ABSTRACT
The availability of robust and cheaper hardware tools in recent years has allowed the possibility of effectively integrating spatial sound as an organic component of dance and music performance projects. Inspired by these recent developments, an original body-worn sound system was designed, implemented and acoustically optimized aiming to effectively integrate performers’ movements and amplified sounds on stage. An innovative acoustic measurement method was used in connection with tests and interviews with practitioners to assess various sonic and artistic features of the implemented sound vest prototype. Audience questionnaires were employed to assess the perceived acoustic performance of the system in a medium size dance studio. Survey results showed that the perceived acoustic performance of the sound vest is highly dependent on the types of sound materials radiated by the system, as well as on the position of the performer in a room. Future work will consider the implementation and assessment of an extended hybrid spatial system consisting of several mobile sound sources synchronized with a fixed multi-channel sound reproduction system.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Notes on contributor
Felipe Otondo studied composition at the University of York in England with Ambrose Field and Roger Marsh focusing on electroacoustic composition and music theatre. His music has been widely played in festivals across Europe, North and South America and has received awards and prizes in composition competitions in Austria, Bulgaria, Brazil, Czech Republic, France, Italy and Russia. Felipe is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Acoustics at Universidad Austral in Chile and his music is released by the British label Sargasso. More information at: http://www.otondo.net