Production Process

The recording of “Consonance” involved the multichannel recording of 16 Bunun singers. Each singer was recorded with a close-proximity directional condenser microphone to a discrete audio channel, resulting in excellent isolation and synchronization. Once processed and mastered, the final audio program is played back via a proprietary amplifier/playback system broadcasting each voice through a custom loudspeaker, with 16 speakers arranged in a 16-meter-around ring (diameter of 555cm) within the exhibition space.

The recording process utilized 16 Neumann KM184 microphones, with mic pre-amplifiers from Focusrite and high-resolution analogue-to-digital converters from Antelope, recorded into a Nuendo 64-bit Digital Audio Workstation custom-built by ASUS of Taiwan.

The “Consonance” installation uses custom Toku&Gawa speakers encased in layered birch wood with center-mounted drivers attached to a ring of matching layered wood, controlled by an elegant 16-channel amplifier with single-volume control. The speaker angle focuses audio at 150cm at the ring centre, which is the average person’s ear-level.

The observer is encouraged to walk among the 360° speaker array, experiencing the overall effect from the centre, or to gain a more intimate feeling by approaching specific speaker/singer positions.

Never before has such technology come together for the re-envisioning of a world-renowned cultural music treasure.

by Producer/Sound Designer Matthew Lien