The Landscape Ferrous is a magnetic strumming instrument designed to resonate steel-stringed instruments by using a rotating magnetic disc, which interacts with the strings to produce a variety of harmonic tones and overtones based on the disc’s speed.

Ferrous Overview

The Landscape Ferrous is a powerful tool for producing unique resonant sounds by utilising magnetic strumming to stimulate steel strings on various instruments. Equipped with a rotating magnetic disc that houses six strong earth magnets, Ferrous allows users to adjust the rotational speed of the disc using the thumbwheel. This control alters the harmonics and resonance of the instrument's strings. Slower speeds primarily affect lower strings, whereas faster speeds highlight higher strings, with the speed shift modulating the harmonic content. As the speed increases, higher-order harmonics and more prominent overtones emerge, creating distinctive sounds that can resemble floating sine waves or feedback-like tones.

Magnetic Strumming and Harmonics

Ferrous operates on the principle of magnetic strumming, where the spinning disc's magnets interact with the strings. The rotational speed of the disc is key in determining which strings are activated and how they resonate. At low speeds, the lower strings are more affected, while higher speeds result in increased resonance of higher strings. This allows the user to create both soft, subtle harmonic shifts and pronounced tonal transformations by adjusting the RPM. The disc’s rotation creates a form of "pitch blending," where different strings resonate at varying pitches, occasionally resulting in two competing pitches before they align harmoniously.

Sound Modulation and Pitch Behaviour

Pitch bending and modulation are integral aspects of Ferrous. As the disc’s RPM aligns with the resonant frequencies of the strings, users may hear a “beating” effect as the pitches oscillate before settling into harmony. This interaction is highly sensitive to changes in RPM, which can be adjusted through the thumbwheel, pulse button, touch plate, or control voltage input. The relationship between the disc's speed and the strings' resonant frequencies creates an evolving tonal texture. Furthermore, users can explore polyphonic strumming by modulating the motor speed, activating multiple strings simultaneously and producing rich harmonic layers.

Physical Design and Interaction with Strings

The magnetic disc contains an arrangement of three smaller magnets and three larger magnets, forming overlapping triangular patterns. This configuration enhances the interaction between the disc and the strings, where the smaller magnets primarily influence higher-order harmonics, while the larger magnets drive greater string movement and generate lower-order harmonics. The distance between Ferrous and the instrument's strings is crucial in determining the intensity of the resonance. Holding Ferrous too close to the strings can cause the strings to collide with the fretboard or the disc, while a controlled distance offers clearer, more distinct tonal effects.

Use with Different Instruments

Ferrous is optimised for use with steel-stringed instruments like guitars and pianos. For electric guitars, it is recommended to position the device above the fretboard, ensuring a distance of at least five inches from magnetic pickups to minimise interference from the motor’s sound. If placed directly over pickups, the pitch generated by the rotating magnets will be dictated by the RPM, with volume levels controlled by the proximity to the pickups. It is crucial never to place the magnetic disc directly on the pickups to avoid damaging them. For piano or zither strings, the magnetic pull can occasionally cause the rotating disc to make contact with the strings, producing an undesirable buzzing sound; stabilising the height with fingers or additional rubber feet can help mitigate this.

Control and Customisation

Ferrous offers several control options for fine-tuning the speed and interaction between the disc and the strings. The thumbwheel adjusts the RPM continuously, while the pulse button allows for rapid, momentary acceleration of the motor. The touch plate provides pressure-sensitive modulation of speed, offering further control over the dynamics. The control voltage input adds another layer of precision, allowing users to modulate the RPM with external voltage sources, such as sequencers or modulation devices. This level of customisation makes Ferrous an extremely versatile tool for sound designers, musicians, and experimental artists.

Charging and Battery Use

Ferrous operates on a rechargeable 9v battery, which should be charged for an hour before use. A green or blue LED indicator on the battery signifies a full charge. If the disc does not spin, it could indicate a weak or damaged battery, in which case a standard alkaline 9v battery can be tested as an alternative. The included USB charging port allows users to charge the battery without removing it from the device, making the process more convenient.

Safety and Handling

Proper handling of Ferrous is essential to prevent damage to the instrument or the device itself. Users should avoid placing the magnetic disc directly onto electric guitar pickups to prevent de-magnetisation. Additionally, when using the device near exposed strings, particularly on larger instruments like pianos or zithers, users should ensure the disc hovers close to the strings without touching them to maintain safe and controlled operation. Ferrous also includes four rubber feet that can be attached to the device for added stability, particularly when used on instruments with many strings. These rubber feet help keep the disc at an optimal height above the strings for consistent resonance.

Specifications and Materials

Ferrous is housed in a birch plywood enclosure with a printed circuit board (PCB) and fiberglass interface. The disc features powerful neodymium magnets, and the brushless motor is sourced from repurposed hard drives. The device measures 5.25 inches by 2.5 inches by 1 inch (13.33 cm x 6.35 cm x 2.54 cm) and weighs approximately 0.4 lbs (0.15 kg). The controls include a thumbwheel for speed adjustment, a pulse button for RPM bursts, a touch plate for pressure-sensitive speed modulation, and a control voltage input for external speed manipulation. The downward-facing yellow LED illuminates the strings during use, offering visual feedback.