Phil Edelstein, April 2026
Table of Contents
Overview
Here is an embedded google doc with very extensive notes on the hardware and software for realization of David Tudor’s Pepscillator using the realization of the Pepsi Modulators by Michael Johnsen, design of rotating speakers by John Driscoll and orchestration software in Max, M4L and Ableton by Phil Edelstein.
This was adapted from working notes for the performance for David Tudor: a View from Within March 7 in Philadelphia produced by Bowerbird performed with Edelstein and Dan Fishkin and the work in progress for realization in June at Littlefield Concert Hall in Oakland with John Driscoll.
This includes :
- pictures of the related rotating loudspeakers
- principles of operation of a realization of a “proximity engine” that generates a correlated set of variables related to nodes position (for now) in 2d space similar to other flocking algorithms.
- use of the ENTEC DMXIS and associated VST plugin for Ableton to DMX
- Jitter visualization of the resultant “flock”
- Mapping between the M4L bespoke proximity engine and Ableton variables including the DMXIS Ableton device (VST).
- recent addition (week of March 30) of a “node rotator” M4L device with several methods for node motion including lissajous like patterns, Cliifford fractal and record playback
- use of Novation XL for basic manual controls
- Arduino DMX code for other rotating speaker implementations using high torque stepper motors beyond the use of the commercial DMX instruments
- use of the Max Mira iPad app for additional controls
Background
John Driscoll’s design and fabrication of rotating loudspeakers has origins in the CIE Focused Sound research project at Media Studies, Buffalo in the late 1970’s. His design and fabrication progressed from the series of devices through the 1980’s and 90’s and in the last few years landed on the use of repurposing DMX moving head lighting devices replacing the LED’s typically with compression drivers and horns as used in recent of Driscoll’s recent installations.
In February 2026 in advance of the planned Pepscillator performance, Edelstein and Driscoll saw the possibility of using these DMX and related rotating loudspeakeres for Pespscillator with reference to the rotating patterns in Tudor’s description from Pavilion.
Edelstein had been working on a framework for orchestrating sonic and kinetic instruments for use for installations and performance under cover of the proximity engine that was quickly adapted for these new Pepscillator renderings.
Based on the experience gained from the Philadelphia performance, ongoing development in progress on the hardware, software and orchestration constructs for future use. This is incorporated in the plans under cover of 100+50 Tudor & CIE.
Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xteRQR35cJaKaQRmn9BHspTjNmUrY6_h25NY-xphri0/edit?usp=sharing