Framtidens musikinstrument: Den utökade klarinetten

Abstract: In this thesis a clarinet is augmented using inexpensive hardware in order to introduce new means of interaction with the instrument using motion. Methods for audio sampling using inexpensive hardware and visualization of the collected data to enhance the overall audience experience are investigated.

A prototype, based on an earlier iteration, was built, using 3D printing technology to produce a new bell for the clarinet which would hold the hardware. A microcontroller and sensors were fitted on the printed bell and the sensor data as well as the clarinets estimated orientation were sent using a wireless network to a computer with the software MAX 7, where it was used to influence the music and for visualizations of the motions.

The audio sampling implemented were removed from the final version of the prototype, due to limitations introduced by the selected hardware which rendered it unsatisfactory, but showed a working principle and alternative hardware and methods to achieve satisfactory audio sampling is discussed.

It was shown that augmentation of a musical instruments, in this case a clarinet, using sensors to allow for interaction through motion, and visualization of the interactions, adds a new dimension to the process of music creation and the performance, allowing for musicians to express themselves in more dynamic and creative ways.