Hardware Build · MSc Dissertation Project
Ceramic Granular Synthesiser
A sustainable, tactile instrument exploring granular synthesis through ceramic interaction. Built predominantly from recyclable materials to embody the concept of sonic fragmentation and recombination.
Overview
This project explores the intersection of sustainable material practice and experimental sound design. The granular synthesiser is built predominantly from ceramics and other sustainable materials.
Material
Stoneware clay with copper tape sensors
Platform
Daisy Seed / Daisy Pod
Audio Quality
24-bit, 96kHz mono output
Audio Demonstrations
Demo 1
Demo 2
Demo 3
Demo 4
Demo 5
Demo 6
Technical Implementation
Hardware
- Built on Daisy Pod platform (STM32H750 MCU, 24-bit/96kHz audio codec)
- Custom ceramic interaction surfaces using stoneware clay
- Capacitive touch sensors built from copper tape and solder
- MPR121 capacitive touch breakout board for sensor integration
- SD card system for sample loading and storage
Software
- Real-time granular synthesis engine written in C++
- Parameters: grain size, density, pitch, position, jitter, reverb
- Multiple windowing functions (Hann, Gaussian, sine, triangular)
- Paged parameter system for controlling multiple synthesis parameters
- Live sample recording and playback capabilities
Development Process
Research Background
This work was completed as my MSc dissertation in Computer Science at the University of Bristol (September 2025). The research hypothesis was:
"To create an enhanced musical experience when interacting with granular soundscapes, prioritising sustainable, tactile and material processes."
The project builds on theoretical work by Dennis Gabor (quantum acoustics, 1947), Iannis Xenakis (stochastic grain screens), and Curtis Roads (microsound time scales), while engaging with contemporary practices in sustainable electronics and tangible music interfaces.
The synthesiser was evaluated through think-aloud protocols and heuristic analysis with musicians and sound designers. Participants reported more deliberate, exploratory interactions with the ceramic surfaces compared to conventional plastic interfaces, validating the tactile and material focus of the work.