Experimental Sound Space at the MUAC in Mexico

27.8.2018

Sound art is an emerging discipline and audio quality is a key part of the success of any project. Dedicated spaces devoted to sound art are being developed such as the “Espacio de Experimentación Sonora” (Experimental Sound Space), which is located within the MUAC (Museo Universitario de Arte Contemporaneo) in Mexico City.

Part of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, it has recently had a new Genelec 22.2 speaker system installed to host sound art projects by contemporary artists. Sound art is an emerging discipline and audio quality is a key part of the success of any project. Dedicated spaces devoted to sound art are being developed such as the “Espacio de Experimentación Sonora” (Experimental Sound Space), which is located within the MUAC (Museo Universitario de Arte Contemporaneo) in Mexico City. Part of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, it has recently had a new Genelec 22.2 speaker system installed to host sound art projects by contemporary artists.

Espacio de Experimentación Sonora EES (Experimental Sound Space) at MUAC has been especially conceived for the creation, production, and reproduction of sound art pieces.

Constructed as a flexible and versatile space it can adapt and respond to the different acoustic conditions required by the individual artists. The EES is also kitted out with all of the necessary equipment to control and manage sound in an exceptional way. This provides artists with a technological platform of state-of-the art technology including a Genelec multi-speaker system that makes it possible to generate a three dimensional environment that immerses the visitor in sound and deepens the experience for the listener.

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The EES (Experimental Sound Space) is complemented by an academic programme of recognized international experts that analyse and review key works in sound art history, and provide the public with the knowledge and background to current practices in the sphere. One of the fundamental objectives of EES is to position MUAC as an authority on the international sound art scene.

A recent installation held at the EES was Fonomicroscopía del D.F which was created by Carole Chargueron. A Multi-channel sonic installation, Fonomicroscopía was commissioned by the INBA’s National Coordination of Music and Opera for the 37th International Forum of New Music.

Borne from Carole’s deep interest in soundscape, Fonomicroscopía presents a “portrait” comprised of sonic material recorded from a wide array of locations in Mexico City. Through electro-acoustic composition and sound art techniques, the work reveals sounds that would normally imperceptible to conventional hearing.

Far from making their sources explicit, the piece liberates the sounds from both their context and the original recording, allowing them to describe a universe of their own.

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The audio precision of all the Genelec products make them an ideal choice for this type of installation, and especially one dedicated to experimental sound. In fact there are many installations of this type around the world that feature Genelec products. The system at EES features twenty two 8050B monitors combined with two 7070 subwoofers in a three layer array.

Supplied by Vari Internacional, the oldest Genelec distributor in Latin America, the system generates an immersive sound experience in which where a diversity of moving sounds is reproduced. The whole speaker system is installed within the room which has been acoustically optimized to allow the visitor to focus exclusively on the audio.

The Genelec 8050B active monitor features very high SPL output, high dynamic range, low colouration and a wide frequency response. Its all-aluminium Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE™) contains drivers, power amplifiers, active crossover and protection circuitry.

The surface optimized advanced Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW™) provides outstanding frequency balance, stable and neutral sound imaging in all environments. The 8050B also features Genelec Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS™) circuitry which switches the monitor into standby when no audio input is detected in line with the ErP 2013 Directive.

The Genelec 7070A studio subwoofer is a versatile and accurate low frequency tool for all professional stereo and multichannel audio systems. It uses Genelec’s patented Laminar Spiral Enclosure (LSE™) technology featuring 19 Hz lower cut-off frequency, high sound pressure capability and very articulate reproduction.

Adapted to all low frequency monitoring situations, the amplifier unit integrated into the cabinet contains active crossover filters, driver overload protection circuitry, power amplifier and complete bass management system. The built-in unit has six signal inputs and outputs, a summed signal output, an 85/120 Hz selectable low-pass LFE input and a 0 / +10dB LFE channel sensitivity switch.

The University Museum of Contemporary Arts is grateful to the Mexican Center for Music and the Sounds Arts for its collaboration in this project.

Photos courtesy by MUAC