Exploring the softness of hard surfaces
The Melodic Spatula was developed as part of a study project, where our task was to design an instrument by using just one contact microphone as our input in Max.
When scraping the spatula on hard surfaces, or scraping your nails against it, you hear both the original sound of metal, a delay effect, as well as a synth. When a certain threshold is met, the microphone input activates changes in the synth.
The harsh sound of scraping metal is combined with a recording of snow landing on a plastic surface.
My approach to the sound design was to create a feeling of something cold, yet soft in its expression.
Tools: Spatula, contact microphone, Max 8