Transforming numerical data, shapes, and movements into meaningful, musical experiences.
Data Sonification
Exploring Data Through Sound
Data Sonification is the practice of translating information into auditory experiences, enabling us to perceive patterns, trends, and relationships through listening rather than visual inspection. At Literal Sonics, we take numerical datasets, spatial structures, and motion sequences and map them into musical parameters such as pitch, rhythm, amplitude, and timbre.
This approach offers a deeply intuitive understanding of complex systems. Where graphs and charts show numbers visually, sonification brings them to life, allowing the brain to detect subtle variations, cyclical patterns, and anomalies that might otherwise remain hidden. Each dataset becomes a living composition, where information is transformed into textures, motifs, and dynamic soundscapes.
Our work bridges art and science. By applying musical logic to raw data, we create pieces that are both informative and aesthetically compelling, turning data into an experience that can be explored, performed, and felt.
Planetary Distances in Sound
One of our signature compositions translates the average distances between the planets in the solar system into sound frequencies. Each planet’s proportional distance from the Sun is converted into hertz, generating a scale that represents the structure of the solar system in an auditory form.
The result is a celestial symphony: inner planets create higher, more rapid tones while outer planets produce slower, deeper frequencies. This composition allows listeners to experience the harmony of planetary spacing in a novel and immersive way.
Audio Software
Earth Magnetic Field Reverb
Earth Magnetic Field Reverb is an advanced audio plugin that converts recorded Earth magnetic field data into dynamic, evolving reverberation. By mapping the three-dimensional components of our planet's magnetic field from real scientific measurements, the plugin transforms natural geomagnetic forces into expressive spatial processing.
At its core, the system turns real-world data into modulation — allowing you to hear the Earth's magnetic field as space and movement.
Sound Engine
A lush hall reverb forms the foundation. The magnetic field's three-dimensional vector data continuously modulates room size, damping, width, and stereo imaging, creating a living spatial environment driven entirely by Earth's geomagnetic activity.
Magnetic Field Modulation
Magnetic wander and spin parameters map the field's directional shifts and turbulence into evolving reverb movement. Three selectable spin modes determine how the magnetic data influences the stereo field — choose between room modulation, width modulation, or both combined.
Pitch Delay
A modulated pitch delay section adds temporal dimension, with independent control over delay time, feedback, and mix. The delay time is modulated by magnetic field data, creating shifting temporal textures.
Data Playback
Speed control lets you compress or stretch time, scanning through the magnetic field dataset at your chosen rate. Freeze mode locks the current reverb state, creating infinite sustains from captured moments of geomagnetic activity.
Earth Magnetic Field Sonifier is a real-time sonification instrument that transforms geomagnetic activity into dynamic audio. Using live data from Earth's magnetosphere, the system converts fluctuations in magnetic intensity into continuously evolving sound structures.
Rather than simulating motion, the plugin listens directly to planetary-scale processes, translating invisible environmental changes into audible phenomena.
Sound Engine
Magnetic field values are mapped to oscillator frequency, amplitude, and modulation depth. Sudden spikes in geomagnetic activity create bursts of harmonic tension, while stable periods produce slow, drifting textures.
Applications
Ambient composition, scientific sonification, installation work, and experimental performance.
Whale Migration Sonifier
Whale Migration Sonifier is an advanced audio plugin that converts real scientific whale migration data into dynamic, evolving soundscapes. By mapping latitude and longitude from tracked whales across the globe, the plugin transforms natural movement into expressive musical structures.
At its core, the system turns real-world data into modulation — allowing you to hear migration patterns as sound.
Sound Engine
A root oscillator defines the tonal center. Additional oscillators map latitude and longitude into continuously shifting pitch, creating a living composition driven entirely by whale movement.
Scale Quantizer
Switch between raw chromatic mapping or constrain output to musical scales. This allows a balance between scientific accuracy and harmonic control.
Dataset Control
Choose between short datasets (detailed motion) or long datasets (macro migration patterns). Playback speed lets you compress or stretch time.
Synthesis & Modulation
Multi-oscillator engine, filters, delay, reverb, ADSR envelopes, and LFO modulation targeting frequency, amplitude, and effects.
