Augmenting Sound with Ed Devane - FSAS x Beta Festival
The New Obsolescence programme at Fire Station Artists’ Studios presents a sound workshop with Ed Devane exploring improvisation and performance using modular sound software, as part of Beta Festival 2026.
Soniphorm Centipede is a free to use, browser-based, real-time sound processing environment. Its modular nature makes it configurable in many ways: create rhythmic patterns from sounds from your hard drive or recorded live, process an instrument with effects, and improvise sound with others.
The aim is to facilitate human players of realworld instruments to interface with advanced audio processing techniques: trigger samples with your voice; create responsive sequencers for call and response human-machine interaction, network processing with other users, and more.
Course Outline:
The day will be spent exploring the software, getting set up with audio interface, microphone, and speaker, and experimenting with instruments and objects.
Example patches (the name given to the organisation of modules to create a particular outcome) will be provided, and participants will be encouraged to conceptualise their musical ideas so we can solve the problem with new patches.
If you’re familiar with node based patching software like Max MSP then you’ll hit the ground running. If it’s all new to you that’s ok too, there will be plenty of time for questions, experimentation, and unexpected results.
All software used in the workshop is free and open-source or freely available. Participants can continue using these tools independently after the workshop at no cost.
Requirements:
To be a professional visual artist (all our facilities are subsidised by the Arts Council of Ireland and reserved for artists, we cannot accommodate commercial, and non artist-led projects).
To be computer literate and reasonably comfortable with editing software. No prior audio experience is required.
To use your own PC or Mac laptop (Fire Station has a limited amount of Mac/PC desktop computers and these can be made available on a first come first served basis), with Chrome browser installed, and a pair of headphones. If you own a small audio interface that works with your laptop, bring it as well.
If you play an instrument that’s practical to bring, please bring it along!
About the Tutor:
Ed Devane is a sound artist, instrument builder, and workshop facilitator based in Donegal, Ireland. He is the founder of Soniphorm, a practice dedicated to exploring the relationship between sound and form through creative tools, audio equipment, and educational experiences. Ed has extensive practical experience supporting technical and creative projects at NCAD Dublin, University of Limerick, and many other organisations including Science Gallery, The Ark, DCCI, and Creative Ireland. He operates the Soniphorm Soundcraft Studio in Donegal.
Course title: Augmenting Sound with Ed Devane
Date: Saturday 21st November 2026 (11am-6pm full day)
Participants: 10 max
Level: beginners
Cost: €60 all included
Booking: to book a space please contact digitalmedia@firestation.ie with a short description of your arts practice and a link to your work.