SARPS — Semi-Automated Robotic Percussion System

Avenaim conceived SARPS (Semi-Automated Robotic Percussion System) as a way of introducing inhumanly intricate, fast and dense rhythmic embellishments into his acoustic performance practice. Drawing inspiration from the modernist abstraction of 20th-century composition, SARPS incorporates the philosophies behind rhythmic complexity as explored by composers like Conlon Nancarrow (with his Player Piano studies) and Iannis Xenakis (whose stochastic approach introduced algorithmic parameters as a compositional technique).

SARPS is essentially a human/machine interface which can be imagined as a logical extension of the pioneering efforts of these composers to introduce randomized elements into music to expand its boundaries. Put simply, SARPS is a robotic midi device used in performance that, when programmed, can be used much like a synthesizer to strike drums. Avenaim has also used SARPS in various installations.

The first SARPS prototype was developed in 2006–7 by Miles Van Dorssen (Triclops). The latest iteration has been modified for 4 bass drums and 8 modular motors by Richard Alan (Inventrix Creations).

“SARPS motors can produce quite fast speed. The smaller motors will blast at an estimate between 1500–2500 bpm. The bass drum motors can produce between 64Hz down to 32Hz. That’s 64Hz at 60 cycles per second, which is about 3600 bpm.” — Avenaim

The latest SARPS iteration — modified for 4 bass drums and 8 modular motors — forms a virtual percussion orchestra Avenaim performs alongside.

“SARPS motors can produce quite hyper speed. The smaller motors will blast at an estimate of 4500 bpm, where the bass drum motors can produce between 64Hz down to 32Hz, or 0Hz, as from 32Hz it slows down from 800 bpm down to 0. 64Hz — that’s 60 cycles per second, which is about 3600 bpm… that fast.” — Avenaim

Team A (2006–7) — Miles Van Dorssen: original design, prototype #1.

Team B (2007–12) — Modified for 4 bass drum motors. Richard Alan, Inventrix Creations: SARPS design and construction, prototype #1, and Arduino programming. Robin Fox: initial Max/MSP programming.

Team C (2012–2015) — Modified for 4 bass drums and 4 modular motors. Richard Alan, Inventrix Creations: SARPS design and Arduino programming. Joe Manton: Max/MSP programming.

Team D (2016) — Modified for 4 bass drums and 4 modular motors. Joe Manton: software programming. Richard Alan, Inventrix Creations: SARPS design and Arduino programming.

Design and construction by Inventrix Creations, Australia (Expressive Interface Invention) — richie@r23d.com