Building Unstable Memory: A Glitchy, Browser-Based Sound Instrument from the Edge
An open experiment in glitch sound, touch interaction, and browser-based instruments
I’ve been working on a prototype lately which is a kind of browser experiment. Its a kind of audio instrument crossed with a visual glitch machine. I’m calling it Unstable Memory.
It all started with a simple idea, what if you could combine audio samples to create an unstable soundscape that evokes nostalgia that you can use to manipulate pitch, volume and glitchy visual effects so that it sounds fragmented, degraded or broken? I didn’t want to go for a plugin or a VST, although I might experiment with that later. I wanted something that felt corroded, like a corrupted VHS, a forgotten broadcast, or a haunted interactive installation hiding on the web.
Using p5.js and the Web Audio API, I’m building a browser-based interface that reacts to sound, triggers eerie visuals, and responds (somewhat reluctantly) to user input. The panel is intentionally lo-fi, neon, flickering and awkward, like a hacked piece of forgotten audio equipment.
Right now, in this early iteration it has
Basic audio sample triggering of two sample loops
A bitcrusher effect (currently a bit subtle, but soon will hopefully be more drastic)
Filter and fine tune for audio samples to sound less in sync
Reactive visuals that glitch and pixelate with sound
A growing control panel that will evolve into something more tactile and chaotic
This is just an early prototype but I just wanted to make something that tapped into something weird. But the direction is now becoming clearer:
Development roadmap
Free Web App - Accessible, no install, just click and make noise.
Free Sample Library - Curated, haunted loops and textures.
Paid Library - Extended sound packs for deeper noise manipulation.
Pro Version - working towards a downloadable edition with projection mode, MIDI mapping, live controls, and expanded glitch FX.
This is a nod to broken machines, dusty samplers, ghost radios, and glitch art. It’s for anyone who likes DIY tools that behave in strange and experimental ways. Even though it’s just a browser-based web app at the moment.
So, if you’re into experimental sound, hauntology, databending, or making something out of nothing I think you’ll enjoy playing with this. There’s an early playable version that you can try. Click on the link to the project devlog below.
→ Devlog https://mikeballard.netlify.app/posts/unstablememory/
→ Demo https://mikeballard.netlify.app/unstablememory0_3/