Neural Tides

<Neural Tides: Oceanic Neural Granular Synthesizer> is a multi-granular sound synthesizer using an artificial neural network to analyze and re-organize sound sources from out previous project Wind Traces(2023). The synthesis process mimics the natural degradation of styrofoam, blending nature with artificial elements to reflect marine debris integration into the natural world. A custom interface with a touch pad, knobs, and motion sensor allows users to navigate sound sources, adjust time segmentation, and add effects.

Sabina Hyoju Ahn, Seyeon Park, Ryan Millett
Project by collective_nshp

Biological Machines

Combining biological materials with technology to create transformative artistic experiences.

Post-Digital Media

Investigating human perception through contemporary scientific methods and artistic practices.

<Neural Tides> is a multi-granular synthesizer that uses an artificial neural network trained with sound samples from the coastal areas of isolated islands—Hakrim-do and Ulleung-do—in South Korea. These islands have been mapped as sound particles within a latent space, enabling users to freely explore and listen to their coastal environments. The synthesis process mimics the natural degradation of styrofoam, blending nature with artificial elements to reflect the integration of marine debris into the natural world. We employed granular synthesis to illustrate how plastic breaks into small pieces by waves and wind, merging with natural materials on the coast. This process mirrors granular synthesis, where sound is divided into particles and new sounds are created by adjusting grain size.

The instrument is designed for precise manipulation, allowing users to navigate the latent space and select sound particles. The custom interface is user-friendly, featuring six knobs, a motion sensor, and a touchpad for easy control, enabling users to navigate sound sources, adjust time segmentation, and add effects. The instrument’s case has been 3D printed with algae-based filament, making it biodegradable. <Neural Tides> transforms the visual experience of the sea into an auditory one. Our aim is to promote environmental awareness in a lighthearted way with this playful instrument while also sharing and connecting our ideas with others.