The Loudspeaker as Musical Instrument

With the author’s own experiences in mind, this paper argues
that, when used to amplify musical instruments or to play back
other sonic material to an audience, loudspeakers and the
technology that drives them, can be considered as a musical
instrument. Particularly in situations with acoustic instruments
this perspective can provide insight into the often cumbersome
relation between the –technology orientated– sound engineer
and the –music orientated– performer. Playing a musical
instrument (whether acoustic, electric or electronic) involves
navigating often complicated but very precise interfaces. The
interface for sound amplification technology in a certain
environment is not limited to the control surface of a mixing
desk but includes the interaction with other stakeholder, i.e. the
performers and the choice of loudspeakers and microphones
and their positions. As such this interface can be as accurate and
intimate but also as complicated as the interfaces of 'normal'
musical instruments. By zooming in on differences between
acoustic and electronic sources a step is taken towards inclusion
in this discussion of the perception of amplified music and the
possible influence of that amplification on performance
practise.