, applying the acoustics of an environment dating from 1630. (© Jerry Fishenden)

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HRTF/binaural sample

This demonstrates an aural technique that requires the use of headphones. It experiments with the head-related transfer function (HRTF) mentioned in the article to simulate surround-sound, with the whispers that can be heard moving around (behind, beside, in front of and inside the listener’s head). (© Jerry Fishenden).

- mp3 file
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