#multimedia exercise 2

So, this project required a lot more planning than we initially thought; however, after 5 attempts, we think we’ve managed to figure out the basis of what makes a good DIY speaker.

Have to admit, although the tape job is pretty vulgar, the affect was amazing!

What was changed: Used a ceramic bowl to bounce the sound off of and amplify (AKA the speaker), as well as switched the shoebox upside down (although that was more to do with the added weight of the ceramic than anything else).

Money spent over the course of this adventure: NOTHING.

Song: The Come by Robert Jones

Was it better than the previous attempts?

YES.

Was it as constructive?

NO.

Which is why the second attempt would have to be the best in terms of build+ sound production.

YAY! We have a winner!

Third Attempt!

This time it isn't directly uploaded-- trying out youtube!

Went back to the shoebox and plastic-- adjusted the plastic cone shape to a slightly more shallow version. 

Changes in materials otherwise: Introduced aluminum foil (so as to amplify the sound)

Cost: Stuck at $0. Talk about chincy.

Where we went wrong: the prediction that the sound would increase from the first attempt by introducing the foil was true, but in comparison to the Second Attempt, it just wasn't the best.

Plan of Action: return to the Second Attempt and go from there, AS WELL as pursue a change of material entirely for the cone (i.e. tin/metal or ceramic)

WE REALLY WANT THIS SOUND TO BOUNCE.

Materials used in second attempt: plastic pop bottle, hot glue gun, empty energy drink box, headphones, scissors

Benefits: all materials that were used can be found around the house

Money Spent: $0!!!!!

Where it went wrong: The speakers did work, but only to a certain extent. The sound that it produced was slightly louder, but the quality of the sound was not ideal. It seemed to give a muffled sound, and that is not something you want to hear.It's hard to say what exactly is the problem, but it could be the plastic bottle. We seemed to run into this problem with our previous attempt. Maybe we should find a different material! 

Sound: The sound is loud enough for it to be considered an "effective" speaker, but the quality was a downer.

Song used for testing: Country Girl (Shake It For Me) by Luke Bryan

Initial Materials: Wood, Hot Glue, Glue gun, Tupperware bowl, headphones, scissors, Tongue Depressors

Materials Used in Attempt: Shoebox, plastic Tupperware bowl, headphones, scissors

(Although originally starting out with wood, idea was scrapped because shoebox is much more accessible and easy to manipulate)

Benefits: No glue/tape was required, pressure was what kept pieces together

Money Spent: All of $0-- everything was found around the house (best part so far)

Where it went wrong: It seems as though the sound only improved by the smallest of fractions--- the loss of sound could be potentially due to depth within the box (i.e. the depth of the bowl). Also, the material used (plastic) could have been absorbing some of the sound (for the same reason rubber and wood are being avoided to make the cone shape to release the sound in higher waves)

What we do now: Let’s keep the box, because it works fantastically as a stand and doesn’t impede on the sound, but change the cone shape. New potential materials to test: plastic covered in aluminum foil, ceramic, tin/metal. However, we will first attempt the plastic again, but at a more shallow depth.

Sound: full volume on computer as well as iTunes.

Song used for testing: Americanarama by Hollerado

Pictures shall soon follow!

Well well well,

back to this.

Midterms and confusion have finally wound down, so now it's time to post the majority of the project (AKA construction process! YAY)

Over the next four days, this blog is going to go INSANE.

So, this is the song we're gonna be blasting!