Madkids Empire's Playful Synthesizers Turn Analog Circuits into Sonic Landscapes
Madkids Empire, established by Xam, specializes in crafting analog synthesizers that mimic maps and landscapes, fostering sound exploration via user-friendly interfaces. Xam's fascination with analog circuits originated during his studies in circuit design, perceiving them as dynamic systems. This philosophy is evident in the instruments, which utilize natural landscapes as visual analogies. The collection showcases fluid shapes and unique configurations, encouraging interaction regardless of musical expertise. Xam prioritizes curiosity over formal training, employing suggestions and Chinese annotations for their rich information. Users engage through experimentation, making the experience exploratory. Development typically begins with the circuit, exemplified by the 'Lake' synthesizer, which incorporates eight analog filters. Madkids Empire emphasizes analog synthesis, treating projects as inquiries into sound interaction.
Key facts
- Madkids Empire is founded by Xam.
- The practice builds analog electronic instruments with sculptural forms and intuitive interfaces.
- Inspired by lakes, mountains, and natural systems, each synthesizer translates analog circuitry into an environment for sonic discovery.
- Xam views analog circuits as living ecosystems where components affect each other.
- The synthesizer 'Lake' uses eight analog filters that modulate each other to create water-drop-like sounds.
- The 'Starmap' module in Lake maps filter frequencies to a chosen scale.
- Interfaces use Chinese annotations for their high information density and abstract meaning.
- Xam prefers chaos over randomness in sound synthesis for its responsiveness.
- Future instruments aim to travel between chaotic noise and stable musical tones.
- The interview is part of designboom's PLAY chapter.
Entities
Artists
- Xam
Institutions
- Madkids Empire
- designboom