THE ACRUX
A Born Digital Musical Instrument for Adventures in Music
The acrux was designed and built following the configuration of the Southern Cross constellation that is only visible in the night sky of the southern hemisphere. Its vibrating lamellae made of tempered steel reach three octaves in a chromatic scale.
DEEP BASS
high notes
The hemispherical sound box represents the southern hemisphere. The acrux has been in constant development since it was created using digital technologies such as 3D modeling.
Listen to the sound of the most recent version of the acrux.
GLASS SOUND
Each component of this instrument is associated to a particular aspect of that constellation. The transparency of the universe that allows us to look at the stars, motivated the use of glass for its soundboard.
DIGITAL DESIGN
As an instrument ‘born digital’, its physical entity carries a digital counterpart, which is a ‘virtual instrument’ and subsequently a ‘digital library’. 21st century technologies allow us to be free from design constraints and create a whole new generation of musical instruments.
WATCH A SHORT VIDEO OF A CONCERT WITH PIECES FOR ACRUX, BY VICTOR GAMA
ACRUXON
is an interactive installation featuring three acrux instruments and one galcrux, all connected at the center by a tablet that runs an application with a virtual acrux — a digital version of the instrument. Visitors who enter the installation can join those already present, collaboratively contributing to the music and playing together in an engaging and immersive experience.
The acrux at your fingertips.
Samplr by Marcos Alonso is an app for iPad that allows us to play with the sound of acrux in an intuitive way by touching the waveform on the screen.
COLLABORATIVE PLAY
The Acruxon installation integrates Samplr, an interactive audio application, to enrich both the sound and multiplayer experience.
Participants can explore the instrument in two ways: by playing the physical Acrux, producing unique acoustic sounds, and by interacting with its digital counterpart through Samplr’s interface.
This setup allows multiple players to simultaneously create and layer sounds, blending the acoustic and virtual elements in real time.
GROUP PERFORMANCE
Informal group performances happen spontaneously at the INSTRMNTS exhibition, it’s a special moment when people seam to come together without even thinking about it. Just like a star with its planets around it visitors tend to fall into the orbit of these fascinating instruments.
GET IN TOUCH
If you’re interested in the acrux talk to us!