Stereo Speakers Not Available

I have recently realised that the idea of playing with panning is not possible because of the general price of stereo reel-to-reel recorders. Therefore, I will be using Mono recorders and playing them back through a stereo connection on an amplifier, the sound will be manipulated via a servo attached to the amplifiers balance pot.

I feel that this method will still be effective in creating a three dimensional soundscape and also is an interesting concept in itself, as it is an elaborate and slightly eccentric method of achieving what can be done at the click of a button in todays age of MP3 and stereo sound recording. This will also accentuate the archaic nature of the reel to reel players within the installation, drawing attention to the fact that they are a defunct medium within consumer audio technology.

At this stage I have decided that I should be focusing my thoughts on creating the work and not obtaining tape machine (which are surprisingly hard to find at reasonable prices in working order!). For this reason, I will be using only two machines attached to separate amps, manipulating the balance.

Player 1

This tape machine will be playing the scripted conversation. The woman’s voice will be heard in the left and the man’s in the right.

Player 2

This tape machine will be playing ambient noise, both relating to the background noise of the conversation in Player 1 and also abstract sound that relates to the themes discussed. For instance I will play sounds of fireworks, psychedelic music and children.

I am still confident that the project will be a success even though it seems to be in a slightly simpler form now. Following this idea will allow me to concentrate on other areas of the project however, such as aesthetic and concept.