top of page

SONŒR

SONŒR is an experimental electroacoustic instrument and platform for acoustic research, sound generation, and performance. It builds on the principles of SONØR, in which sounds are played through physical objects, picked up via transducers, and cycled through repeatedly, amplifying the resonant characteristics of the objects.

This new version is designed as a modular platform, accommodating a range of interchangeable tools (called probes) for exciting and capturing sound from objects. These include microphones, transducers, pickups, motors, and solenoids.

The platform houses a 19" 8x8 audio interface, a Mac mini running Ableton Live with custom Max for Live plugins, and a custom DC controller (Probecon) for driving motors, lights, solenoids, and similar actuators. It also features a custom touch keyboard and a magnetic dock for an iPad Pro running the UI. Integrated into the platform are two custom transducers on a height-adjustable mechanism, and a high-frequency driver.

SOUND EXAMPLES

SONŒR - OrganJohannes Wernicke
00:00 / 06:35
SONŒR - Electrcity #1Johannes Wernicke
00:00 / 12:36
SONŒR - Electrcity #2Johannes Wernicke
00:00 / 06:51

PROBES

The probes are SONŒR's modular tools for exciting and capturing sound from objects. Each probe has a different way of generating or picking up sound, and together they turn any object  (of any material) into a live, responsive sound source.

Audio probes, such as microphones, pickups, and transducers, connect to SONŒR's audio interface, while electric probes (lights, motors, solenoids) connect to Probecon's controllable DC outputs.

PROBECON

Probecon is SONŒR's custom-built DC controller, driving the platform's motors, solenoids, and lights with precise control. It features 12 DC outputs, a high-precision rotary encoder, and serial/MIDI communication, allowing the electric probes to be triggered, modulated, and automated. A custom touch keyboard can be connected for playing MIDI instruments or controlling the DC outputs directly.

Beyond its role as an integral component of SONŒR, Probecon also works standalone where individual outputs can be controlled directly via the knob and touch keyboard.

bottom of page