The Sophtar: a networkable feedback string instrument with embedded machine learning

Federico Visi

Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression

Abstract:

The Sophtar is a tabletop string instrument with an embedded system for digital signal processing, networking, and machine learning. It features a pressure-sensitive fretted neck, two sound boxes, and controlled feedback capabilities by means of bespoke interface elements. The design of the instrument is informed by my practice with hyperorgan interaction in networked music performance. I discuss the motivations behind the development of the instrument and describe its structure, interface elements, and the hyperorgan and sound synthesis interactions approaches it implements. Finally, I reflect on the affordances of the Sophtar and the differences and similarities with other instruments and outline future developments and uses.

Citation:

Federico Visi. 2024. The Sophtar: a networkable feedback string instrument with embedded machine learning. Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.13904810

BibTeX Entry:

  @article{nime2024_22,
 abstract = {The Sophtar is a tabletop string instrument with an embedded system for digital signal processing, networking, and machine learning. It features a pressure-sensitive fretted neck, two sound boxes, and controlled feedback capabilities by means of bespoke interface elements. The design of the instrument is informed by my practice with hyperorgan interaction in networked music performance. I discuss the motivations behind the development of the instrument and describe its structure, interface elements, and the hyperorgan and sound synthesis interactions approaches it implements. Finally, I reflect on the affordances of the Sophtar and the differences and similarities with other instruments and outline future developments and uses.},
 address = {Utrecht, Netherlands},
 articleno = {22},
 author = {Federico Visi},
 booktitle = {Proceedings of the International Conference on New Interfaces for Musical Expression},
 doi = {10.5281/zenodo.13904810},
 editor = {S M Astrid Bin and Courtney N. Reed},
 issn = {2220-4806},
 month = {September},
 numpages = {7},
 pages = {142--148},
 presentation-video = {},
 title = {The Sophtar: a networkable feedback string instrument with embedded machine learning},
 track = {Papers},
 url = {http://nime.org/proceedings/2024/nime2024_22.pdf},
 year = {2024}
}