Open Listening Lab
A small, inspectable sonification instrument for comparing pitch and rhythm mappings of the same dataset.
Open instrument · teaching model
The numbers stay visible, the mapping changes while the source data stays fixed, and sound is never the only way to read the result. Use headphones at a comfortable level.
- Question
- Where is the lowest region?
- Variable
- Pitch or interval
- Constants
- Values, order and timbre
- Evidence
- Task result, not preference
Explore the curve
Synthetic teaching data · 10 samples
Relative brightness over time
Without looking at the values, locate the lowest region. Then inspect whether the mapping preserved value, timing or both.
- Source
- Synthetic relative brightness, 0.83–1.00
- Pitch rule
- Brightness maps linearly to 220–660 Hz; samples remain 320 ms apart.
- Rhythm rule
- Pitch stays at 392 Hz; lower brightness creates a longer 180–520 ms interval.
- Constant
- Sine timbre, 120 ms note; speed changes playback only
These values are invented for learning. They resemble a transit-shaped dip but do not represent a discovered planet.
A six-minute comparison
Run it like an experiment
- Listen blindKeep your eyes above the plot. Mark the sample range where you think the minimum occurs.
- InspectRead the ten values and compare your answer with samples 4–6.
- Switch mappingKeep speed and level fixed. Repeat the same question in rhythm mode.
- Change one constantMove the speed control and notice what changes in the experience but not in the source.
Interpretation
What each mapping can support
- Pitch
- The minimum becomes a low note. Value order remains pitch order, but the musical meaning of “low” comes from the mapping.
- Rhythm
- The minimum creates the longest wait. The source was evenly sampled, so unequal playback time is a deliberate transformation.
- Neither
- The ten values contain no uncertainty interval, provenance or discovered planet. This model cannot support an astronomical conclusion.
Limits of this demonstration
The curve is synthetic and has no uncertainty interval. It is useful for isolating one mapping decision, not for making an astronomical claim. Later labs add provenance, missing samples, error and real public datasets.
Record the comparison in the Sonification Field Guide. Use the mapping ledger and listening-test sections so the result can be checked later.