OpenSoundLab – A virtual sound laboratory for the arts

How can a virtual sound laboratory allow for new and exciting ways of sonic interaction in the context of the arts? Our project addresses this question by developing the virtual sound lab ‘OpenSoundLab’ (as an open-source fork of ‘SoundStage VR’ by Logan Olson) that introduces to the artistic and musical production of sonic media with the help of the VR goggles ‘Meta Quest 2’. The aim is to combine the physical experience of working on spatial experimental systems, which is often perceived as positive and productive, with the advantages of digital tools and thus to enable independent learning and experimentation. The virtual lab allows to become familiar with the basics of creative sound generation and processing. Specially produced video tutorials play a central role here, which can be viewed at any time within the virtual environment and thus make it possible to study in individual lab environments independently of time and place. Furthermore, ‘OpenSoundLab’ may serve as an open-source tool for the professional and academic community of musicians, performers, and artists alike. In our reflection, we develop the notion of ‘cooking’ sound while ‘flowing’ in a mixed environment and apply this to experimental work in a virtual sound laboratory.