Eternal Research Demon Box Desktop

Manufacturer's description

The Demon Box, the first instrument by Eternal Research, is designed to interact with EMF (electromagnetic fields) and translate it into audio outputs, MIDI (CC & note data), and control voltage. It has exponential possibilities for audiovisual applications, functioning as an instrument, a controller, and spatialized listening device.

The Demon Box offers a variety of features that make it a versatile and powerful catalyst for users of any background. Its potential applications are nearly limitless, as the Demon Box can easily interface with your live performance setup, DAW, hardware synth, Eurorack module or visual programming software.

Created by Alexandra Fierra and Bryn Nieboer, The Demon Box unlocks new synesthetic pathways for artists, allowing both new creators and seasoned musicians unparalleled access to the powers of EMF.

Audio output and CV

The inductors sense changes in electromagnetic fields (EMF). Nearly anything magnetic, that has an electromagnetic field, or even resonating ferrous objects will register. In our manual, we provide a list of certain objects that can interact with the inductors. Users are encouraged to experiment (safely) with different objects to discover their sound.

The inductor array is split into 3 separate channels. Signal from the inductors is processed via the 4 1/4” audio outputs: 3 balanced mono outputs and one triphonic stereo output, a non-hierarchical blend of all three mono channels. Each channel also sends voltage to its corresponding CV out, allowing for interaction with Eurorack modules and other devices.

MIDI Output and Audio Input

The Demon Box can receive incoming audio via the 1/4” mono inputs on the right side. Each audio input corresponds to its equivalently numbered out channel, and all are simultaneously routed into the triphonic array. All external audio inputs also affect the outgoing MIDI and CV signals in certain configurations.

The instrument also produces MIDI from the inductors, both note data and CC messages. It’s not quantized to a MIDI clock, instead recontextualizing MIDI as a gestural and performative texture by emitting notes at rates of 15, 33, and 57 notes per second. MIDI can be accessed via the hardware port or over USB-C. MIDI can be routed to programs for visuals and audio simultaneously, creating opportunities for synesthetic audiovisual interactions responding to each other in real time.

Channel Mixing

Users control all of the incoming signals for the Demon Box via the channel switches and parameter knobs. The parameter knobs control the volume of the incoming signal and have a blend control; the left knob is the volume of the inductor channel, the right knob is the volume of the external audio input, and the center knob controls the admixture, or combination, between the two channels.

Additionally, the channel switch changes which signal source it should be listening to. The options are Inductors only, Admix, Audio only, and Silence. The channel mixers provide routing capabilities for managing several different signal sources and the ability to blend inductor audio with external audio sources.

Features

• 3 Inductor channels sent to 3 mono audio outs and1 triphonic out
• 3 CV outputs, MIDI via hardware and USB-C connections
• 3 Channels each of MIDI note data and MIDI CC messages
• Audiovisual integrations, live reactivity
• 3 external audio inputs for combining with outside signal source
• Channel mixing parameters for combining audio sources

More information: The Demon Box