Designer Paul Cocksedge Transforms Vinyl Records Into Smartphone Amps
The origin of vinyl records dates back to the 1870s, and the medium has had a recent revival amongst audiophiles and DJs – but industrial designer Paul Cocksedge has discovered yet another use for the discs: Transforming them into smartphone amplifiers.
As part of Change the Record, a live performance happening from on September 20th at the 2011 London Design Festival, the artist plans to recycle old 12-inch albums into speakers for mobile handsets. Created through the application of heat, LPs are remolded to resemble funnel-shaped accessories which, by virtue of their natural shape, cause music playing from an iPhone or similar device to be amplified when placed inside. Illustrating the principles of acoustics without sacrificing aesthetic street cred, results appear readymade to make hipsters antennae perk up.
Situated somewhere between engineering, pottery and mad genius, if nothing else, Cocksedge’s Frankenstein-like creations score points for providing a clever use for old Temptations singles besides flea market filler. While there’s been no announcement yet regarding attempts to commercialize his designs, given the sheer number of record store clerks, ringtone-loving teens and nostalgic housewives worldwide though, custom-designed models seem a natural fit. Get your Earth, Wind & Fire MP3s ready.