Mrboni

Hi, Slightly OT but I'm sure at least a few of you have experience of this sort of thing.

I'm designing an installation piece that is effectively a set of 'electronic windchimes'. It will consist of 6 or 8 small bare speaker drivers hanging from a wooden disc at equally spaced points around the circumference.

Each speaker will have a small piezo transducer 'contact mic' attached.

The signal from each mic runs out to a computer for processing by Max/Msp, then back out it's respective speaker, or possibly a different one.

I would like each speaker to be able to spin freely so that the angle of sound projection will vary and make the whole thing seem more 'organic', however I cannot see a way to do this as four wires need to go to each one and they don't let the speaker turn. Does anyone have an idea on how to achieve this?

I am using a pc laptop and a multi channel Edirol interface and it doesn't have enough mic preamps for all the mics. What would be the best solution to amplify each mic to line level on the way in to the interface, and then amplify the processed signal further to power each speaker? I am considering using the small kit type amps from Maplin but the cost could be prohibitive (6+6) amps. Any ideas?

I'm on quite a tight budget and a very tight schedule. All help, comments, and questions will be greatfully received!

Hi,  Slightly OT but I'm sure at least a few of you have experience of this sort of thing.

OT - windchimes sound art project