Sound and Interaction Design of an Augmented Drum System

Abstract

We present ongoing developments in the design of an augmented drum system that expands the timbral and expressive range of the acoustic drum using electromagnetic actuation of a drum membrane, driven by combinations of synthesized tones and modulated feedback signals taken from the opposing membrane. The system is designed to run on an embedded, WiFi-enabled platform, allowing multiple augmented drums to be configured as nodes in a directed graph. These multi-drum networks communicate by sending and receiving Open Sound Control (OSC) messages on a dedicated network, and can accommodate multiple performers in addition to semi-autonomous behavior. This work is developed in close collaboration with an artist in residence for use in both live performance and interactive sound installation.