Feldback

Feldback is a technique used in audio engineering and music production to create a feedback loop between an audio source and a microphone or other audio input device. This loop can produce a variety of effects, including pitch-shifting, distortion, and other unique sounds. The term "feldback" is a portmanteau of "feedback" and "field," reflecting its use in the context of audio fields and electromagnetic interference.

The basic principle of feldback involves routing the output of an audio source back into its input, creating a loop that amplifies the signal. This can be achieved through various means, such as using a patch cable to connect the output of a synthesizer to its input, or by using a dedicated feldback device. The resulting audio can be further processed and manipulated using additional effects and equipment.

Feldback has been used in a variety of musical genres, including electronic music, experimental music, and noise music. It has also been employed in sound art and installation art, where it can create immersive and otherworldly audio experiences. The technique has been explored by numerous artists and musicians, including Brian Eno, who used feldback in his album "Ambient 1: Music for Airports."

While feldback can produce interesting and unique sounds, it can also be challenging to control and stabilize. The feedback loop can be sensitive to changes in the audio signal, such as changes in volume or pitch, which can cause the loop to become unstable or even self-destruct. As a result, feldback is often used in conjunction with other techniques and equipment to create a stable and controlled feedback loop.