“Otto” which means “ear” in Greek, is a device that amplifies hidden sounds in the environment using suction cups and magnets. Used as multiple units, the project can produce a layered sonic experience through emitting ambient sounds. Pretty interesting idea for creating a musical performance of sorts, we just wonder exactly how melodic the resulting sound could be or if it would just result in a lot of white noise.
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Insects communicate by vibrating the surfaces they stand on more commonly than via sounds in the air. A vibratory pick-up placed on a plant where there are insects will pick up all sorts of interesting sounds.
Rex Cocroft at U of Missouri, Columbia has done a lot of research in this area and has been featured on NPR.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5424281
Oto means ear. Otto is some german name.
Any idea where one can listen to sample sounds from Otto? The sample sound links on the Madsounds page point to nowhere.