SSA-01 Pocket Analyzer, 2025

SSA-01 Pocket Analyzer, 2025

ESP32 microcontroller, lipo Battery, microphone, switch, LED matrix, custom circuit board, pressure-cast urethane, copper, brass, blackened steel, hardware, USB cable with AC/DC adapter

2.80 x 1.75 x 1.25 in (7.11 x 4.45 x 3.18 cm) HWD

This pocket-sized small sounds analyzer listens to the noise in the room and responds to the ranges of frequencies by activating 8 columns of blue LED lights. The case started with the clear middle section — a custom sculpted/molded piece then cast in clear urethane. The back is aluminum and the face is made of two pieces of copper and a chunck of brass, sliver soldered together and polished. There are two small brass touch-buttons on the bottom of the face. 

As much as I enjoy technology, I grow more and more distrusting of it the older I become. Some years ago, there was a Samsung TV privacy debacle where they were sued for allowing the voice controlled remotes to always listen to the room — I had and still have that TV and its remote. That incident along with my time in software engineering conditioned me to be weary of the tech around me — maybe these sound analyzer pieces have the same effect. 

On top of that idea — I'm dipping my toes into an idea of 'bespoke electronic gizmos' if there is such a thing. I'm aiming to focus time on programming various simple gizmo applications, then fabricating individual chassis / bodies for them, or creating a limited run of the handmade electronic sculptures. 

For this, I took the time to program a sound frequency analyzer using various open source libraries. There are only two controls (touch buttons); one to change the sound graph orientation, another to change the sensitivity 0-20. Use the lower settings for softer ambient noises, higher settings for the loud stuff. Note, this does not transmit, store, recognize, nor use AI in any way in how it works and the sounds the tiny mic picks up :)

OVERVIEW

• This is an electronic reactive art sculpture and is not meant to be a precision sound frequency analyzer
• KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING: Contains a
  Lithium-ion polymer battery (3.7v 500mAh)
• Input DC 5V, 1A
• USB cable and 5V AD/DC adapter provided — note that the microphone will be more sensitive when the USB cable is plugged in
• Current: ~ 63mA to165mA when charging
  
• The lipo battery charges when USB is plugged in and the switch is on
  
• When USB is plugged in, the device will always be on
  
• Two delicate touch buttons on the face control:
  1) The orientation of the LED bars
  2) The sensitivity (0-20) of the microphone
  
• There is an ON/OFF switch that activates the battery — the switch is recessed quite deep so that you may need a small tool to turn this on / off if you have short have fingernails :)
  

PRECAUTIONS & CARE

• Limitation of liability: Lex Talkington, the seller of this piece, is not liable for any injury, damage, or loss resulting from the use or misuse of this artwork — use at your own risk. I cannot offer a complete guarantee of safety! This sculpture was built with safety in mind and all precautions have been considered in the design of these piece.
• Keep out of extreme temperature and out of direct sunlight.
  
• This piece is intended as an art piece only and is not a toy!
• There is a risk of shock and some small parts could be removed and cause
  a choking hazard.
  
• The brass and copper will patina over time — you can use various polishing techniques or compounds on the bare metal but be sure keep any compounds
  off of the LED display / electrical components.
  
• Any exposed electronics are very sensitive to static electricity / shock! These are for viewing only — do not modify the electronics in any way. 
  
• Unplug and turn the device OFF when cleaning! You can use a soft, lightly damp cloth to wipe off the surfaces.

FUNCTIONALITY

To charge the battery, the power switch has to be on BEFORE plugging the USB cable into the device. The device will always turn on when the USB is plugged in despite the position of the on/off switch. If you turn the switch to on AFTER powering it with the USB, the battery will not charge.

• All images, concepts, artwork and content © Lex Talkington. All Rights Reserved.