Soundbeam

Soundbeam is an interactive MIDI hardware and software system developed by The Soundbeam Project / EMS in which movement within a series of ultrasonic beams is used to control multimedia hardware and software.

Soundbeam
Original author(s)Edward Williams
Developer(s)The Soundbeam Project / EMS
Initial release1989
Stable release
Soundbeam 6 / 2017
Operating systemLinux
TypeSpecial needs education, art installations
LicenseProprietary
Websitehttp://www.soundbeam.co.uk/

System

Soundbeam uses a combination of ultrasound (sonar) and tangible (foot controller) inputs to generate MIDI messages. The sonar uses 50 kHz signals.[1]

The latest version SOUNDBEAM 6 incorporates many of the features of both soundbeam 2 - 5. It has a full touchscreen interface, inbuilt sampling, inbuilt high quality sounds, inbuilt mini keyboard - it comes with a wide and varied sample / sound library and with 37 preset soundsets for immediate musical composition and performance. It now also includes film that is embedded with each Soundset and you can also add your own film. The film is triggered by the switches.

Version history
ReleaseDatesStatus
Soundbeam 11989-1998Discontinued
Soundbeam 21998-2010Discontinued
Desktop Soundbeam2003-2012Discontinued
Soundbeam 52010-2016Discontinued
Soundbeam 62017–presentIn production

Implementation

Originally designed by Edward Williams for the production of avant-garde dance music, Soundbeam has been used primarily in the field of special needs education due to the minimal physical movement required for its operation. David Jackson's Tonewall project has utilized Soundbeam since 1992.[2]

Due to the system's ability for expansion with four sensors and eight switches, installations have included DAW synchronization (such as with Reason or Ableton), as well as live video manipulation.

References
  1. "Music and Movement: Soundbeam 2 MIDI Performance Controller". Reviews: MIDI Controller. Sound on Sound. October 2001. Retrieved 4 January 2009.
  2. "David Jackson's Tonewall". Jaxon Tonewall. 6 November 2007. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008. Retrieved 4 January 2009.
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