1. Experimentation: Trying New Things
One of the core goals of this iteration of The Ring was to integrate new features, particularly synchronizing LED animations with the sonic elements. This was an ambitious addition that aimed to enhance the audience’s immersive experience, creating a seamless connection between sound and visuals. However, as with any new feature, it came with significant technical challenges. The animation relied on a network of microcontrollers to drive the LED strips, a system I had never tested under the constraints of a live club environment.
2. Technical Malfunctions and a Cyberpunk Rescue
The day of the exhibition turned into a chaotic rush to fix critical failures. Several microcontrollers burned out during last-minute adjustments to the power supply. This forced me to drastically scale down the visual aspect of the installation, reducing it to only eight LED strips. On top of that, during transportation, the remaining microcontroller responsible for the animations was damaged, rendering the visuals almost entirely dysfunctional.
In a dramatic turn, a friend saved the day by delivering spare Teensy boards I had ordered as a contingency. His arrival at the club on a bike, handing over the parts while I wore a gimp mask as part of my costume, attracted the attention of the club’s security. The situation, as surreal as it was stressful, felt like something out of a cyberpunk novel. After explaining that the “suspicious” bag contained microchips, we were allowed through. Despite our efforts, the animations remained glitchy and erratic throughout the night. The sound elements, however, worked beautifully, salvaging the overall performance.
3. Budget Constraints
The exhibition proved to be an expensive endeavor. The cost of replacing burned microcontrollers and purchasing spare components quickly added up to hundreds of pounds. Budget overruns due to technical malfunctions underscored the importance of contingency planning and financial flexibility when working with complex installations.
4. Navigating the Stressful Club Environment
Electrowerkz, with its multi-floor layout and pulsing energy, was an exhilarating but challenging venue. The sheer volume of attendees made it nearly impossible to track the order of audio and video recordings during the event. The constant movement of people added a layer of unpredictability to the interaction with the installation. While the chaotic environment suited the experimental nature of The Ring, it also highlighted the difficulty of maintaining control over the documentation process.
5. Overemphasis on Technical Aspects
In hindsight, I recognize that I placed too much focus on the technical and visual components of the installation, to the detriment of the sonic elements. While the soundscapes and interactive scales worked well, they didn’t receive the same level of attention during development, which might have enhanced the overall experience. Striking a balance between the auditory and visual aspects is a key takeaway for future iterations.
6. The Impact of Deadlines
The tight deadline compounded the stress of preparing The Ring. Late nights and last-minute fixes led to technical oversights, such as the power supply issues that caused microcontroller failures. The pressure of time emphasized the importance of thorough testing and preparation well ahead of an event.
7. Loudness Interference
As mentioned in a previous blog post, the loud club environment created a significant challenge for the installation. Despite being placed in a chill-out area, sound from a nearby speaker interfered with the experience. Wireless headphones helped mitigate this issue, but it was a far cry from the intended multichannel audio setup.