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Contact Mics and Piezos: Every Speaker is a Microphone

Ever wanted to hear the sound of ice melting? Or record the sound of metal expanding? Contact mics can make that possible!

In this workshop we'll be exploring the mighty piezo crystal, how to convert vibrations into sound and back into vibrations again, and how to turn a colander into a custom reverb device.

You'll learn how to make your own contact mic and how to build a simple amplifier for a piezo transducer. All parts for these will be provided, but feel free to bring something from home to use for the custom reverb device. Anything that will vibrate can work, but the best results tend to be with metal objects or thin plastic.

This workshop involves soldering, and beginners are welcome. No prior knowledge of soldering or audio electronics is required. Attendees will build their own devices at separate soldering stations and all building/soldering tools will be provided on site.

$40, includes supplies to build two contact mics and an amplifier

Saturday, August 9th, 2025
12 pm - 2:30 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool

$40
includes supplies to build two contact mics and an amplifier

Taught by: Jon Daries

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Tapeheads Meetup

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August 10

Modular On The Spot PDX - August @ Cathedral Park Amphitheater