Chaotic Equation for Modular Synthesizer, 2009

Modular synthesizer as analog computer, running the Logistic Difference Equation (Xn+1 = XnR(1 - Xn)), which models population growth in an ecosystem with a given carrying capacity. As the value of R is swept, the equation moves through stable and chaotic states, causing the timbre to vary in complexity. Four precision analog multipliers (cardboard panel on top) were constructed for the multiply operations, with the addition of four 10x amplifiers to compensate for the divide-by-10 function within the multiplier chip. Computed on the 5U modular system at Mills College.

Audio Clip

Xn+1 = XnR(1 - Xn)

Xn+1 = XnR(1 - Xn) synthesizer