Custom built experimental noise synths made by Lisa McKendrick and Tim Drage. We have designed and developed two stand-alone synths which we build ourselves and have available as a kit for others to build and solder. The Fort Processor is based on Newhaven Fort (UK) and the Chernobylizer is based on the Chernobyl decontamination zone. The artwork, the design of the circuit boards and the sounds they produce are informed by the location which inspired them.

We are exploring the possibilities of instruments that are based on a specific location. The design and development into the instrument include our own research into the location, any relevant historical links or interesting facts. For example, the controller knobs on the Chernobylizer each represent an aspect of the Chernobyl disaster that we found particularly interesting, with a focus on those affected directly by the accident. The Fort Processor includes artwork that references both the contours of the landscape of the site and the tunnels beneath Newhaven Fort. One of the artwork drawings on the Fort Processor is of chips which is because tourists who visit Newhaven Fort can buy chips when they are there, and of course because our circuits use chips! We like players of our instruments to follow an intuitive instinct when using our synths and to tap into the energy and flow of the instrument where they can find a sweet spot or find an ingenious idea where they include the synth in their set-up. It’s always rewarding to hear different artists come up with new sounds and unique approaches to playing our circuits.