This paper provides an overview of a new mechatronic loudspeaker
system: speaker.motion. The system affords automated positioning of
a loudspeaker in real-time in order to manipulate the spatial qualities
of electronic music. The paper gives a technical overview of how the
system’s hardware and software were developed and the design
criteria and methodology. There is discussion of the unique features
of the speaker.motion spatialisation system and the methods of user
interaction, as well as a look at the creative possibilities that the
loudspeakers afford. The creative affordances are explored through
the case study of two new pieces written for the speaker.motion
system. It is hoped that the speaker.motion system will afford
composers and performers with a new range of spatial aesthetics to
use in spatial performances, and encourage exploration of the
acoustic properties of physical performance and installation spaces in
electronic music.
