Testing and Sampling:
Initial testing of the inductor pickup has been far more successful than we had initially imagined. We met in Thayer basement to record samples of the waves emitted by various electrical devices. To record, we used a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (audio interface), and Audacity as a DAW to process the samples. We recorded samples from various television remotes, a digital alarm clock, a light switch, a microwave, a vending machine credit card reader, a router, and a guitar amp. The result produced a multitude of different frequency waves and patterns, which are attached below:
While recording the samples mentioned above, we found that the pickup could also be used to record voice; essentially, we stuck the pickup to the metal top of the microwave, and then by shouting at the metal (and vibrating it with the sound of our voice), the metal surface would communicate those sounds in a form the pickup could detect and record. In addition to this, we also used the pickup to record an acoustic guitar (which has ferrous strings) as well as a flute (also made of ferrous material).
The audio quality of these recordings is not perfect, as there is a lot of noise, but the fact that we were able to record audio signals from these sources at all exceeds our expectations and project goals. The recordings are attached below:
Acoustic Guitar:
Flute:
Digital Clock:
Router:
Light Switch:
Samsung Remote:
Xfinity Remote:
Microwave:
Card Reader:
Amplifier:
great progress! I wonder where the noise is coming from? is it from your audio interface? You may want to try and shield the wires at the base of your transducer up to the input of the audio interface.
The noise is definitely not from the interface (it’s a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2; good stuff), but it’s possible that the noise is happening because we did not end up having time to wax-dip the pickup – it’s just wrapped in tape – so there are definitely some exposed wires. Each end of the coil though is soldered to a TRS 1/4″ jack, and then the cable connecting the jack to the interface is a professional quality guitar cable, so the noise is probably from the partially exposed coil
Wow those samples are really impressive. I think that its especially cool that you were so creative in the way that you guys were able to pick up voice! I look forward to seeing the demo in person!