Tom Hall

 has been at the frontier of Australia's leading audio-visual practitioners, innovatively using Max and interactive design systems to engage and challenge audiences across the globe.

As expected, many of his projects involve Max in one form or another from controlling motors that deflect lasers to taking data from wave-rider buoys in the Southern Ocean. He is most notably known for his synesthesia inducing laser based live shows but in recent times has implemented some very interesting works involving live interactivity and tracking.

Commissioned by the City of Melbourne to create a Giant Theremin, Fox set about designing and implementing a live scale version in full polyphonic. Using a camera tracking system to trigger sounds (in place of an electro magnetic field) and the ability to track up to 8 individual people at any one time, day or night.

I find these particular projects interesting as it not only uses Max in an innovative way within the public realm but encourages people and strangers to interact and step outside their comfort zone.

When the City of Melbourne approached Robin fox about designing a Giant Theremin he was instantly intrigued. Anybody interested in electronic music is familiar with the theremin, an incredible instrument approaching 100 years old that amazed audiences across Europe and the United States in the 1920's and 30's.

Fox has attempted to use this interactive instrument to extend the idea of the Theremin in both scale and function. It is designed to make people move and to make people listen, not only to their own sound but to the sound of others engaging with the instrument as well. Unlike the original theremin, which was monophonic (one voice), the Giant Theremin is polyphonic (many voices). So people can play this instrument together, shifting their position in space in order to shift the pitch and loudness of their sound. When many are playing it may be difficult to discern who has which voice: far from a problem this simply changes the nature of the game.

Radio National's Music Show Producer Maureen Cooney spoke to Robin Fox about the project.

For more information visit www.abc.net.au/rn/musicshow

Robin Fox Giant Theremin Project [HD] ABC Radio National Music Show

This is a short HD promo for Robin Fox's Laser Show. For more information see www.robinfox.com.au or contact info@robinfox.com.au

Robin Fox Laser Show

For many years Robin Fox has been at the frontier of Australia's leading audio-visual practitioners, innovatively using Max and interactive design systems to engage and challenge audiences across the globe.

Making Giant Theremins with Max