EM Acoustics Quakes deployed in site-specific art project

This work is a sonic representation of the space Q121, an old wind tunnel in the old site of Farnborough Aerodrome. A space built and designed for the most efficient flow of air at speeds of up to 150 mph. The site was specifically chosen since the movement of air is a form of sound. As you walk through the space you will experience the acoustic anomalies produced by the architecture and the reinvigorated air molecules flowing through the space once more.

Q121 was decommissioned in 1996 and has sat unused, dark and silent for more than a decade. Built in 1935 it was used in a wide variety of tests on structures such as propellers, helicopter rotors and architectural features.

The method for creating and collecting the sound refers back to Alvin Lucier's “I am sitting in a room” (1969). Inside Q121 a recording was made. This recording was then played back into Q121 whilst being recorded again. As this cycle was repeated the layers of air became denser until, slowly, the space began to reveal a drone with various overtones determined by the physical dimensions of Q121. The light intensity in the space is manipulated by the amplitude of sound allowing the space to be revealed both audibly and visually to the visitor.

The system used comprised of two EM Acoustics 'Quake' Subwoofers and two EM Acoustics EMS-152 full range enclosures. Amplification was provided by Camco Vortex 6 amplifiers and processed by an XTA DP226.

 One of the project managers, Will Little, commented: "The EM Acoustics quakes are the best sounding subs we've heard! Also their effeciency is amazing, considering how little power was required to drive them, and what a large area they covered. It sounded awesome!"


View down the chamber