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 built the Sophtar in collaboration with Sukandar Kartadinata. I presented and performed with it at NIME 2024, here is the paper from the conference proceedings.
At IIL I am working on extending the Sophtar with actuators and machine learning models to make it respond to my playing in ways that are not easy to predict yet meaningful and inspiring. In particular, I am working on:
- an extension that allows the instrument to self-play by means of solenoids,
- embedding notochord models,
- per-string filtering for harmonic feedback.
I see the research and development work on the Sophtar as a way to probe and engage with broader research questions on musical improvisation and co-creativity with machines and algorithms.
I will present the Sophtar at an Open Lab on Friday, 27th September, 15:00-17:00.
