Guest Lectures: Marco Mehringer

Marco Mehringer’s master’s project, ‘Mining Noise,’ explores ways to reuse electronic waste, particularly defective small appliances, in new products. Based on the growing amount of electronic waste, limited recycling options, and the resulting destruction of valuable resources, Mehringer attempts to identify new ways to reuse these materials. This is illustrated by the construction of a synthesiser made exclusively from components of various old, defective audio devices. The necessary electrical components can be desoldered, while a more complex part of the synthesiser, a VOC, can be constructed from commercially available electrical components. The synthesiser’s housing and keys are made either from old housings that are cut and bent into the right shape, or from injection-moulded or 3D-printed plastic from old CDs. The result is a musical instrument made entirely from old devices or waste.
Building on the experience gained from this project, a complementary public website was developed. It contains building instructions, project documentation, a digital version of the synthesiser, a sound archive and additional information on the materials and electrical components. The aim is to inspire people to tackle similar projects using the information provided and to learn more about the subject.