Studio: Alternative/custom audio players

Thinking in the same vein as my recent object/ medical tool experiments, I'm interested in how the custom made could be transferred to audio players. I'm interested in how I could create custom audio players that aren't off-shelf and could follow the ideologies of adhocism and the self-made I am applying to my objects.

I'm interested in how the speaker isn't just a vessel for sound to be played from but is an important object in it's own right.How audio players aren't "after-thoughts" in the set-up of an installation but could be an artefact themselves.

I'm also interested in the idea of sound and documentation, as a kind of archive and it's relationship to naming and codes. and how these audio playing objects could act as alternative (museological style) artefact labels - Where the title and further information is proved in close proximity to the displayed object. and how sound could also grant greater accessibility that text alone. Utilising this method could also provide seperation from the "Artist Statement" as the place in which "work" names are delineated. Perhaps insinuating these aren't solely artefacts or art objects or sculptures but are somewhere in between.

Utilising recording sound modules the selected the audio / voice is instantly recorded from the person. No editing occurs. I was initially prompted to this idea by thinking about teddy bear voice wiring systems which arose in a critique. And how I could use the modules as a pre-made part into a custom display I create. The module becomes a material in a self-made object.

Voice recording module - This particular one is photosensitive (quicker shipping so I could test if it worked / quality of sound)

A few quick tests using an "archival bone marrow unstained slide kit" medical waste from Waikato hospital as a case / holder for the audio player. While also playing with the idea of written and audio presentation of object names. I' not particularly drawn to the idea of the handwritten - but vinyl letters could be interesting or a kind of barcoded label as shown below. Or even an LCD screen.

Im currently experimenting with what kind of plastic body/facade or presentation method would work or even fixing to a wooden board in open display. If element such as the button are isolated by a plastic body it makes the work more palatable to interaction with the viewer - if the whole system of the circuit board is exposed its could be too complicated for someone to decide which button to press and get close/intimate with. And considering in needs to be pressed to play, isolation seems best. Even if the body is transparent/semi transparent, keeping a sense of transparency of the underlying system (circuit) sympathetic to the adhoc methodology.

Audio player plastic body, 100mm x 100mm, marrow screen archival box and fencing wire. (white just for photo purposes, a faux wall of sorts)

I'm interested in the idea of re-purposing medical waste and I enjoy the use of an archival device - which hold and protects - as a plastic body for sound. But, I find the colour obnoxious and attention grabbing - the body isn't of main importance it is the sound. I therefore think a simpler of plainer material is best - going to test perspex.

I though about using thin ply - but I use raw wood in some of my objects - and don't sent the payer to be thought of as objects. Metal (in digital 3D mock ups - below) give a intercom / buzzer feel - which I'm not interested in.

I have also ordered audio player that use triple aaa batteries - with a longer battery life, larger speaker and button play.

4mm frosted perspex sandwiching audio player circuit board and components, Rivets just used to test a through pin / fixture idea - not intended to be used in final. (white just for photo purposes, a faux wall of sorts)

What is the point of frosted perspex? why not fully transparent? - if you want it to be seen - it should be fully seen or not then it should be fully hidden? - frosted usually utilised for light effects / filtering.

Cardboard tests figuring out different cinfigurations / placement of components and smaller size grounds.

Horizontal placement references idea of plaque - informational sound / description - which i'm interested in.

I have decided to use a 2mm clear - allows the button to placed within the plastic. I have also decided to have the custom audio players laser cut - easier, keeps consistency far either than by hand. Plans sent to laser cutter below.

Completed sound objects