> Cris_Edwards/Works
> Bio
> Digital Media
> CV
> Telstra "Bluephone" Coin-operated Performance Synthesiser (2024)
Created from a second hand 1990s Telstra "Bluephone" payphone, this work comprises of a MIDI controller, a drum sequencer and synthesiser, a polyphonic chord synthesiser, and a monophonic lead
synthesiser. A further MIDI output allows the Kog Volca Bass mounted on the back to play basslines in tune with the chords, and the microphone of the handset can also be amplified.
Designed as an accessible and intuitive version of a traditional modular synthesiser setup, this instrument is sequenced and played through the 12 keys on the phone'
keypad. The work can be set up as an interactive installation, or used by Cris in live performance.
> "Captain Beep-boop" Drum Sequencer (2021)
This 8-step drum sequencer uses a 3x8 switch matrix to allow users to physically shape percussive beats. The 3 drum signals control a kick drum synthesiser,
a clicky relay, and a snare synth that uses an FM radio as a source of white noise, allowing the user to tune in and out of radio stations as they play. The large
valve knob controls the cutoff of a resonant low pass filter, allowing for a rewarding squelchy response. Buttons allow users to mute each channel or play fills.
This work is designed to be accessible and playable, encouraging a tactile and hands-on approach to beat making.
> See it in action.
> The Waxophone 1 (2021)
The Waxophone 1 is the first every turntable-powered analogue synthesiser.
Both the speed of the turntable (as, as a result, the pitch of the record)
and the volume of the output are voltage-controllable.
Using the "Guitar Villain" CV controller, and a 20 minute 130.81Hz sawtooth wave/20 minute 130.81Hz triangle wave 10 inch record,
users are able to create a truly haunting and memorable sonic experience.
> See it in action.
> "The Beep Test" Clock (2021)
Do you remember the 20m Multistage Fitness Test, also known as the Beep Test? In this work, Cris reimagines the horrowing ordeal of high school PE class as a source of
timing for electronic music performances.
Once the red button is pressed, the Beep Test begins. Instead of requiring participants to run 20 meter lap however, this device sends out 16 beats of MIDI clock signal per "lap."
As the beeps sound, and the speed of the laps increase, so too does the speed of the MIDI clock. Beginning at a leisurely 90 BPM, the clock speeds up over the 20 minute duration of the test to over 200 BPM.
Designed to be compatible with any MIDI-controllable sequencer, this work is intended as a challenge and a structure for any electronic musician brave enough to take the Beep Test.
> Binary MIDI Controller (2022)
This work is the world's simplest MIDI controller. It has one switch, which can either send out a 0 or a 1. When plugged into an electronic instrument, such as a keyboard, it can be
used to play any note, so long as the user has the patience and focus to figure out the MIDI code
that they wish to send.
As an example, the code required to press the middle C key on a midi keyboard is "10010000 0111100 01111111". The Binary MIDI Controller encourages users to peer beneath the
curtain of their electronic devices, and speak to their instruments in their own native language.
> See it in action.
> “The Breadboard” Nintendo 64 Controlled Performance Synthesizer (2022)
This modular synthesiser was built around the iconic N64 controller. Users play live or sequence their own patterns. The modular design includes features such as the Fidget Spinner" controlled vibrato, as well as a "Triange, Square, Pentagram" clock source to enable a variety of interesting polyrhythms. The synthesiser has an "accessible mode," that enables unfamiliar participants a foolproof experience of making interesting and varied sounds using the controller.
> VGA Analogue Video Synthesizer
This analogue video synthesiser allows users to modify and distory the red, green and blue signals going into a VGA projector or monitor. By plugging the onboard oscillators into the colour channels, participants can create
a variety of interesting visual effects. The knob allows participants to modify the speed of two different oscillators at once, creating responsive patterns at the twiddle of a thumb.
> See it in action.
> Modular Eurorack Synthesizer and Case (2020)
This beautiful modular synthesiser contains
> 1 Irukandji Glitch Drum/VCO Module, made from a kit
> 1 CEM3340 Voltage Controlled Oscillator, based on Look Mum No Computer's design
> 1 Attack/Release Envelope Generator, based on Look Mum No Computer's design
> 1 Simple Roland System 100m Low Frequency Oscillator, based on the design of a nice person called mxbob8 on Reddit
> 1 PT2399 Noise Ensemble Delay Module, based on a guitar pedal design by anchovie
> 1 Voltage Controlled Low Pass Filter, based on a design by Moritz Klein
> 1 Mixer, based on Look Mum No Computer's design
> 1 Behringer 902 Voltage Controlled Amplifier
