I wanted to share Ricochet, an interactive sound and light installation I made using Pure Data. It’s currently showing at Sonica Festival in Scotland.

Eight algorithmic bouncing balls generate notes when they hit the ground, creating shifting rhythms and polyrhythms. In the installation, the patterns also control 24 incandescent bulbs. Visitors can change how the balls move through a tactile interface, shaping the sound and light together.

The project started as a small Pd experiment after my father died. I was inspired by the Yamaha Tenori-On. Over time it became an instrument for the Critter & Guitari Organelle, then grew into this installation. I’ve also released a version of the Pure Data patch for others to explore.

Video of the installation:

Pure Data patch: https://humanpyramids.gumroad.com/l/ricochet-pd

Sonica exhibition: https://sonic-a.co.uk/events/ricochet-paul-russell

I’d love to hear what fellow Pd users think! Apologies in advance for how messy the patch is - lots of hangovers from previous versions that are hanging around waiting to be used.

Thank you for https://reallyusefulplugins.tumblr.com/products for the SH101 patch which is the basis of the bass sound!

Paul