Sonic Chessboard DIY Kit For The Curious Grand Master

Berlin-based Sonic Artefacts has unveiled the Sonic Chessboard, a DIY musical instrument that  combines strategic chess play with sound design. Inspired by the 1968 avant-garde masterpiece Reunion by John Cage and Lowell Cross, this device "offers musicians and sound artists an entirely new way to create dynamic, spatial soundscapes." And to play chess...

At its core, the Sonic Chessboard is a passive Optical Octophonic Audio Panner. Here's how it works:

• 64 light-dependent resistors embedded in the chessboard squares route 16 audio signals to 8 separate outputs.
• Moving a chess piece affects the audio volume and routing, allowing users to "play" their sound design like a game of chess.
• This creates rich, immersive soundscapes that evolve based on the placement of chess pieces.

Each Sonic Chessboard DIY Kit includes:

• A full-size, CNC-machined cork chessboard.
• Professionally manufactured PCB and electronic components.
• Mounting hardware and customization files (3D and CNC-ready).
• A detailed build manual for ease of assembly.

The Sonic Chessboard pays homage to John Cage's philosophy of chance and indeterminacy in music.
By fusing a game of strategy with sound manipulation, the Sonic Chessboard invites users to think creatively and experiment with unconventional approaches to sound design.

Pricing and Availability

• Limited edition of 30 units.
• Price: 360,53 € (excl. VAT) or 429,00 € (incl. EU VAT).
• Available through Sonic Artefacts and Patch Point.

Check out the introductory video featuring Hainbach - but you'll have to be quick they are only making 30....

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