Modes of Sophtar Improvisation

Federico Visi (Luleå University of Technology)*

Image credit: Federico Visi (Luleå University of Technology)*

• Live Performance
• Paper PDF link
• Presence: In person
• Room Location: Rich Mix Studio
• Session: Concert 4

Abstract:

The Sophtar is a tabletop string instrument with an embedded system for digital signal processing, networking, and machine learning. It features an array of actuators that can be activated algorithmically by the models running on the embedded computer, a pressure-sensitive fretted neck, two sound boxes, and controlled electroacoustic feedback capabilities by means of bespoke interface elements. This improvisation explores different modes of interaction between electromagnetic actuators, harmonic feedback, embedded symbolic machine learning models, and neural audio synthesis.