Induction Of Sonic Distance

Active Noise Cancelling Headphones And The Imposition Of Sonic Realities

Abstract

This text presents a series of theoretical examinations of concepts such as induction, noise and space as they pertain to a broader ongoing artistic research project entitled Noise Re(in)duction that explores the possibilities of noise reduction technologies as sonic material for artistic practice. The central argument of the project is that by artificially reducing acoustic noise and digitally cleansing sonic environments, Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) algorithms induce a different kind of noise into our perception of reality. This paper further explores this notion by arguing that the induced noise is manifested as a parallel sonic reality (a sonic distance) which, although sensible, is contingent to the biases embedded in the algorithm. Thus, the broader implications of the conceptualization of noise, distance, sound and reality itself are negotiated through noise reduction technologies and the induction of a sonic distance. These theoretical frameworks therefore seek to establish a solid foundation for an artistic and phenomenological exploration of the nuances found in contemporary audio technologies.