Alex Chechile
Adjust volume until the described effect is detected.
Headphones are discouraged for the phenomenon works best in an acoustic space.
On the Sensations of Tone (2010 - present)
On the Sensations of Tone is a series of pieces that explore the physicality of sound and spatial depth through the application of research in psychoacoustics and the biomechanics of hearing. The performances and installations create a unique layer of spatial depth by provoking the ears to generate sounds of their own.
Difference tones are sounds produced by auditory hair cells in response to specific acoustic frequency combinations. Absent from the physical space, the “ear tones” are perceived as localized inside the head. Once elicited, the phenomenon produces an expanded sonic depth of field between the external sounds in the room and the internal sounds generated in the ear.
On the Sensations of Tone VIII evokes ear tones by acoustic and electronic means. During the development of the piece, a spectral analysis of the crotales revealed single notes that contained frequencies in the proper amplitude and ratio for eliciting difference tones. In performance, the crotales are amplified and mixed with electronic tones to create a dense difference tone spectrum. Using multichannel speakers, the physical space is transformed into an immersive environment where audience movement causes difference tones to appear, disappear, and change character. Microscopic and macroscopic listening is possible by shifting attention between the acoustic tones, the ear tones, and all audible sound. The effect can be enhanced by cupping hands around one’s ears. Because difference tones can produce a mild tickling sensation in the ear, the pieces in On the Sensations of Tone demonstrate the physicality of sound through tangibility of natural biomechanical processes, and the works educe concepts of outer and inner perception.
On the Sensations of Tone VIII was performed by Loren Mach (percussion) and Alex Chechile (electronics) on May 27, 2015 at the Bing Concert Hall, Stanford, CA, and the video was subsequently presented at venues/events including IRCAM in Paris, and CICTEM 2015 in Buenos Aires. The 24.7 channel audio was remastered for stereo presentation in the video.
For more information, see Chechile’s PhD dissertation here.
On the Sensations of Tone
Music Re-Informed by the Brain
Data Decay
Geography
The Ear Tone Toolbox